EXACTLY what is the political Opposition press trying to do? That I ask this question in the aftermath of the recent Babu John annual Cheddi Jagan commemoration is because of the naked, senseless and dangerous, but willfully orchestrated plan by the political opposition media to resort to racist hysteria.And just look who is its intended framed purveyor – the person of the former President, Bharrat Jagdeo. If this is what the recently cobbled A Parnership for National Unity(APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) alliance is all about, then they are certainly proceeding along the expected route of NATIONAL DECEPTION.
There was nothing in the address by the indomitable Jagdeo that hinted or suggested any such statement as slanderously blared by the infamous political opposition mouthpiece – the Kaieteur News. In fact, it would be unthinkable for such a statement to be made by any leader of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic), a movement that is a national party where all ethnicities have always been welcomed.
In fact, it should be reminded on the part of especially young supporters of the political opposition parties that the PPP commenced its political journey as a single working class party, that included Forbes Burnham, Sidney King( later Eusi Kwayana), who were among its first cabinet ministers in 1953.
What the former President alluded to in his address was in reality a situation that had occurred in some communities on election day , 2011, that were patently racist in content. And as any wise leader would – he warned against its ugly head. Where is the racism in such an advice?
It is instructive to note that there were no recriminations when the APNU-AFC Moses Nagamootoo, in clear bold language, declared that he was going to deliver 11% of the Indian votes! Now, there is a lot that was offensive about such a statement!
It needs not be recalled that Guyana has had its fair share of ethnic tensions throughout its modern history; but there has been a conscious effort by our peoples through the decades to understand that Guyana is for ALL, and that working together towards peace and prosperity is in the best interests for a united people and country.
It is therefore dangerously dishonest for the political opposition, the APNU-AFC alliance, in its desperate attempt to whip up the mirage of electoral support from the hemorrhaging of its constituents, to play such a damning card!
But there is abiding faith in the understanding of Guyanese, as to how much they have matured as a people, especially over the last twenty years, during which so many, of all ethnicities, have benefitted from the numerous socio-economic development programmes of the PPP/C Government. The national housing programme that has been empowering ALL the races is a perfect example of the kind of government formed by the PPP/C.