A recent attempt is from Mr. Boyo Ramsaroop in a letter appearing in another section of the Guyanese press (see “Reasons for changing from PPP to AFC”, SN, 22 September 2009). Though honest in some places (he correctly says Dr. Jagan wasn’t responsible for the Apaan Jhatt outlook) the reasoning is unconvincing.

Let us look at some of his reasons:

—He refers to (long standing PPP member) Philomena Sahoye being “passed over” for a Minister’s position. As Ms. Sahoye would undoubtedly agree, a person joins the PPP to advance the interests of the Guyanese working class, farmers and patriotic businesspersons of all races. Joining is not to get some prestige or privilege through a Minister’s position or otherwise. A Minister is appointed through internal party democracy.

—He laments the alleged absence of stalwarts “from Dr. Jagan’s time”. Aside from the fact that younger members have joined and attained leadership positions, Mr. Ramsaroop seems to forget about the many other dedicated and disciplined leaders at other levels who have stood with the party. Don’t they count for anything? The more significant point is that Dr. Jagan’s, and the original party programmes, are being continued — not that particular individuals are present, though such personal continuity counts for something.

— He refers to the alleged situation with one O’Lall and Dr. Jagan and which he (Mr. Ramsaroop) apparently intimately knows about. O’Lall is dead. Of course, dead men tell no tales, don’t they?

There are other shortcomings in Mr. Ramsaroop’s reasoning but maybe others can pick up of this.

Mr. Ramsaroop conveniently omits to explain that the PPP is a party whose members have to be disciplined and have good basic theoretical knowledge. He has been in the party long enough to know this. No person –Mr. Ramsaroop refers to present AFC co leader Mr. Trotman– is above the collective discipline. Those who wish to tarnish the good image of the party and bring divisions within it will have to leave in the interests of the overall good.

A main reason that the PPP has persevered and is currently the governing party is because of this discipline and faithfulness to its original philosophy and its dedication in struggling for the genuine interests of all the Guyanese people.

We respect the freedom of Mr. Ramsaroop to align himself with the AFC. But he has to come down to earth. Historically worldwide, and certainly in social formations such as Guyana with a deep rooted working people’s party such as the PPP, the chances of a so called third party like the AFC ever getting more than a handful of votes is illusionary. Look at the case of the Liberal Democrats in England. They have been and will forever be on the periphery. The overwhelming bulk of the AFC’s votes in the last poll came from the PNC.

Political party commitment means discipline and selflessness. Sometimes sacrifices have to be made. I am not saying, this plies to Mr. Ramsaroop, but some people do not want to make them. It makes it easier to have these noble attributes if one’ looks at the overall picture and in general terms. Again, one respects Mr. Ramsaroop’s positions but they are flawed and will not affect the present and growing support for the PPP.

There are challenges with the present government. But which country is without them? In Guyana the hands-on and down-to-business approach are producing unprecedented benefits and achievements for all Guyanese. Such progress would have been even greater if the government would be given breathing space as it is entitled to and not face attempts at every turn to hamstring it by less than responsible opposition parties whose opportunism are only harming the overall good..

Mr. Ramsaroop mentions his health challenges. We sympathise with him and pray for a successful outcome of treatment. He is however mistaken with regards to the AFC and PPP.
JOHN REED
Barbados