IN a letter which reveals some degree of pre-election panic and written by an opposition PNC/R Member of Parliament, Linden-based Vanessa Kissoon, a phrase in her first paragraph struck me. The correspondence (in KN of June 8, 2011) captioned “The PPP/C record in Linden is appalling” starts thus: “Amazement, dismay and a deep sense of betrayal were some of the emotions that I am sure come to the youths of Linden…”
Now I ask fair-minded, even neutral observers this: Why does Ms. Kissoon see Demin ‘Jafar’ Muhammed’s decision to head a pro-PPP/C elections group as some “sense of betrayal’? Betrayal! Does Kissoon and the PNCR have some proprietary ‘transport’ or deed for Afro-Guyanese, including the youths of Linden? Is it an affront to Kissoon and her political tribe when a young Lindener like Muhammed thinks for himself?
All her arrogance born of past electoral results favouring her party – including the 100 per cent plus returns after one memorable rigged election, bespeaks also of the contempt the likes of Kissoon  has for those she considers ‘her own.’ Linden must ‘remain PNC’ even as the PPP/C makes friends and inroads in every community across Guyana and even as the AFC dented the PNC’s Linden traditions the last time around.
I won’t even address the issues Kissoon deem as governmental neglect of Linden because, if accurate, many other communities could cite their lists of ‘neglect’. This is the season for such lists and divisive commentaries. Rather, I challenge MP Kissoon to do two things: (a) tell us why Linden in 1992 was in such a run-down state after all the PNC victories there and (b) compare government expenditures in Linden before 1992 and between 1992 and now.
I suppose that a major concern for the PNCR is the fact that Jafar’s group is a civic-based community-oriented group of young Lindeners. Win, lose or draw the 2011 elections, the Linden Civic Society (LCS) illustrates that it is possible for individuals to work for socio-economic and political progress without being wholly political. In this regard, I expect to see the LCS around long after the elections.
I understand your concern Miss PNC MP, but let there be political space for all. Muhammed, Charter, Elliot and their colleagues are indicating that Linden belongs to no one group – not even the PNC.
Let democracy prevail, whatever the final results, Ms Kissoon.
Be confident in your convictions as we proceed to a fair poll.