A calculative ploy to distort

– Babu John 2015 the latest example

THE capacity of the Opposition to distort has never been questionable. As a matter of fact, this is probably the main facet of their agenda on which they thrive on. While there is a plethora of examples in this regard, one just needs to examine their bold pronouncements relating to what was said at Babu John on March 08, 2015. The recentness of this example becomes even more useful for it dismisses any suggestion of dwelling in the past, which has been a sore point for them; deliberately so of course, for they would wish the past could disappear.

That said, the revealing statements made by former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, at Babu John, have once again exposed the Opposition’s unbridled hypocrisy on various issues. This instalment would examine Dr. Jagdeo’s remarks regarding racism and which the Opposition and their media cronies rushed to attack. First and foremost, the issue of racism is generally considered as taboo for public debate even though it evokes many discussions privately. In this context, Dr. Jagdeo must be commended for the stance he took in raising it.

But what did he say that caused the Opposition to launch a scathing attack on him? Having listened to his presentation more than once, I conclude that the only thing Dr. Jagdeo said was the truth! Truth hurts and maybe that precipitated the Opposition’s angry and aggressive response. At Babu John, Dr. Jagdeo went to pains to condemn any form of racism and vehemently announced that if any member of the PPP were to so engage, they would be kicked out. How could this be interpreted by people who are supposed to be literate, as fermenting racism?

In other words, how can condemnation be interpreted to mean promoting? No known logic can derive such a conclusion from the statements Dr. Jagdeo made. He cited an example whereby members of the Opposition were seen in parts of the City beating drums on the morning of the 2011 elections and encouraging people to vote out the “coolies”. Guyanese are aware how insensitive and provocative this can be. Therein lies the point of Dr. Jagdeo; having cited the example of open racism, he condemned it and urged that it must not be repeated. He even pointed the derogatory nature of the word “coolie”.

In a subsequent press briefing, he posited how deafening the outcry would have been from the Opposition and their media cohorts, had it been a group of PPP supporters doing likewise while using the “N” word. Of course, none of us would want a country where lines are drawn because of how we look. Guyana’s diversity has been its strength and the envy of some multi-ethnic nations. That said, such deliberate, reckless and vile distortions by the Opposition, are not only an engrained characteristic of theirs, but have the potential to scratch the fabric of unity.

What was even worse was the way some sections of the media reported on Dr. Jagdeo’s comments. At the time of writing this article, there has been no retraction of the distortion either by the media or the Opposition. This “tag-team” approach further confirms, not that there were doubts, the allegiance and bonds of partnership that have been cemented between these media entities and the Opposition. What is also disappointing is the lack of condemnation by civil society of these distortions. All Guyanese must forthrightly reject and condemn these deliberate attempts by this “tag-team” to sow seeds of discontent in our society.

History is replete with instances of such distortions by the Opposition, and it therefore begs the question: Why?
Clearly it’s an agenda to try and score cheap political points after having been exposed. But in my opinion, it cannot be the real reason. My analysis compels me to conclude that the main reason the Opposition would blatantly engage in such mischievous endeavours, is to try and mask and suppress the truth. If, for some reason, you are still in doubt, ask yourself why the Opposition opposed the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the death of Dr. Walter Rodney, and has refused to testify! Your answer would unmask the agenda alluded to.

By Teayken A. Dhigg

My analysis compels me to conclude that the main reason the Opposition would blatantly engage in such mischievous endeavours, is to try and mask and suppress the truth. If, for some reason, you are still in doubt, ask yourself why the Opposition opposed the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the death of Dr. Walter Rodney, and has refused to testify! Your answer would unmask the agenda alluded to.