Dear Editor,
We need codes of ethical conduct, rules or laws by which we can hold our high public officials to account. The lost decades in Guyana were due in part to our fears, silence and preoccupation with daily survival. Our political leaders did not set out to be ‘bad,’ or ‘destructive,’ but their weaknesses attracted and found core people who encouraged their inappropriate actions and behaviour. Many of these latter folks profited well and reached heights of influence and power that they would not have otherwise reached. We had misfits as well as unqualified, uninformed and unimagi-native people occupying positions in high places. The population turned a blind eye because of self-interest and/or prejudice. This societal silence emboldened the ruling elite to more excesses, and the cycle continued.
Even academically qualified personnel have fallen prey to the temptation. However well-intended, these academics have not served us well. One of the institutions which must be controlled in this quest for ultimate power is the University of Guyana. Young people are idealistic and will take a stand for justice, equality and progress. The PPP was afraid of an educated populace and moved to get its own agent and sympathizer in place to control the university. The then Vice-Chancellor openly campaigned for President Jagdeo, and filled this spot very well, being ably assisted by the government selectees on the Council. This VC similarly chose his own personnel, which included PNC parliamentarians. Some of the last-mentioned even accused us of throwing stones from afar. Two other academics included a former Minister of Education and the current Pro-Chancellor of UG (from the Office of the President). No one has ever asked these gentlemen to account for their actions. Children also learn by observation and experience; what are we teaching our children? If the formally educated can act against the educational aspirations of our young then how can we as educators expect to be treated with respect?
When we were highlighting the conditions at UG, particularly with regard to science and technology and the consequences of such neglect, we believed that UG’s officials would use this information to advocate for a better funded institution. In addition, we thought politicians and the public would ask questions and the state of affairs at UG would improve. Education affects everyone, irrespective of political views or orientation. Here was common ground. Later on in this public debate, one likely well-meaning scientist argued that making the UG case public was not the way to go, and lobbying behind the scenes was better. (We had already attempted private dialogue, but were not given the chance even to be heard.) This scientist recently stated that his research facilities at his institute were “state of the art,“ courtesy of President Jagdeo. This public boast is disappointing, since right next door UG’s science facilities have not benefited from similar largesse. They are still woefully underfunded and the poverty and rot reeks. Worse, such insensitivity is hurtful to others (eg, late Professor Sankies, Engineering) who have toiled so long at UG under dysfunctional conditions. Their voices went unheard, their talents unexploited, and they feel discriminated against.
Sadly, this boast proves what we have been saying that only Guyanese close to President Jagdeo were listened to and other Guyanese were ignored. It also proves what we have been saying that the President Jagdeo’s government had no coherent policy with regard to science and technology for the development of Guyana. Other Guyanese (local and overseas) as well as many within the PPP have agreed with us.
It is unfortunate that even an ably qualified Guyanese (with international experience) like so many others have missed the violations of the basic principles of fairness and human rights. Those of us who know better should do better. Education is a human right. The state has the responsibility to ensure that its citizens get the best education and training possible to ensure the personal development and progress of the country. This is an essential investment. Youths will respond and act responsibly if they are treated fairly.
The abovementioned persons should bear some responsibility for the abuses inflicted on the youths of Guyana and those from UG, since they were active participants, should be held accountable.
Guyana needs an independent Human Rights Commission so that despite the comings and goings of governments, we can hold those who aided and abetted violations of the human rights of our citizens responsible. This will make enablers think twice knowing that their actions would have serious consequences in the future. We have made the same mistake twice already. We have seen other abuses of the rights of children, etc.
We should hope and pledge that we become better ethically. Some of the personnel mentioned above are qualified and knowledgeable people. Knowledge is good to acquire, but wisdom is essential in that it allows us to use our skills and expertise for the common good (or at least do no harm). We hope that we can tell the difference.
Yours faithfully,
Seelochan Beharry
