GINA - JULY3, 2002, a day that is engraved in the memory of Guyanese and even outsiders, as it was the tragic day that a few misguided citizens dared to cross the path of democracy and stormed the complex housing the highest office in the land - the Office of the President.
The remaiins of one of the two killed invaders deing removed.
The remaiins of one of the two killed invaders deing removed.
It was also a proud day for Guyana, as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government 23rd Meeting began here.
At 21:00 hrs on July 3, 2003 producer of “Lets Talk”, a programme aired by Neaz Subhan of GTV Channel 11, will host a live one-hour programme reflecting on the invasion of the complex. Information Liaison to the President Mr Robert Persaud will be the guest.
The invasion of the Office of the President occurred shortly before the official opening of the Meeting of Heads of Government of Caribbean countries at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) in the City, and was followed by arson, attempted arson and several attacks on citizens and their properties.
The incursion stemmed from a protest started on the East Coast of Demerara. People’s National Congress Reform activist Phillip Bynoe and former controversial television talk show host Mark Benschop led the protest, which ended with two protestors being killed and several others injured. Properties, including computers within the Accounts Department of the Office of the President were damaged.
The storming was condemned not only nationally, but also internationally, including by the CARICOM Heads who were meeting in Georgetown at the time.
CARICOM Heads Statement
HEADS OF government were greatly disturbed by the acts of violence committed on July 3rd, 2002 by bands of persons who flouted the law with the intent of creating social disorder.
They strongly condemned the attack on the Office of the President and the criminal acts which led regrettably to assaults on innocent persons, loss of life and the destruction of property in the city.
They reiterated their commitment to uphold and respect the traditional democratic values of the community. Among these values is the commitment to respect the institutions of Government and to the holding of periodic elections for the people to determine the government of their choice.
In this context, they recalled that, CARICOM, along with a number of highly reputable international organizations and other entities, had observed the last election held in Guyana and had found that it had been freely and fairly conducted. It was therefore their view that the result should be fully accepted.
Heads of Government reiterated their condemnation of any attempt to use extra-Constitutional and illegal means aimed at removing democratically elected Governments for Office. Such actions were contrary to several international resolutions, including the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which have been agreed upon by all hemispheric states.
Heads of Governments reaffirmed the need for all parties to adhere to the principles of the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of controversies through dialogue and negotiation.
(July 5, 2002)
STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE HIGH COMMISSIONS OF CANADA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM AND BY THE EMBASSY OF THE U.S.
CANADA, the United Kingdom and the United States share the deep concern of others, including CARICOM Heads of States and Government, about the recent events in Guyana, some of which have resulted in tragic loss of life.
We attach great importance to vigorous democracy in Guyana, based upon democratic values and practices and supported by democratic institutions. We endorse the principle that the will of the Guyanese people, expressed through regular, free and fair elections, must be the sole basis of the authority and legitimacy of the government. Furthermore, we believe it is the role of Guyana’s government to safeguard the human rights of its citizens, including the right of peaceful assembly, and to implement all of its international obligations and commitments.
Change in Guyana can only be achieved through constitutional means. Violence and related activities from any quarter can never advance the genuine interests or prosperity of the Guyanese people. The use of violence as a means to an end is contrary to all democratic principles and civilized behavior and must cease if Guyana is not to degenerate into a state of lawlessness. We therefore call upon all political leaders to disassociate themselves for any acts, which may disrupt public order and underline the rule of law.
Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States call upon all Guyanese to work together to secure through democratic means a society free of fear in which all individuals can advance and enjoy the prosperity they deserve.
(July 6, 2002)
‘Mad men’ who sanctioned overrunning of O.P. are to be condemned
IT IS with deep anguish I write this letter condemning in the strongest terms the ‘mad man’ who sanctioned, encouraged, persuaded and led persons to overrun the Presidential Complex. At this same time, let me compliment the Police Force, most especially the Presidential Guard for the restraint shown on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2002.
