People's march protests power, poverty and PPP
By Nigel Williams
Stabroek News
March 30, 2003
Around five hundred persons took to the streets of Georgetown on Friday, joining with the leader of the Justice For All Party JFAP, CN Sharma and leaders of the PNCR in protesting the state of affairs in Guyana.
The demonstration which was organised by the JFAP was dubbed the 'People's March' was aimed at highlighting issues such as the poor electricity service, high water rates, crime and unemployment. The PNCR had been denied permission to stage a separate march on Friday, but had said it would join the JFAP rally.
Sharma told Stabroek News that he was not dismayed by the small turnout, saying that his concern was not about numbers but whether those who participated did so from their hearts.
The JFAP leader said that the protest was not a political one, but one that dealt with the real issues that affected the citizenry, "That's why I call it the people's protest; it is for them. They are the ones who are suffering, not the government, so the protest is for them."
He went on to say that as long as the people were ready and willing he was prepared to hold future marches, urging that it was not time for Guyanese to sit and wait for the government, but to get up and get, for the time has "long gone."
Leader of the PNCR, Robert Corbin addressed the small gathering which assembled at the Independence Park after the march and said that the government of the day was uncaring and vindictive. He commended Sharma for his initiative, adding that the issues at stake had no political, cultural or ethnic divisions. "Comrades, high electricity rates, poor water supply and poor remuneration for teachers are all issues that affect everyone."
He warned that if the government did not deal seriously and immediately with the crisis, they would soon be presiding over a country that had collapsed.
Central Executive member of the PNCR, Raphael Trotman said his party was not surprised that the police had denied them permission to hold a separate march. He said the party had reapplied and if everything worked out it would be holding a march some time this week.
Other persons who spoke at the rally included talk show host, Clem David, UGSS President Victor Bourne, consumer advocate, Sherwood Kendall and Norris Witter of the Guyana Trade Union Congress.
Meanwhile, the march which should have commenced at 10:00 am only started at 11:20 am. Marchers from Linden turned up at the Square of the Revolution bearing placards.
During the march, there were shouts of, "No justice, No peace" and "Sam and GPL must go," but the demonstrators were disciplined.
