Dear Editor,
I write to salute Mr Clairmont Lye for his return of the national award, the CCH, to President Jagdeo. The award was for his role in the fight for democracy and was awarded by Dr Jagan. Mr Lye mentioned the PPP/Civic government’s callous excesses.
The PPP/Civic government overstepped and deliberately shadowed the genuine work of the church spearheading mass demonstrations and public agitation for democracy, notably, the Catholic Standard, the Anglican Church and other church bodies under the dynamic leadership of GUARD which planned the strategy to agitate for democracy for a depressed ailing Guyana. GUARD got strength and power from leading spiritual church personalities, the likes of The Anglican Bishop Mr Randolph George, The Rev. Best etc. Jesuit Fathers of The Catholic Church, Father Morrison, Father Wong, Father Malcolm Rodrigues, Mr Clairmont Lye, Dr. Makepeace Richmond , Mr Yesu Persaud,Mr Nanda Gopaul, Birbal Singh, Moulvi Rahaman and Sam Hinds.
These religious church leaders, social workers and public associates fearlessly identified with the struggle headed by GUARD to salvage the wreckage of mother Guyana, the result of mismanagement by the PNC government. Thus began the march for democracy, free and fair elections, an end to violence, ethnic cleansing and clearing the streets of banditry. At the same time, the PPP, the main opposition party was lying low in retreat, like a leopard waiting to snatch the cake from the hands of the church.
Mr Lyle was among the organizers and sundry workers sacrificing for the restoration of an ailing Guyana.
Soon, foreign nations, human rights organisations, politicians and many sympathetic countries gave moral support to Guyana.
President Jimmy Carter, head of the powerful Carter Center visited Guyana and was shocked by the poverty, crime and banditry that disfigured the whole fabric of society, struggling to keep its head above water. Mr. Carter exerted pressure for fair elections. Jimmy Carter and the Carter Center returned to monitor the elections. Many other foreign freedom fighters came and voiced their opinions for justice whilst GUARD and its hundreds of voluntary organisers and leaders were working round the clock blowing the bellows for free and fair elections, demonstrating with placards, agitating with the thousands in the streets, steadfast at the borderline.
Then the PPP rose from its fearful slumber.
Mr Lyle, a true and devoted patriot will long be remembered for his humanitarian efforts and sacrifices in service of his country, like the late Dr Richmond, who refused the highest award offered to him by the late Dr Jagan.
Yours faithfully,
Birbal Singh
