I WROTE a few articles on the recent impasse at the University of Guyana involving the various interest groups there, in which I later put forward my own analysis as to the fundamental causes for the imbroglio. My comments bore a straightforward, no-nonsense style which went straight to the heart of the matter and this struck a raw nerve at the mobsters. I knew right off from the start that this would not be easy seeing the comments I made were in direct contravention to the popular held sentiments of the dissenting group.

Chief among the grousers was lecturer C.R. Bernard who took umbrage to the comments I made and desperately tried to strike back in a subsequent letter to the editor.

He chided me for not knowing (usual excuse) of the vile machinations at the institution; the racism, the victimization and bad blood that is a common practice at UG. It was tantamount to him saying how dare you speak of UG, you people do not have a clue as to what goes on here.

Let me remind Mr. Bernard that I am fully aware of all that goes on at UG as well as the wider Guyanese society, and I am duly qualified to give my views on anything Guyanese. So trying to insinuate that I have limited knowledge of the problems in Guyana is an insult to my intelligence and a non issue where I am concerned. But I digressed.

My discourse today takes us back in time down memory lane as to the way we were in Guyana, prior to 1992. It was the time when the PNC held the sway and virtually did what they pleased. It was a time of gross violation of stolen state power. The University as well as the country on a whole was held victim to party paramountcy. By the way, it is interesting to know the composition and power of the University Council during those dark days, probably Mr. Bernard can enlighten us.
But back to my discourse, I do not know the connection between the young Bernard and Deryck Bernard, ex-Minister of Education and former lecturer of the University of Guyana.
Not germane to the issue, however, the relation does matter in what I am going to say next. One of the jobs I held in Guyana was that of Second Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I remember doing the paperwork for a talented teenager (her name eludes me right now) proficient in playing of the violin, who was selected to represent Guyana at the North Korean celebrations.
Our representative was a done deal, with that young lady all set to travel when a sudden reversal of the original choice came. It was sudden, and without warning, the replacement came in the person of Marcia Bernard, daughter of the said Minister of Education. This caused great concern to all those involved at the Ministry but we dare not say a word because the decision came from ‘the Minister’ whom no one could question.
Marcia Bernard had no talent, nothing to display; just a passenger using up tax payers money but she was selected.  No reason was forthcoming for the reversal of the original choice and there was no real reason to do so because such was the bullying attitude of the PNC administration.                     “
There was another incident which I can recall, the last straw that broke the camel’s back, at the said ministry. This took place when John Williams was rudely summoned to Foreign Minister Rashleigh Jackson’s office to answer to charges of his political affiliation to the WPA.
I will never forget the look on John’s face when he returned to his desk, as he later related to me what Jackson pointedly told him. He told him that being a member of the hated WPA he should count himself lucky to have landed himself a job with “his government”. He later advised Williams in threatening terms, to “watch his back.”
John made the wise decision to call it quits and seek employment elsewhere. He gained entry into UG as a lecturer thanks to his good friend Freddie Kissoon. But did the victimization end there? Of course not! Dr Tyrone Ferguson, head of Political Division II, helped by another PNC informant Aubrey Norton, was overheard saying I should be looking for another job also.
You see, those PNC bullies were strategically placed to seek out all those whom they thought were not of their kind, the term used “subversive elements” and simply weed them out. So, yours truly, being an open critic of the regime found myself at the receiving end of a party and government that would not tolerate independent thinkers.
The imbecility of those who worked in the public service at that time had to be obvious for you to stay employed. I also made the wise move in going abroad to gain employment.
What makes my blood boil is the fact that these are the same individuals I see featured in the media accusing the PPP/C of victimization. It is indeed convenient for them to say these things to an audience who do not know of the atrocities meted out to the Guyanese people.
To speak in puritanical tones as they now do is a sin, rather, these depraved souls should first atone for their wrongs before they point an accusing finger.
I can speak volumes of the many horrible things committed by the PNC when they were in office, the lack of respect particularly for our women folk, the demeaning way they were spoken of, the sexual favours that were foisted on them just to keep a job. This is the way we were the “good old days.”