Divisive Diverting Diverters
The Observer is back after a more-than-brief sojourn. Upon returning, the political rhetoric emanating from the Leader of the main Opposition was awfully difficult to evade. Immediately, an aura of melancholy permeated within. This still persists.

This melancholic characteristic seems synonymous following such reckless diatribes; diatribes encouraging that party to flaunt its main tool; street protest. Herein lies my disappointment.

Robert Corbin, as Leader of the PNCR, has, on numerous occasions, vociferously articulated the need for government to be transparent, democratic and responsible.

These are fundamental principles that one would expect from any government, and by extension, politicians and political parties.

Herein lies the blatant hypocrisy of Corbin and what is left of his party. Here is a reminder of what transpired within the Halls of Congress Place over the last few years.

Prominent party members, who also articulated democratic principles and who thought such universal practices exist within, sought the leadership position through internal elections.

The principals who were subsequently deemed as being divisive in the execution of their democratic right were either expelled or forced to leave the party they grew up with. Corbin’s palm tree promptly waved them goodbye.

Raphael now heads the AFC which, ironically, is seen as a protégé of the PNC and current comrades in arms. Vincent, James, Andrew and the rest of their faction were exiled, and more recently, Aubrey “Lil Forbes” Norton was seemingly banished!

Norton questioned the election processes at the last district congress in which he “lost” big to Volda for the Georgetown constituency of the party.

Loss he did not accept. He vehemently advocated that the election was rigged and pointed out instances where, as he claimed, he knew the “manoeuvres” to out-manoeuvre him took place vis-à-vis more than one ballot paper for Volda’s supporters.

This is an interesting development; one which the populace should not be diverted from despite current efforts.

It was alleged, maybe strongly believed, that Norton and Corbin were a formidable team that dissipated the threat once posed by Raphael, Vincent, James and others.

For Norton to make that kind of accusations against Corbin and those responsible for his orchestrated loss, reeks of undemocratic practices within the party. If there were doubts as to the lack of democracy and transparency with regards to Raphael, Vincent and others, these evaporated with the Norton fiasco. Currently, there is a law suit against Norton by Corbin.

What could have led to this once unfathomable scenario? Some believe that Norton, as Chairman of the Georgetown District, poses a real threat to Corbin’s leadership. In this regard, Volda is seen as an ally for the Corbin camp.

Some believe that Corbin is desperate and confused as he grapples with this and the re-surfacing and challenge posed by Van West. It is clear that the party has splintered over the years; Raphael, Vincent, Norton and Van West factions.

Implosion is not ruled out. This is THE scenario, the real issue.

The PNCR is divided. The outcome at the upcoming congress is not scripted as was the case of the others mentioned herein. This uncertainty has led to the infusion of desperation now obvious in Corbin.

His irresponsibleness over the last few weeks is testimony; the Honduras statement, his pronouncement of guilt on government and officials even though a court case is still ongoing in the USA and his call for street protest.

The adage of the “drowning man and a straw” is apt. He is not oblivious of the numerous fractures within his party and that his hold on the leadership is merely respect for the party’s constitution.

He was accused by some of his own supporters for not exhibiting enough of the engrained traits synonymous with his party; street protest which led to loss of life, property and the stagnation of the economic prosperity Guyanese have come to enjoy over the years.

Is this new call for protest an attempt to satisfy the radicals within the party? Is it an attempt to divert attention from the party’s internal debacle?

From the recent utterances and its related “red herrings”, it is difficult not to conclude that these reckless calls for protest action is aimed directly to divert the populace from the debacle mentioned and the lack of democracy within the confines of Congress Place.

With this said, Corbin has advocated increased salaries for Public Servants who received multiple increases despite a global recession. How is this to be sustained if protest actions are to prevail? History has shown the despicable result of such actions and its effects on the economy.

The 1997-2001 political upheaval his party created followed by the crime wave which started in 2002 set this country back.

With this in mind, it begs the question, does Corbin and his party’s protégé – the AFC which seems to parrot him, really have those they advocate for, in mind? The effects of street protest will affect all, including their supporters. The supporters of these two parties must hold their leaders accountable for such irresponsible actions.

No longer must they allow themselves to be used and be hoodwinked and for Guyana to be held at ransom by their leaders’ carelessness.

These actions are divisive and are perpetrated by skilful diverters hell-bent on diverting from the real issue. Guyana can ill afford this, especially with the global economy as it is.