Dear Editor,

Permit me to respond to Mr Mark Benschop’s letter captioned “Rulers must be accountable to the people” (07.11.20). Benschop should be the last one to complain about the “King’s” perceived undemocratic method of rule, when he has benefited from the “King’s” graciousness towards his “subjects.” Wasn’t it Benschop who was charged with treason? Isn’t treason a crime punishable by death? Was not the “King” the one to grant him a pardon?

Of course rulers must be accountable to their people. That is just what the PPP/C government is doing, by taking government to the grass roots where the voters can vent their concerns or applaud their accomplishments.

Are the masses fearful? It would hardly seem so. The “King” is in face-to-face and direct contact with the masses. He is able to interact with the most common of his “subjects” and can relate to their many concerns. What about the army and the police? Are they servants of the regime? No! The fella just doesn’t get it! The police and the army are trying to carry out their duties that are mandated to them by law. Gone are the days when opposition figures were the subjects of unwarranted incarceration just for the pleasure of the “Kabaka.”

And now, about extrajudicial killings, torture and press freedom, I am absolutely sure that Benschop is having nightmares of the dark days of PNC rule. Is he hallucinating about Father Darke, Vincent Teekah, Walter Rodney, or the starving of newsprint to the Mirror, the many threats to union leaders, the break up of opposition meetings etc. The list can go on and on and on!

Come on Benschop, wipe the scales off your eyes. It’s a new day for Guyana and its people, thanks to the hard fought for democracy!

Yours faithfully,

J. Silas