THE burning down of the Ministry of Health building last week was not an act committed in abstract, but was given comfort by words spoken by some politicians and political commentators who used their position to spew venom of division in the Guyana society.

To put this in context, prior to the arson committed on the Ministry of Health building, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, the Minister of Health, came under withering attacks of unfounded allegations by some in the media.

One trade union leader went on a privately held television station in Guyana and uttered the words that the “fuse is already lit and the fire has begun”. 

Two weeks ago Opposition Leader Robert Corbin expressed sympathy for the military coup that happened in Honduras. Although he went on to say that he will not support such an action in Guyana.

These are only two examples that, in one way or another, can send the wrong signal to people who are bent to use violence and destruction as a means of protest against the Government. People in places of power should be very careful what they say. By default, they are creating the environment and encouragement to others to commit senseless acts of destruction.

Presently, there is a dangerous undercurrent of political tension that is running through the society aided by some politicians in which they see serious debates and discussion on valid developmental issues as a losing proposal against the government. These same politicians and so-call trade unionists want to return to the days of ‘mo fire slow fire”. They operate better in an atmosphere of chaos and confusion, burning and looting, fear and loathing.  It brings them sense of relevancy in the absent of reasons.

In many democratic countries, such as Guyana, there is a right way to protest against government policies that you think are inimical to the interest of the people other than the wanton destruction of property. Who gain by burning down the Ministry of Health Building? I can tell who lose – taxpayers in the sum of billion of dollars that Guyana cannot afford.
IQBAL EMAMUDEEN
New Jersey, USA.