Dear Editor,
I pen these words with the consciousness of the ever present fact that the issue of radio licences is of vital importance to the maintenance of our democracy.
Over the past several months, our nation was informed of this deceitful ploy by former president Bharrat Jagdeo owing to the assiduousness and hard work from a true parliamentarian, Ms Cathy Hughes.
The government’s questionable issuance of radio licences to its cronies and close affiliates is nothing but a desperate act to consolidate itself in the arms of power. This action should not be allowed to fade away with the passage of time, nor should less attention be given to it by the media. The serious nature of this should be made known and should be constantly repeated, for this is an attempt that threatens our nation’s democracy, its fundamental values of freedom and openness to information.
Editor, I make a personal appeal to media houses, opposition parties and civil society to refuse to back down in efforts to have these licences revoked and make way for equal, just and transparent means for the application process to proceed. To relent now is to encourage dangers and threats to our democracy.
I would like to pay tribute and give accolades to Ms Hughes and the AFC for being attentive and being able to see through the emperor’s clothes and awaken other opposition members from their slumber to this important issue. I would also like to acknowledge Mr Enrico Woolford for his bold step in challenging this unworthy act of government in the courts and all other stakeholders in this struggle for equality and fair play in the media arena.
Government and opposition, I believe, are aware that democracy cannot work if liberty is threatened. Equally, the media cannot function effectively nor will it be able to serve its intended purpose when important information is suppressed.
I say to the powers that be that only bad governments thrive under the cloak of darkness and secrecy. Those who have nothing to hide have nothing to fear.
We as a nation cannot allow government to have the monopoly when it comes to the distribution of information in the media, because it only provides a shield for those who engage in corruption and shady acts. It also provides an opportunity for the perpetration of the same while at the same it keeps the lid on embarrassing information about government and could prevent new information from emerging.
The Parliament on both sides of the aisle has a grave responsibility to ensure that the nation’s democracy and its liberties are protected and preserved.
Our President has the opportunity to provide real leadership to Guyana; he has the historic opportunity to be a president not for his party and its supporters, but a president for all Guyana. Will he recall those questionable radio licences? Will he encourage the implementation of the Public Procurement Commission and allow amendments to the anti-money laundering bill for the benefit of all? Will he allow local government elections to take place now after more than two decades? Will our President for the sake of closure to an unknown part of our history, seek to establish an independent commission of inquiry into the death of one of Guyana’s stalwart political figures, Dr Walter Rodney? Will our President stand up for all Guyanese and do the right thing? Will he, no or yes?
Yours faithfully,
Jermaine Figueira
