Dear Editor,
The spending by the government of $37 million on the eve of elections to acquire a water cannon which it earlier claimed is intended to deal with demonstrators, reveals an ugly underbelly that must be exposed. Our is a culturally plural society where groups are still fighting to be treated as equal 45 years into independence despite a constitution which enshrines our rights and involvement in the national decision-making that impacts our lives. The fact that these fundamental tenets elude us as a people, not because the people are unwilling to be involved, but because the government refuses to uphold our laws means that peaceful co-existence premised on justice will continue to elude us as a nation and a people, and hinder holistic development. The growing advocacy to secure social, economic, cultural and political justice is something the PPP leadership finds untenable because it necessitates the creation of a level playing field for all and accountability from public officials. It is behind this backdrop the presence of the water cannon must be seen.
This nation, in 2011, is waging a struggle for rights, and every day there is new evidence to prove same. The revelations in the libel case brought by President Jagdeo against Kaieteur News, Frederick Kissoon and Adam Harris; the attack on certain media houses and workers; the government disparity in treatment towards bauxite workers and sugar workers; the disregard for the rights of public servants to freedom of association and collective bargaining; the law applying for some and not all; escalating domestic violence and child abuse, are all matters of national import deserving of attention that the government refuses to have resolved around the table.
The threat of a water cannon is not what this society deserves or needs, despite the notion that it is a non-lethal force. One needs to also remember that water cannon can achieve pressure up to 30 bars (3,000 kPa) which can result in broken bones. And given this government’s track record and the rogue elements in the police force, the likelihood is the cannon will be used indiscriminately.
This country does not need a water cannon. What this country needs is leaders who are prepared to respect the rights of the citizens, obey our laws and govern in the interest of all. The ugly potential that this water cannon poses for this nation and for those who want to exercise their fundamental rights, be it on matters political, industrial, social or otherwise, will affect each and every one of us in some form or the other.
The PPP leaders do not care about the people, only about entrenching themselves. In this environment sugars worker who want to engage in industrial action will not be spared any more than the protesting rice farmers, political parties demonstrating, media workers protesting, striking public servants or bauxite workers.
All will be consumed by a few.
This election is a defining moment for this country. The PPP’s escalating power-crazy antics mean that we cannot sit out this election. We cannot turn back if we want to save this country and ensure our peaceful co-existence and development. We have to overcome, come what may.
Fear must no longer immobilise us but must be the catalyst needed to effect the change we need. We need to secure the rights of minority groups and make all accountable to universal laws, so together we must cast our votes to restore these values.
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis
