Guyana Chronicle
April 15, 2001

THE governing People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) yesterday said it is dismayed at the attempts by the main opposition People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R) to "link its current campaign of public terror and violence to the issue of `marginalisation' and no longer to its `concerns' about the March 19 elections.

It was reacting to a statement by the PNC/R that the post-elections anti-government protests were "directed towards the redress of certain strongly held grievances by communities in Guyana which perceive themselves to have suffered gross discrimination and marginalisation over recent years by the PPP government and its agencies."

The PNC/R stand was in response to a statement last week from Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders recognising the legitimacy of the re-elected Guyana Government of President Bharrat Jagdeo.

The PNC/R claimed members of the CARICOM Bureau "are obviously under the mistaken impression that the post election protests in Guyana are primarily related to the outcome of the recent general elections and challenges to the legitimacy of the PPP/C government."

The heads, at a Bureau meeting in Barbados deplored the "wanton violence" triggered by street protests against the government and said they were "deeply disturbed" by events here after the elections.

Current CARICOM Chairman, Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur said the heads reviewed the Guyana situation and decided "that the Community should express its support for the newly re-elected government as it seeks to carry out its mandate entrusted to it by the electorate."

In a statement, Mr Arthur noted that the CARICOM electoral observer mission to Guyana led by former President of the Jamaica Court of Appeal, Mr Carl Rattray, "has advised that a genuine effort was made by the Guyana Elections Commission to hold elections which were free, fair and transparent."

"The report of the electoral observer mission noted that the poll was orderly and in compliance with established procedures, and was conducted in an atmosphere free of intimidation or fear", he said.

"CARICOM Heads of Government fully endorse the report of the CARICOM electoral observer mission.

"We therefore wish to state that we recognise the legitimacy of the present Government of Guyana", Arthur reported.

He said heads "call on all parties to abide by the results of the polls and to urgently commit themselves to a process of genuine dialogue with a view to resolving any differences."

"We do not believe that wanton violence, the destruction of property and the endangering of life can serve to create an environment which can foster economic development and the political and social stability necessary for the Guyanese people to achieve their full potential.

"The Heads of Government of (CARICOM) therefore call for a return to normalcy in Guyana", he said, adding that the community was ready to assist Guyana "in its efforts to overcome the present difficulties."

The PNC/R argued that the "reaction to widespread disenfranchisement at the general elections by members of such marginalised communities was only a spark which set off the protests."

It added that it was a matter of some concern that the heads in their statement said little which could be of comfort to the thousands of Guyanese who, having duly registered and gone through the due processes, found themselves unable to vote on March 19.

The PNC/R urged "our Caribbean brothers and sisters to pay close attention to the socio-political realities of Guyana lest the impression be created that the deep seated grievances of some communities are of little or no concern."

It said it has made clear its intention to negotiate on behalf of marginalised communities and is ready to raise these matters in a constructive spirit with the PPP/C government.

"We will also support and where appropriate organise peaceful activity in support of the changes which we have articulated and which we believe to be eminently reasonable," the PNC/R added.

In its response to the PNC/R stand, the PPP/C said, "Our brothers and sisters in CARICOM countries can testify to the thousands of Guyanese who fled marginalisation and pauperisation under the long years of PNC dictatorship and took up residency in their countries."

It said that since 1992 when it took office, the PPP/C has been correcting this marginalisation and reducing poverty to the benefit of all Guyanese.

The governing alliance argued that the PNC/R repeated its "scandalous accusations of `discrimination' and `marginalisation' of various communities...(in) an attempt to justify its violence and unrest."

These claims of discrimination and marginalisation are without any factual basis, it stated.

It said the communities referred to by the opposition party are now much better off than they were in 1992 when Mr Desmond Hoyte was President.

Another issue of grave concern to the PPP/C is the "demeaning response" of the PNC/R to the recent statement by the Chairman of CARICOM on the political situation in Guyana.

"Earlier, Prime Ministers Dr Kenny Anthony and Basdeo Panday, along with former Prime Minister (James) Mitchell were subjected to much abuse and vilification by the PNC after they took a principled stand on the Guyana situation," it pointed out.

"Now the PNC has taken a shot at the entire CARICOM because of its most recent call for dialogue and a return to normalcy in Guyana," the PPP/C added.

"True to its form, the PNC is once again trying to situate its naked attempts at power grabbing through violence in an ethnic context."

The PPP/C noted that President Bharrat Jagdeo has been on record as stating that the violence and robbery are the work of thugs and criminals who exploit the environment created following the PNC's call for `slow fire' and `more fire'.

It called on the PNC/R to categorically denounce those who perpetuate such criminal acts and urged the Guyanese people to "resist the PNC's ploy to divide us along racial lines".

President in Easter message `Come out in your numbers to show you reject violence' PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has urged Guyanese to come out in their numbers for the Easter weekend to show the world that they reject violence, incitement and intimidation.

His Easter message reads:

"A Happy Easter to all Guyanese, particularly our Christian brothers and sisters.

Over the past weeks, Christians prepared for Easter.

Many participated in Lenten devotions and Good Friday services.

Easter marks the rising of Jesus Christ from the dead and therefore should be a time of great rejoicing since for Christians it marks the conquering of death.

