Dear Editor,
What does this fateful step of proroguing parliament, as taken by the ruling PPP mean in practical terms?
First, it means that the will of the people, the voice of the people, and the dignity of the people have all been ignored, scorned, and trampled upon.
Second, it means that Guyana has been reduced to a one party state for the duration of this interval.
Third, it means that this interval can last for close to a year, or more if cleverly manipulated. A year in this society under these circumstances is an eternity – an eternity of trouble, an eternity for mischief.
Fourth, it exacerbates the underlying, always surface-thin, stresses and patched over fissures in this nation. Society is set on the edge of heaving tensions slowly building.
Fifth, it freezes normal commercial endeavours, or thoughts of such ventures.
Sixth, this move disparages the opposition, and brings into further ridicule the ruling party and its leaders.
Seventh, it reiterates that the PPP has handled the business of this country, indeed this country as a whole, as though it is a personal cake-shop. That is, when to open, when to close, who to cater to, who to reject, and who to discriminate against, among many other perversities.
Last, it backs any viable and self-respecting opposition (and its leaders) into a corner where the only remaining option is to take to the public thoroughfares in protest, in resistance, maybe even in confrontation. Failure to respond within the narrow avenues left, places any opposition in the undesired situation of becoming an irrelevancy and a huge joke.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
