Dear Editor,
Minister Ramsaran, the minister who, like his comrades, believed that we are still a Plantation society, has been fired. It does not change anything about the PPP’s attitude to power.
This firing is out of character for the PPP, which has been supremely stubborn on disciplining those guilty of official excesses. Minister Nandlall and several other errant ministers were not fired.
The PPP budged in this instance for two reasons. First, with elections around the corner, they want to appear reasonable.
Second, with some voices in the party giving the Minister a mild slap on the wrist, they don’t want to look divided. In the end, this is more a public relations stunt aimed at those in their constituency who are outraged at this latest example of domination.
But this is a huge moral and symbolic victory for all those who raised their voices against this politically depraved behaviour and for Guyana in general. It shows what sustained public pressure can do when a people decide enough is enough.
Power concedes nothing without firm demands and sustained struggle. This is a victory for People’s Power. This is a victory for the culture of resistance, a key component in any democracy.
Onward to May 11 when the entire mis-government should be fired. Not by the President, but by the collective will of the people. Let Guyana live again with a truly representative Government of National Unity.
Yours faithfully,
David Hinds