To the traumatized staff members of the Presidential Secretariat and their families, I would like to say how profoundly sorry I am for the agonizing experience you were subjected to. To the persons whom I witnessed being brutalized and robbed in the vicinity of the St. George’s Cathedral as I said farewell to my brother and all other citizens who suffered on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2002, and most especially the businessmen and their families who suffered losses due to fire and theft, my heartfelt sympathy.
Let me state, I have in the last twelve months or more made it clear by my utterances and my action that I refuse to be a participant in the combative politics, because it is my view that combative politics serves none of the parties involved. Further, I have in this period made it known to my family, friends and colleagues that any political discussions I will be involved in would only be those that address the core issue, that is how do the two major races (political parties) construct constitutionally a government arrangement that takes into consideration each other’s fears and aspirations. I reiterate, I stand ready and committed to play whatever role I can in this process. It is the only way out.
Let me take this opportunity to implore the membership of both political parties as we approach our Congresses (July and August), it is incumbent upon us to make the type of decisions that will help to save this land of ours. The most fundamental decision in my opinion we will have to make is who do we elect to the leadership position of our parties.
We have two choices: either we elect men and women with outdated ideas, or men and women with new ideas and a vision to help us heal this nation and deal with the challenges that confront us. My advice to you will be let us choose wisely; let us choose leaders who represent the latter.
Security forces in action during protest in Regent Street.
Security forces in action during protest in Regent Street.
Whilst writing this letter, Mr. Editor, I was very much aware that it will cause unease in some quarters. I suspect that in those quarters some will say let us ostracize him; some will go further and say let us banish him. I am willing to pay the price, whatever it is. Yes I am willing to pay the price of being unpopular in some quarters if it will have helped to save some persons for being killed at the behest of ‘mad men’ in the future.
Also if I fail to condemn this lunacy I would not be doing service to my god, my conscience, my family and to the memory of my just departed brother.
JOSEPH L. HAMILTON - STABROEK NEWS JULY 4TH
PRIVATE SECTOR
THE PRIVATE Sector Commission of Guyana strongly condemns a number of events, which dominated the lives of our citizens in disastrous ways on Wednesday July 3, 2002.
The reports reaching the PSC reveal a number of robberies, which were directed against persons of varying ages living along the route of the illegal procession from Clonbrook, in the full view of members of the security forces. There are no corresponding reports of arresting action taken against alleged offenders.
The anticipatory intelligence of the Police Authority must have been stretched very thin to permit an illegal procession into the city on that monumentous day, albeit led by police guards. To indicate two days later, that the organizers will be charged is not good enough. Those who clearly break the law must be dealt with promptly.
The invasion of the Presidential Complex was disgraceful and a dangerous misadventure. Why and how it was accomplished leaves a lot to be desired of the competence of the external and internal security.
To endanger the lives of the employees is an indictment against the employer, the government. Even employers in the informal sector endeavor to protect their workers in the face of calamity.
The wanton destruction of private property, the looting and the assault on innocent children, parents and other adults going about their business who were forced to flee the marauding bands added to the disgrace of our country to our esteemed visitors.
Private business no longer finds Georgetown and Guyana a safe place for business and investment. The PPP and PNC cannot be so blind as not to recognize the path of destruction to which they are both taking our country and our people.
The PSC is willing to ally its efforts with all NGOs, Church and non-political groups as soon as it can be arranged, so that these stakeholders can reach conclusions as to how our nation can be spared such a cancerous malady.
GUYANA BAR ASSOCIATION STATEMENT
THE GUYANA Bar Association (GBA) wishes to express its grave concern at the significant erosion in the maintenance of law and order in the City of Georgetown on July 3rd, 2002.
The GBA is perplexed by the exercise of judgement, which facilitated the gathering of a large crowd in the immediate vicinity of the Office of the President, the subsequent fires, the destruction of property and the several unprovoked assaults on the Citizens of the Republic.
While the circumstances surrounding the deaths can only fuel a rapidly escalating cycle of violence, which must be avoided at all costs.
The GBA considers the continuing deterioration in the maintenance of law and order as a matter of the utmost national priority, which requires the immediate attention of those vested with the responsibility of the management of national affairs.
