Dear Editor,
I refer to the letter written by Andrew Hicks titled, ‘The current approach of the PNCR leadership to internal unity is self-defeating’ (SN, August 9).
Mr Cammie Ramsaroop has a right to advance arguments for an end to the lawless and reckless quest for power outside of the party’s democratic practices. The argument advanced by Mr Hicks is built on a deception. Mr Hicks knows and so too do Mr Winston Murray, Dr Richard Van West Charles, and Mr James McAllister who are all part of the orchestrated effort to acquire party power, that one has a right to defend what one has fought for and won; one also has a right to defend and protect the express wishes of the people who have given their support and expect that they would be represented.
Similarly one has a right to protect the democracy within the party and not allow lawlessness to become the order or rule.
Support for those who would ignore the will of the membership of the party is an unwise move when Guyana is under siege by a lawless regime that is prepared to breach the laws and violate the rights of all Guyanese.
The reference made by Mr Cammie Ramsaroop to the 1763 slave rebellion is appropriate, given that the rebellion failed in part because of internal power struggles, when the revolt leaders should have been focused instead on the Dutch who were the real enemy of all the slaves. Instead individuals who felt that they should have been in the ‘coveted’ position of leader, undermined and caused distractions, thus weakening the revolt and leading to it being quashed.
Another lesson to be learnt is that in unity there is strength, and too much preoccupation with one of their own leads to their total destruction. The 1763 Berbice rebellion is a lesson that we all need to learn as we struggle to bring an end to PPP oppression, poor governance and marginalization.
It is no wonder the lawlessness that is prevailing today remains unabated at all levels of society. We, the people of Guyana must expect better from those who are our current and future leaders. They must be held accountable to a standard of excellence in the pursuit of justice and academic integrity.
The internal struggle for PNCR leadership is dangerous and weakening in light of the external offensive targeting the party.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
