THE Guyana government is right about the US Ambassador breaching  of Guyana’s sovereignty with regard to the LEAD project.

Wouldn’t it have been better to follow diplomatic protocol, briefing and Acquiring the Guyana government’s involvement and input before shaping and implementing the LEAD project? Ambassador Brent Hardt must be aware that the PPP/C government has a very good track record in compliance with democratic operations. But after what was done to Dr Cheddi Jagan and the PPP between 1962–1964, any blatant foreign intervention associated with the opposition was certain to earn automatic displeasure.

Worthy of note, is a lack of concern by Mr. David Granger’s PNC/APNU about Guyana’s independence and his committed objective is bent on achieving political power at all costs, without any shared responsibility to safeguard his country when most needed. Like Mr. Forbes Burnha’s record of cutting deals to achieve power, that is all that matters to the PNC/APNU. Cognisant that the opposition will sell out Guyana, the PPP/C should not be obdurate in cooperating with any project which honourably advances democracy. Flexibility where possible with the US should guide its principled continuance in government rather than facilitating opposition victory. Free and fair local government elections can significantly help to decentralise power, giving citizens power to manage their own affairs. Localised regional leaders can then be held responsible for their own misdeeds as in the case of
the Linden disturbances . The central government and the Home Affairs Minister cannot be held culpable anymore.

Editor, moving Guyana to a higher level of democracy where the branches of government are completely independent of each other will be a Caribbean first. Self-administered regions will strengthen ethnic security for all when required to work together. Like the abdication of Georgetown’s City Council to manage their own affairs, Trinidad’s central government as in Guyana, is also blamed for all crimes committed in Port of Spain. Both Mayors escape
from responsibility and accountability because government’s umbilical monetary input provides dependent sustenance with no end in sight.

Both the PPP/C government and the US Ambassador must find a way to go beyond the issue of sovereignty to achieve all inclusive approval, equal and full participation similar with all concerned parties.
Protocol does not permit for a legitimate, elected government to be dismissed by a diplomat in their own country where democracy is paramount and the advertised objective is to strengthen democracy.
Both countries should work for those compromises benefiting Guyana’s progress and most importantly its stability. Right now many major players are fearful that the US is seeking to impose the PNC/APNU/AFC opposition for an encore performance as in 1964.
Only the US can assuage such fears. The PPP/C government itself should be vigilant and ensure that the political edge with the USA or anyone else does not undermine them or Guyana.

VASSAN RAMRACHA