I know, however, that the recent events in our country have cast a negative shadow over this year's commemoration.

But our people have historically shown that they possess great faith.

I am, therefore confident that we shall overcome the deeds of the retrogressive forces that today stalk our land, spreading fear into the hearts of our people and causing destruction to businesses, homes and even churches.

To all those who have suffered, I share your loss, your hurt and your burning desire for peace.

All Guyanese should take note that the message of Easter is a reminder that the spirit of renewal will prevail over hate and violence.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ calls us to a true spirit of solidarity so that peace and goodness will triumph.

This Easter weekend, I urge all families to let this spirit of optimism glow in your hearts.

May it soar with the thousands of kites that will dot our skyline on Easter Monday.

Those who cherish peace and freedom must come out in their numbers to give meaning to this occasion.

By this act, we will show the world that our people reject violence, incitement and intimidation.

Easter greetings to all the people of Guyana!"

TUC condemns violence, urges dialogue THE Guyana Trades Union Congress (TUC) has publicly condemned the reported incidents of violence over the past two weeks and is pleading for an immediate end to all actions that are leading Guyanese to the precipice of national destruction.

The TUC is also calling for good judgement to replace anarchy.

"We cannot, as a nation, seek to heal our wounds without accepting that there exist genuine problems which ought to be addressed by all and sundry," TUC General Secretary, Mr Lincoln Lewis told a news conference Thursday.

Also at the news conference were TUC President, Mr Norris Witter and the Principal Assistant Secretary, Mr Andrew Garnett.

Lewis said the recent unfortunate events must be treated as an experience which all must benefit from.

"Let us sit around the table and in dialogue take meaningful and lasting decisions that will firmly place our beloved country on the irreversible road to development and prosperity," he added.

Lewis said the TUC is also concerned at the role by members of civil society who behind closed doors perpetuate divisiveness and race hate and then publicly call for national unity.

"For those who would like to know which side we are on, we shall not deceive you...we are neither the mouth piece for the PPP/C, the PNC/R or any other political party; we are on the side of justice, fair play and bread for the citizens of this nation," he stated.

He said it was not the TUC's role "to take sides in this issue but to highlight our concern and to help to move the process forward so that we can bring about the level of progress we all yearn for."

According to the TUC General Secretary, to only condemn the police for what they have done was failing to take note that the police are a product of the society.

Those who have seized the opportunity to beat and rob innocent citizens must be condemned, but a blind eye cannot be turned on the social and economic problems in society, he argued.

He noted that the peaceful process of picketing has been there from the days of the Greek and must be allowed to continue "within the confines of the law".

The problems in the society, he argued, are only being addressed marginally when it is threatened and on most occasions it is only token consideration that is given to expressed concerns with a view of restoring normalcy.

The leadership of the TUC has also noted they met and had a healthy discourse on Wednesday with the People's National Congress (PNC) and subsequently with President Bharrat Jagdeo.

The TUC said it had promised that at the conclusion of both discussions on Wednesday, it will express its thoughts in writing to both sides.

Lewis said the TUC had since complied.

In a document presented to both parties, the TUC said the following:

"Some way will have to be found to ensure that ongoing results of the dialogue process are regularly publicised.

The TUC is best positioned to function as the interlocutor of this dialogue.

It must be assumed that both the PPP/C and the PNC/R want a reduction of the instability and volatility in Georgetown. This is the most urgent and pressing national priority.

If not, we may soon not have a Georgetown. At the same time, an analysis of PPP/C and PNC/R recent policy statements confirms that there is general agreement on the list of joint concerns.

From this standpoint, these issues constitute an integrated short-term package with the management of the city of Georgetown as its core.

Both the PPP/C and the PNC/R are therefore asked for their views on administrative arrangements in place for the city. If it is agreed that they are impractical and not sustainable in the short or long term, then:

** Can the parties share a view on what should be the outcome of the current predicament?

** What is needed to provide for a cessation of the violence and protest?

** What are the conditions under which the national dialogue can begin?

** And what will convince all citizens that their personal security and safety are of paramount importance?"

The TUC also highlighted a number of issues in its written document to both parties, including the fact that the local government elections are being delayed.

A precedent was set when the PPP/C established an Interim Management Committee (IMC) for the city, it said.

According to the TUC, using the results of the recent elections, a design for the composition of a new IMC (eg. PNC/R Mayor; PPP/C Deputy Mayor, etc) is therefore not only possible, but will be seen to be fair and workable.

The TUC said the difficulty will be on reaching agreement on allocating resources from Central Government, financial accountability, etc.

It, however, said once the political will exists necessary measures can be put in place.

The IMC can then embark on preparing a draft plan for the development of the city. It can do this on the basis of providing maximum involvement of ratepayers, professionals, businesses and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), it suggested.

The TUC posited that this arrangement should stand until such time as local government elections are held.

Lewis said there are a number of benefits to be accrued by this, suggesting:

** It is a timely, practical and symbolic gesture.

** It demonstrates a creative solution in the interest of all.

** It replaces protests and demonstration with hard work and starts the process of reconciliation.

** It can be used as a model for immediate application in other cities and towns.