– one reason for defiance, disorder…
Simply put, I am submitting that the inability to enforce laws, by-laws, regulations and rules – enacted by a well-meaning parliament, court of law, church, company or club – is a major reason for the breakdown of good social order.
And the current deterioration of legal and moral standards, so necessary for any orderly progressive society. I clarify and simplify my strongly-held belief further.
Firstly, without wishing to immerse you in the details of law-making in our National Assembly, let me, nevertheless, outline the basic procedure(s) which our elected representatives adopt when they “pass laws” in the nation’s “highest forum”. Presumably for the greater good, well-being and order for all of us citizens in this challenged republic named Guyana. The basics of a new law go like this.
Government, acting on behalf of all the people, is persuaded that a new law is needed, in the interest of those same people and the “state”. Ministries departments, interested groups consult. The cabinet of ministers consider the proposed law. (Any non-government parliamentarian may also introduce a proposed law, or bill.) This legal proposal or draft legislation is then introduced to the National Assembly for discussion and debate by all sides. After first, second, third readings, the bill is voted on. If passed by a majority the bill is then sent to the President of Guyana for his consideration and signature – his assent. Only when such a bill is assented to by His Excellency – even after the collective wisdom of the elected parliament – does it become law (or Act.)
I suspect that the minibus no-music bill has not yet been “made Law” by our President!
Now after all that, those new laws have to be enforced. By whom? Now for my second element.
Frankly Speaking, not nearly enough is done to inform and educate our citizens about the necessity for laws and what they will do for us and how. In simple layman’s language. The media tries during debates in the assembly, but I would love the parliament office to invite me to “explain” new laws to my non-academic masses. (Selfish?)
Understanding, you see, might engender easier and more acceptance. Making enforcement smoother. Even unnecessary!
When enforcement becomes “Hustle”
Because of the goings-on, during the PNC regimes of the late sixties to 1992 – rigged elections, discrimination, sharp practices, endemic corruption – then the gradual and burgeoning executive lawlessness and structured, systematic financial mischief now extant within this administration’s watch, we have inherited a legacy of cancerous, near-terminal lawlessness, corruption and hustle. It is now a generational inheritance where the young sees how the quick dollars could be accessed. Not matter the often dire consequences.
All the “laws” remain on paper. On/in the “books”. For who will enforce them in an environment characterized by institutional crookedness and corruption? The young policeman? The city constable? The customs/GRA officer? The sanitary inspector? The food and drug official? The labour inspector? The NDC overseer?
This is not the time to denigrate our good policemen who put their lives on the line against murderous, get rich-quick criminals. Or who charge their own – and crooked government, white-collar officials. But the traffic officer who takes a raise; the city constable who allows pavement chaos for some “goods” and the Customs officer who make millions through well-structured fraud, are all subverting good order and justice in this society.
Our role in the hustle
The Police Commissioner asks victims to come forward to identify crooks caught; to testify in court after the good police put their lives on the line. But fear is the key. Our corruption holds sway. Either way, we the public, do not play our desirable roles enough to assist the honest enforcers. We must not litter, steal electricity or offer bribes. Oh, but the cancer has enveloped us in some way, has it not?
Knowingly, or unwittingly, we mix with and support the drug barons’ enterprises and events. My morals, your values are thus compromised. Church, family and conscience? Gone to the dogs, beyond. Discuss!
For Consideration…
1) My two Friday wishes: (a) clean up the capital’s Stabroek Square? Put police/attendants on the so-called bus terminal. Find use for the old co-op bank and the old burnt-out Auto Supplies/Royal Castle. (b) Remove all abandoned, derelict vehicles from sight. (How impotent we are!)
2) I dream of Cheddi Jagan telling young Obama of how after the American Revolution and Independence properties were seized by he new “Americans” and compensation arbitrarily paid. Similar to what Castro’s Revolution did in Cuba. Without the compensation.
3) It is time for a native American (“Red Indian”) whose land it was, to become President of the United States of America!
4) What? They are going to merge Georgetown’s GCC and GFC (Grounds)?
5*) So we are to celebrate the Christ Birth! With dozens of promotions and give-aways. What would he think of these commercial things?
’ Til Next Week!
Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com