C.A. NIGEL HUGHES
REMARKS BY MR. MARCOUX SERGE
“OUR COLLECTIVE progress in implementing the agenda of the summit of Quebec has been demonstrated during the last twelve months in each of these three sectors: political, economic and social. Our new Inter-American Democratic Charter has, almost immediately after it’s adoption, been put to test in a neighbouring country. The nations of the America have reacted quickly and firmly to what is described in the Chapter as “an unconstitutional alteration or interruption of the democratic order in a State of the Hemisphere”. They have shown their resolve, from now on, not to recognize changes of governments by means other than those provided by the constitutions of our respective country. Negotiations towards a Free-Trade Agreement of the Americas are proceedings according to schedule. The Institute for Connectivity of the Americas has started its work in North, Central and South America. And the Inter-America Committee against Terrorism will continue its work to prevent groups of individuals from imposing their views on entire populations by violent means”.
June 28th 2002
Excerpts from a Commentary by Kit Nascimento
“THE OFFICE of the President is where government is headquartered. A politically motivated, violent attack and invasion on the Office of the Head of State of any country can only be regarded as an attempt to overthrow of the government. What happened on Wednesday was just that. It was not simply a political protest out of control.
We know that whenever international conferences take place the world over, political parties and organizations with something to protest, use them as occasions to attract media attention to their cause and that often tempers flare, emotions run high and violent, usually unplanned behaviour results. This was not the case on Wednesday.
This was not an unruly mob, out of control, seeking vengeance where opportunity presented itself. Wednesday’s attack on the Office of the President and the subsequent fire bombing of business places in the city was planned and organized. People were mobilized with the express purpose of removing from office a legitimately elected government.
If ever it was the intention of those who organized Wednesday’s march to earn the sympathy and support of the Caribbean and international community, then they need their heads examined. But the violent assault on the Office of the President was hardly that. It was clearly deliberately planned and executed.
PNC Chairman, Robert Corbin and senior PNC members Vincent Alexander and James Mc Allister, were seen and, in fact, made no effort to disguise their involvement in organizing the march which led to the assault and firebombing. If it was not part of the PNC/Reform’s plan to carry out this utterly senseless attempt at rebellion, they cannot excuse themselves from responsibility.
What is incomprehensible, is that a party possessed of the wealth of intellect, intelligence, political experience and quality of leadership, that is to be found within the PNC, should even remotely consider that there can be any useful purpose at all in contemplating, never mind organizing, a rebellious overthrow of a legitimately elected government. Yet, it is exactly this that the PNC appears to be embracing. Surely men like Deryck Bernard, Raphael Trotman, Standly Ming, to name a few, are not prepared to excuse, never mind endorsed this.
The majority of us, regardless of the party we may support, are absolutely fed up and tired living in fear and the daily uncertainty about our personal safety and well-being. The majority of us want our political leaders to sit down and talk to each other and negotiate their differences within the framework of the constitution and the law.
The majority of us recognises and admits that racial suspicion, division and confrontation, driven by politics will destroy us. The majority of us expect our political leaders to do the same and to do something about it. We did not put them to wage war and make us the victims.”
Mr. Nascimento was a former PNC Minister of Government.
(July5, 2002)
OPPOSITION PARTIES SHOULD ACT RESPONSIBLE - ST. KITTS PRIME MINISTER
PRIME Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr. Dentil Douglas believes that it is important to have all views incorporated in the governance of States.
The Prime Minister, speaking at a briefing session during the three-day Conference of Caribbean Heads of State, said there were brief discussions during the conference on whether political parties should be part of the social partnership groups of civil society.
The views, he said, should not be only of the entrenched Opposition in Parliament but where there is no viable Opposition in Parliament, those parties which are opposed to the Government should have the necessary access to the media to express those views.
Dr. Douglas emphasizes a principle of inclusivity, not exclusivity. He said that the system of Government in the Caribbean allows for the parliamentary Opposition to have its views expressed in such a way to impact and inform the decisions of the Government of the day.
