“No taxation without representation” was the rallying slogan of the American revolutionaries in the American War of Independence. This slogan summarized a primary grievance of the British colonists, which was one of the major causes of the American Revolution leading eventually to the Declaration of American Independence in 1776.
The concept of ‘consent’ of the governed is universally accepted as being central to democracy. Periodic elections, observance of laws and adherence to what is known as the ‘social contract’ by elected officials are underpinnings and a necessary pre-condition to maintenance of such “consent.”
The Kaieteur News’ article of July 31, 2014 titled ‘Mahdia gold miners to withhold royalties over poor roads,’ consequently, must be seen and understood for what it is. The ‘social contract’ seems to have broken down or at a minimum is under severe threat. It is becoming more and more evident that the consent of the governed is fast disappearing as a result of the undemocratic, autocratic and despotic behavour of the Donald Ramotar-led People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration.
Mark Crawford, Chairman of the Potaro-Siparuni Region (N0.8) , is quoted as saying that citizens recognize that picketing exercises do not influence changes in Guyana. He added that miners in Mining District No. 2 (Reg. No. 8) have threatened to stop paying taxes (royalties) to the Guyana Gold Board until vital infrastructural works are executed in the District.
Regional Chairman Crawford is quoted as saying, also, that: “The miners in Mining District No. 2 have indicated to me that, if the government doesn’t start fixing the water system or the inner Mahdia roads by August, they would not be paying any taxes…They say no water, no road, no revenue.” He said miners were forced to make this decision owing to government neglecting to develop the area despite constant desperate appeals and protests by residents and miners. As such, he said, they are prepared to be charged rather than to contribute revenue to a government that is not listening to their cries.
“When they stop paying royalties it will have an adverse effect on our country’s economy which would not be good for us … So the ball is in government’s court, they have a golden opportunity now to save our economy.”
If ever the Donald Ramotar administration needed a wake-up call that their despotic actions will not be tolerated indefinitely and will be met by stout resistance from citizens and elected officials, this is one. The proposed actions of miners in Region No. 8 and as signalled by the Regional Democratic Council, Region No. 8 and its Chairman, Crawford is by no means an impulsive act. It is, rather, one arising from an extended period of callous neglect by the central government and the marginalization of the regional government or duly-elected RDC, in the management of affairs of the region.
The minority PPP administration, since the General and Regional Elections of November 2011, has determinedly pursued a programme of ignoring the voice of the people and their elected representatives. This approach is untenable and unsustainable and sooner or later bound to lead to confrontation. What appears to be imminent in Region No. 8 is directly as a result of the PPP’s despotism and which citizens are no longer prepared to tolerate.
All is not lost for the beleaguered Donald Ramotar minority administration. It can still seek to retain some pretense at being democratic. For this to happen, however, it has to immediately engage in genuine and meaningful collaboration with our democratic institutions, including the 81 local democratic organs (LDOs). It has to immediately cease its agenda of confrontation with the National Assembly and LDOs and replace it with one of cooperation.
The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has to abandon its current unlawful actions of using appointed officials within LDOs to undermine, usurp, even bypass the authority of elected councillors. It has to immediately bring the Local Government Commission to life and convene its functioning.
Time and the government’s response will determine if the proposed actions of the miners of Region 8 will be a harbinger of Guyana’s ‘velvet’ revolution or will the government come to its senses and begin to respect our laws, the Constitution, citizens’ rights and the authority of their accredited representatives.
Will the miners and citizens of Region No. 8 be recognized as patriots? Will their intended actions be branded as being treasonous? Will the government’s response be one of meaningful dialogue and respect for statutory institutions or will it be the type of heavy-handed approach for which it is known?
It is now decision time for the Ramotar Administration.
