Dear editor,
I WISH to state from the outset that I have always tried to be a fair, impartial commentator and a patriot to my country. I do not function with emotionalism or political drive. This is a hallmark of my life and I wish to continue being a person of impartiality and peace.I believe this entire Red House fiasco will have serious repercussions for Guyana. As a nation which has surpassed 50 years of independence, whose past have had many instances of racial division and political adversity, this fiasco is not needed as we move forward. I think that the modus operandi of the Government and certain actions of the Opposition were both misguided and could have been avoided.
I think that the Government is viewing this incident as a problem which instead can be solved by a simple solution. However, I believe that this fiasco will ignite more racial disunity and tension between the supporters of the coalition Government and those of the PPP/C Opposition. I am of the opinion that most Guyanese become racially inclined only during periods of elections when political parties campaign for votes. This Red House affair is likely to have a similar effect, especially on the developing minds of our youth population; it will bring pain, suppression and fear in their minds.
I would like to give my opinion on a few details surrounding this issue. Please note the following:
1) There is currently a lease that exists and the coalition Government is attempting to recapture the building from the former PPP/C Government which had occupied and used the compound for its work. This is a fact, but it seems to be a case of emotionalism on the part of the Government and for some, it appears to be political hate with an intent to break the morale of the Opposition’s supporters. The termination of the lease should be instructed by the Court, which interprets the laws of Guyana.
2) I think that the termination of this lease — if given the signal by the Court — will motivate supporters of the PPP/C Opposition to do everything in their power to break down the coalition Government. It was my wish for this present Government to bring development and a way forward for all Guyanese; that they would attempt to make strides with social cohesion and political unity with the Opposition. The Universal Peace Federation Guyana Chapter in a three-pronged plan in 2016, had striven to bring the opposition and government into a common place where all of our races, religions and cultures could have been celebrated and honoured. Although programmes and activities were held, we are aware that more is needed in 2017. I believe the Red House fiasco was an opportunity presented to the Government to show their maturity in politics. What have we learned over the past 50 years?
3) Red House has a significant connection to the PPP, as it was the first residence of their leader, the late Cheddi Jagan when he became the Premier. It is believed by some that the Government of the day wishes to embarrass the Jagan legacy. This is an opinion of more than 50% of Guyanese, inclusive of Government supporters.
4) A lesson for all of us is documented in Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait on 2nd August, 1990. According to the UN’s website, “On 2 August 1990, Iraq invaded and occupied Kuwait. On the same day, the Security Council adopted its resolution 660 (1990), condemning the invasion and demanding Iraq’s immediate and unconditional withdrawal of its forces to the positions they had occupied the previous day. A few days later, the Council instituted mandatory arms and economic sanctions against Iraq. After Iraq was given a deadline to withdraw and it had passed, attacks from the armed forces was launched on Iraq. Eventually, a resolution was passed and Iraq was forced to leave after accepting the ceasefire. The Government in Guyana had approached the Red House management team with a proposal to have the compound established into a facility to accommodate all former Presidents and their work. I believe that the PPP/C should have “bit the bullet” and waited to see what could have developed from it. With this, Jagan’s legacy would have been saved. I think that the Opposition should have bit the bullet, and therefore avoid any conflict. Just as Saddam Hussein was stubborn in not withdrawing from Kuwait and had refused the order to move Iraq’s troops out of Kuwait, saving his country resources, grief and shame, Similarly, if the PPP/C had accepted the deal to host all former Presidents in the compound, there would have been no conflict between the parties and it could have functioned as a unifying factor in enforcing communication and intra-respect.
I think that the Red House should have become a landmark of recognition and a place of study for all of our former Presidents. As a lover of peace and harmony, I still think that a positive result can occur, once our leaders listen to the cries of the people. To our Excellencies, President David Arthur Granger and Former President and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, let us find a way to cooperate and maintain the peace and love we have obtained. Let us strive to turn this fiasco into a future,towards which all of us can be proud to work .
Regards
Hajji Roshan Khan
National Chairman –UPF Guyana.