However, the St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister noted that “in the same breath the parties should do so responsibly and not in a way that would bring harm and destruction to the country”.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Guyana’s nearest Caribbean island neighbour, Mr. Patrick Manning shares similar views.
At his briefing session the Trinidad and Tobago Head of State said that in the countries which still retain what is basically the Westminster system, ‘the role of the opposition is not to oppose but to call the government to account.” he pointed out.
Mr. Manning noted that in the light of the rapid change of governments in the Caribbean recently, “the interest of Regional integration would best be served if some kind of mechanism is identified for keeping leaders of the opposition in the Region informed of developments with in the Caribbean Community”.
HAMILTON GREEN’S LETTER TO THE STABROEK NEWS
“TO ALL patriots, together we must advance this process of discipline, reconciliation, atonement and redemption. Whatever efforts are made to heal our wounds, unless the media can behave responsibly we stay on a treadmill running, but going nowhere. Some letters to one newspaper are never published. The watchword of the media needs to be balance, and to seek after the truth, the whole truth and nothing else.
Let us begin to call a spade a spade and acknowledge the need for real change for the sake of our young people and Guyana.
I hope friends within the several political groups will not dissect this letter, trying to interpret it as attacking or praising some group or person. That is not my intention, but unapologetically it is an effort to advance Guyana.
Years ago in the National Service we were taught to answer this question: “Can we do it?” In spite of the dark clouds I expect the answer to be as it was then: “Yes we can!”
PNC/R has allowed violence prone minority to speak for it
I MUST say on behalf of the rest of the REFORM except for our two MPs who have refused to speak out, that we condemn the unruly act of violence (on Wednesday) that has put shame on our beautiful Guyana. It is not only about speaking out but also practical actions to prove that we are not in support of any call for the government to be toppled by force. It may be time that our two (REFORM) MP’s step out of the shadows and return to parliament to discuss the necessary reforms needed to move our nation forward. No need to let the PPP/C do this alone; they can’t. We must arrest all individuals who instigated this act of violence and must not refer to them as leaders. Leaders are individuals who lead their people to greatness not death. I am in full agreement with Mr. Joe Hamilton’s letter in SN 07/06/02. Many recognize his courage. The fact that senior leaders of the PNC/R will sit on the same stage with these individuals that led this act of violence is appalling.
Every time a business is destroyed, fewer jobs are there for our people. They are causing our country to suffer both economically and socially. To infer that because people are bitter they have the right to perform such acts is again appalling. All international news media, AP, CNN, BBC, carried the news as “Police, meanwhile, kept a heavy presence on the streets of the South American country’s capital to prevent further outbreaks of violence such as the confrontation between Police and Opposition Party protesters that left two dead and at least 12 wounded on Wednesday “. To our PNC/R executives, this continues to be our image locally and internationally. We need to wake up and realize we have failed our supporters.
It is time to put practical solutions and learn to negotiate for the betterment of all Guyanese. As Mr. Hamilton said, we must address the core issues of our party and race politics.
None of us can sit back and allow our image, our integrity and the trust of the majority of our supporters to be tarnished. We are allowing a minority of supporters who like the streets and violence to speak for the majority of law-abiding citizens. It is time more of us speak out against the lack of focus by our leaders on both sides. Mr. Hamilton, your courage and those of many others will make a difference.
Perer R. Ramsaroop
PNC/REFORM
MICHAEL-businessman:
“I think it was wrong. They should have had their respect for the OP and nobody should have entered the compound. Why weren’t the security forces there to prevent this from happening? If they were there the people might not have ended up in the compound”.
RICHARD SAMUELS: pensioner
“I think that the storming of OP was wrong. And if it was a protest, they should have gone in and left without causing the kind of mayhem that was caused. What it is being read as that it was an attempt to assassinate the President, but I wouldn’t go as far as to say that. I would agree with any form of protest but it must be done in the right manner. You carry your placards, you march, you sing your songs, you move form one place to the other and somebody address the group at the end. Then you disperse. I consider what took place on Wednesday as public lawlessness. It could have resulted in much more but the police are more constrained now”.