I thank Rev. Ruben Gilbert for his comments on my article “The Road to Tripoli”. (Guyana Chronicle, September 2, 2011). I have nothing but the greatest respect for the Reverend and was indeed flattered by some kind remarks he made when we shared the same lunch table at the Convention Centre a few weeks ago. The main thrust of my article was not to justify the intervention of outside forces in the internal affairs of a sovereign state. It was intended to make the point that the balance of forces globally has shifted in favour of democracy and democratic reforms and failure to come to terms with this reality can be costly as is in fact happening in Libya and other Arab states.
We live in a changing world. The Cold War for all practices has come to an end. Instead of spending money on unnecessary wars and conflicts, we should be diverting resources for human development. Sadly, this is not the case. Meanwhile, millions of people are going to bed hungry.
As the Reverend correctly observed, Guyana has suffered enormously from 28 years of dictatorial rule under the PNC and before that through the machinations of foreign powers to deny the democratic will of the Guyanese people. Today, democracy is now institutionalised in Guyana and the Guyanese people are now free to elect a government of their choice. This democratic right to elect a government that reflects the will of the majority is fundamental to modern and civilised societies and must be embraced by all those who cherish the ideals of a free and democratic society.