WORRY over the involvement of ex-military officials in the political fray, first voiced by Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, was echoed by General Secretary of the ruling party, Clement Rohee, yesterday. Speaking at a news conference, held at Freedom House, he underscored the fact that for decades Guyana’s democratic system has promoted “civilian rule” not “military rule” – a welcomed move considering the impositions of the ‘party paramountcy’ under the People’s National Congress (PNC).

He said, “The PPP wishes to make it abundantly clear that there is no place in Guyana for military rule whether directly or by proxy in a new and democratic Guyana and will do everything possible to prevent the subversion of our democracy by the Granger-led military cabal.
“…this apparent militarisation of the Opposition political structures certainly does not auger well for the political culture of our country, especially when seen against the role played by the military under the previous PNC regime in the suppression of our democratic rights through the seizing of ballot boxes, the assassination of Walter Rodney and the killings of several others, including the two Corentyne ballot box martyrs.”
The PPP General Secretary underscored the fact that the “influx of retired military and police personnel” has been particularly noticeable since Brigadier (rtd) David Granger took over the leadership of the PNC.
He said, “This emerging scenario in the Opposition political camp is pregnant with dangers and could potentially bring an end to civilian rule and in the process take this nation back to the dark days of de facto military and quasi-military rule with devastating consequences for the country.”
‘BULLETS AND NOT BALLOTS’
As such, Rohee called on the Guyanese to be vigilant and reject those who are seeking to return this country to the days of authoritarian rule when “bullets and not ballots” were used to acquire and perpetuate political rule.
“The days when the military and the disciplined forces were compelled to pledge allegiance to the PNC under the doctrine of Party paramountcy are now over. The police and army are now respected national institutions in the maintenance of law and order and in defence of our territorial integrity,” he said.
The PPP General Secretary stated too that the ruling party remains committed to ensuring the provision of the necessary resources to advance the professionalism and capability of the disciplined forces to discharge its responsibilities and functions in an effective and efficient manner.
Rohee stressed that the “prime movers and shakers” of Guyana’s “crippled past” ought not to be allowed to perpetuate the crippling policies they supported in the past, on a developing country. (Vanessa Narine)