THE people of Linden/Region 10 took to the streets in 2102 to protest for their right to be treated as equals and have a say in decision-making that would impact their lives. Their action was consistent with what is assured to every Guyanese in the Guyana Constitution. It would be recalled that the Donald Ramotar Administration had moved to impose on the people of Linden increases in electricity charges which, for Linden, an already depressed community, was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.

For Linden residents, this imposition would have markedly hastened their financial dislocation. Consequently, they believed the time had arrived for them to stand up and fight against the PPP/C government’s continuous impositions, which were geared to pauperise the community. For weeks on end, night and day, rain or sun, the people — including children and women — staged a struggle the likes of which were never before seen in independent Guyana.

This struggle started at the announcement of the increase in March, and intensified with each passing day until an agreement was signed, on August 21st 2012, between the Region 10 Regional Democratic Council and Central Government. In the process, the people’s blood, sweat and tears soaked the streets; injuries were sustained; and three persons were murdered by the hands of the police.

It was a struggle that even the Opposition in Georgetown felt compelled to support, given that it could not have escaped being on the side of the rule of law and respect for protected fundamental rights and freedoms.

Some may not like this, but when it comes to the truth, however uncomfortable it is, it must be told: That struggle of 2012 was given political leadership by the then Region 10 geographic Member of Parliament Vanessa Kissoon and Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon. These two young people not only steered the struggle in a progressive direction, but kept the people motivated, energized, and committed to the end. Not since the youthful Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham — men in their 30s — had mobilised the society in making a difference in their political circumstance (i.e. the fight for independence) has this nation seen leadership of this nature.

As a trade unionist, I recall that the youthful Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow was 21 years old when he started mobilising dock workers in 1905 to stand up and demand from their employer and the colonial government improvement in working and living conditions, which later led to the formation of the trade union movement here and in the British Commonwealth.

The stated three instances stand out in Guyana’s evolution, and have a major impact in influencing the trajectory of the society and people’s quest for self-determination, respect and equality.

The 2012 Agreement was taken to the National Assembly, the nation’s highest decision-making forum, via motion brought by Kissoon; and was deliberated on and passed without any opposition. This is another crowning moment for the quality of leadership that emerged from the youth of this country, and it is now ensconced in the nation’s Hansards for posterity.

It was the first time in this country that a region had challenged the decision of Central Government and brought Central Government to the table to negotiate and sign an agreement. The Opposition of 2012 is today handling the reins of Central Government, and is duty bound to honour this agreement; even moreso that it supported same and voted unanimously in the National Assembly for its recognition and implementation.

On Friday last, I spent the day in Linden walking the streets, interacting with leaders and the rank and file. All the cries I have heard can be summed up like this: “We have been made beggars, and this continues under the Government we voted for overwhelmingly”. The perception is also held that Kissoon and Solomon were booted out of Government by the operatives in Georgetown because they are uncomfortable with progressive leadership and with facing the truth. These people are speaking to their realities, which this Government either does not care about, or is unwilling to listen to.

Region 10 is the only region where, in 2015, the PPP/C lost votes and votes increased significantly for the APNU+AFC, making this region pivotal to the alliance’s victory. It is the 2012 mobilisation of the region’s citizens against the atrocities of the PPP/C government that created the environment for 2015 — which the APNU+AFC cannot take credit for, since the Region was self-mobilised against the PPP/C.

More than a year into this administration, it is yet to ensure that the 2012 Agreement is implemented. Outside of political machinations and pussy-footing by those in Georgetown on the return of the television station, important committees are not put in place to get to work. For instance, the Economic Committee, whose task it is to develop an Economic Plan, has not been appointed; neither is any discussion taking place in relation to its appointment. In fairness to the PPP/C, at least some discussions were taking place, even though they, too, were pussyfooting.

If, for any reason, the APNU+AFC coalition is removed from the Executive and the 2012 agreement ensuring efforts at progress is not implemented, both this society and “the struggle of 2012” will be done a grave disservice. The foundation laid by our forebears — which brought about independence — will be further cracked, and equality, dignity and self-determination would be mocked.

The hearts of the people of Region 10 yearn to be respected as equals, which independence in 1966 and the Guyana Constitution grant and assure them of. The people have clearly signalled that they do not want handouts, nor do they want leaders who impose decisions on them. Having heard their cries and dissatisfaction, it is obviously only a matter of time before natural leaders emerge to realise what the people have struggled for in 2012, and voted to achieve in 2015.

The squandering of the people’s goodwill always realises grave consequences for every ruling administration. What is obvious is that while a few would use the privilege of public office to achieve their dream of becoming rich, the masses remain poor, deprived, and disunited.

The people of Linden/Region 10 and Guyana must use 2012 as the barometer to take charge of their destiny: not only to vote then become disengaged in the political process, but to stay engaged and change the course of this society for their collective benefit.

Speaking directly to the youth of today, who did not experience Critchlow, Jagan or Burnham mobilising and redirecting the course of this society as my generation and those older and a little younger did, I have to tell them that Kissoon and Solomon presented a spark in their time, and this spark must now become a flame.