Rohee should not sit on the Committee of Privileges

Dear Editor,
There continues to be an absence of ethics, professional conduct and moral fortitude in our dear land, Guyana. Sadly, these realities are noted in the actions and dealings of those who sit at the very top of the leadership of our nation. It therefore begs the question: where does the moral compass of our people lie? Is it in the actions, words and deeds of the few who hold executive power or does it lies in the heart, soul and actions of the ordinary citizenry? My belief is that it lies with the latter, whose moral values are very different from what the executive reflects.  Why must we remain silent when the actions of the executive seem to suggest to the world that we might be a people who could not care less about those things which define us as decent moral beings. Is it fear that quiets us or have we decided to give in to the undesirable actions and drumbeats of the few who seek to define us?

We sat through the whole embarrassing episode of the pirated textbooks, but failed to raise much concern over the government’s shameless stance defending its actions, particularly when the administration said that if it did not pirate books then it could not provide books for students in public schools. What a justification? This, for me, sent the wrong signals to our children and the world at large. Children who deserve better and ought to be treated better. Owing to our perceived silence and refusal to express strong outrage at these actions, the government feels emboldened to perpetrate these unsavory acts.

We have read in the press that the Speaker of the National Assembly has referred the matter of the no-confidence motion passed against Minister Rohee to the Committee of Privileges of the Parliament; we have also learnt that both sides are preparing to robustly defend their case. However, what was disheartening was the fact that the PPP/C, in its ‘moral’ judgment has decided to have Minister Rohee sit as a member of this committee at this time, when he will be the centerpiece of all discussions in the immediate meetings. It was the actions or inaction of this minister which occasioned the urgent sitting of the committee. Good ethics and common sense dictate that the government side would have at least recognized that Rohee’s mere presence on the committee at this time could constitute a major stumbling block. Such a move raises the question of the motive and intention of the government; does it really desire an amicable and swift resolution to this situation or is this a strategy to realize a more partisan and sinister outcome? Or is it that the government again is prepared to demonstrate that it embraces a policy of confrontation rather than co-operation? Whatever the reason, we must be aware that the PPP/C‘s confidence in perpetrating these insidious, unethical acts would not be present if they recognized us as a decent people who subscribe to good ethical principles. It is because of this disrespect they believe that they can disregard the people.

If we are to believe that no one in the leadership of the PPP/C believes that allowing Clement Rohee to sit on a committee which is meeting to pronounce on his actions is wrong, then we ought to conclude that we are being led by our toes. Something is palpably and painfully wrong with the way these leaders see things; it is time the people stand up for what is moral and what is right. Mr Rohee sitting on that committee is reprehensible and should not be condoned.

Yours faithfully,
Lurlene Nestor