A PASSION TO DESTABILISE

– history will reveal an unbridled instinct by the Opposition to destabilise
PREVIOUSLY, I wrote about the Opposition’s proclivity to intimidate in an effort to coerce and/or to install fear. In keeping with this aspect of its agenda, history will reveal an unbridled instinct by the Opposition to destabilise.
These two calculative tools of intimidation and destabilisation are generally implemented together because the latter precipitates the former. There wouldn’t be much need to delve deep into the annals of history to produce evidence of such selfish and uncaring characteristics that the Opposition seemingly proudly demonstrates; young people just have to examine the past two years.
Take the Linden electricity issue which was raised in Parliament within that period and which was intended to gradually, over a period of a few years, to have the supply integrated into the national grid. Lindeners pay a far lower electricity rate (an understatement actually) than other Guyanese and consideration was given for a reasonable time frame for the integration and to eventually make tariffs uniform. Of course, non-Lindeners who were unaware of such rosy benefits were shocked. Further, the government’s proposal in this regard was supported by the Opposition in the National Assembly, at least by its leader, Mr. David Granger.
Staying steadfast to saying one thing and doing something else, he reneged on his public support and massive, lengthy and destructive protests ensued in the mining town. Public buildings and private vehicles were destroyed, commerce came to a standstill, critical supplies of food and medicine could not reach citizens of other areas, given that Linden was the conduit and residents within were trapped for weeks.
All pleadings from civil society and law abiding Lindeners were ignored. This, not only stagnated the local economy and drove fear into the hearts of the residents in Linden and surrounding areas, but in many ways, posed a threat to national security.
A subsequent Commission of Inquiry revealed that some members of the Opposition were directly responsible, and that they had fanned the flames of dissent. Shortly after, Guyanese were forced to be subjected to similarly brutal onslaughts following the riots in Agricola. A seemingly well orchestrated plan, to block the only thoroughfare along the East Bank corridor in the afternoon rush hour, resulted in mayhem. Thousands, including children who were at school all day, the elderly, the sick and hardworking Guyanese, were not only displaced and prevented to exercise their constitutional right to freedom of movement, but many were beaten and robbed.
A public transport vehicle was toppled and set ablaze during that unforgettable evening. For many hours none could have passed, forcing thousands to trek miles back to the City in an effort to seek alternative transportation options (those residing in West Demerara) and safety. The Police, who demonstrated a profound sense of restrain by not engaging forcibly, which would have further exacerbated the very volatile situation, were attacked by marauding gangs who many believed were under the direction of Opposition elements.
These are just two very recent incidents that are demonstrative of an agenda to instill fear and inflict damage without any semblance of consideration for the welfare and wellbeing of citizens. While history would not be challenged to place such atrocities at the altar of the main Opposition, the AFC has demonstrated, over this period, similar traits while trying to appear uninvolved. This was alluded to in the previous installment. They supported the actions of the main Opposition with regard to the Linden electricity issue, and some of their members were seen in the subsequent protests action there.
Many believed that the Agricola riots resulted from the vulgar and disrespectful ultimatum that the AFC issued to the President. The seamless coordination and implementation of those atrocities within that time period, cannot be deemed as a mere coincidence.
Related emails of senior officials of the AFC revealed a sinister plan and alleged ownership of those attacks. Such efforts to destabilise, produce the springboard for economic stagnation and the regressing of progress.
The negative impacts which have been felt are undisputedly the desired outcome from an agenda to inflict ruin through destabilising tactics. This can be the only conclusion given that neither APNU nor the AFC condemned such wrongdoings! More in subsequent installments.

These two calculative tools of intimidation and destabilisation are generally implemented together because the latter precipitates the former.

By Teayken A. Dhigg