Dear Editor,
There is sufficient basis for the opposition, the GTUC, even Mr Yesu Persaud and anyone not to trust this regime, and whatever power is at the disposal of the opposition to ensure good governance should be used and supported by the masses of people. Mr Yesu Persaud was reported in Stabroek News (March15) as calling on President Donald Ramotar, Messrs David Granger and Khemraj Ramjattan to pass the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) bill and for the opposition to abandon their just demands. This is viewed with concern since it offers no guarantees for government accountability and trustworthiness when it comes to managing the affairs of state.
GTUC recognises that Mr Yesu Persaud may be speaking in the interest of the business community, but is of the view that he needs to rethink his position on behalf of those businesses that have no reason to fear foreign nations implementing counter-measures to protect their financial systems from any possible Guyanese money-launderers and terrorist financiers. As a prominent businessman his voice would do well lending support to this nation, calling on all to hold out and suffer any little inconveniences that might be experienced by the opposition action in regard to the non-passage of the AML/CFT. Such an action by Mr Persaud would bode well for good governance and accountability on the part of a government which demonstrates little regard for the people of this nation and the laws of the land.
GTUC as a social partner remains compelled to endorse the actions of the opposition regarding the conditionalities set for the passage of the AML/CFT Bill. GTUC believes this will serve to hold government accountable to good governance and force them to act with basic decency. This nation is reminded that not so long ago the business community, many prominent citizens and some in the international community were condemning local politicians for taking their grievances and power struggles to the streets. It is a contradiction that many who did so now condemn the parliamentary action of the politicians. This forces the question on whose behalf these persons now speak, for evidently the interest of the Guyanese masses, the collective is taking second place to individual or sectarian interest.
Those who now seek to undermine parliamentary actions are reminded that parliament is the place for negotiations, compromise, cut and thrust. That is precisely what the opposition is doing today. The right to parliamentary ‘wheeling and dealing’ in the advancement of laws and the promotion of good governance must not be undermined by any individual, or group domestic or international. Any effort from any quarter to nullify the strength of the opposition to use parliamentary measures to force government to respect the laws of the land and the Guyanese electorate must be strongly condemned by all, since this is the beginning of a dangerous precedent. GTUC views the actions of Mr Yesu Persaud now presenting arguments to indirectly nullify the political strength of the opposition as unfortunate, moreso since he has failed to hold this government accountable for the passage, assent and implementation of bills supporting good governance for all Guyanese.
The masses should also take note of those whose actions are inimical to their well-being and in turn lend their support accordingly. Under the PPP regime other forms of demonstrated opposition/civic power (protests, work stoppages) from entities perceived to be anti-government etc, legitimately exercised by previous oppositions/civic groups/organizations and communities in this society were criminalized, infiltrated and demonized by many ‘respected’ and prominent members of the business community. The inconsistencies of many learned, respected and prominent businessmen point to the interest they serve. The people must therefore familiarize themselves with the issues to understand who are the ones truly representing them and who is attempting to hoodwink them.
We must remember that under this government and the watchful eyes of many ‘prominent’ and ‘respected’ businessmen, trade unions perceived to be anti-government are illegally de-recognized; international organisations are allowed to trample on the rights of local labour; and workers are arbitrarily dismissed. Under the said watchful eyes, this government is allowed to get away with violating the laws of the land and the constitution that is sacred. They are allowed to do what they would not have accepted under any other regime.
The opposition must not give up its right to use the parliamentary power vested it by the electorate. It is their right to so do and they have the support of the masses.
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis
General Secretary
