An email from Trinidad with lessons for Guyana
by Robert Persaud
Guyana Chronicle
February 14, 2004
TRINIDAD and Tobago and Guyana are similar and dissimilar in so many ways. A most common feature of the two CARICOM states is their history. Both of these nations emerged from colonial domination and exploitation. As former members of the erstwhile British Empire, they shared common experiences in the fight to end slavery, indentureship and colonialism. They are peopled mainly by the descendants of African slaves and Indian indentured labourers. Both Trinidad and Guyana also stand in close proximity to each other within the region and are both members of the regional grouping, CARICOM.
Notwithstanding different flavours, the post-Independence socio-political challenges mirror each other at times. At the same time, the two countries have many differences in terms of geography, natural resources and the structure of their economies.
Politically, both nations have to contend with fractious rivalries and ethnic and racial insecurities. Political leaders in both countries have recognized the need to make the political system more inclusive and participatory. In the case of Guyana, there has been substantial constitutional reform in conformity with this goal, while the government and the opposition in Trinidad and Tobago have agreed to address their minds to this issue.
Traditionally, political scientists and politicians have sought to draw the distinctions between the two societies in their political evolutions. Events of the past several years have influenced social scientists and journalists to point to analogous situations. This became more popular with the defeat of the UNC Government.
For a starter, there are more differences than similarities between the PPP/C and the UNC and this is due to the nature of the political struggle in Guyana since 1964 when the foundations for the creation of an authoritarian political state and culture commenced. Trinidadians, especially the working class wedded to the UNC, may have had to contend with the similar forms of discrimination and marginalization as their counterparts in Guyana, but they certainly did not face the degree of repression, terror and physical deprivations that their counterparts in Guyana had to endure for close to three decades.
The PPP/C's record in Government and the PPP's long and consistent struggle for freedom for the Guyanese people and its advocacy for the downtrodden, in all the continents of the world, set it apart from many other political movements, including the UNC. The late Dr. Cheddi Jagan's international stature makes it incomparable to various other political forces. Another essay is required to delve into the differences between and attributes of the PPP and other political groups in Caribbean, particularly Trinidad and Tobago.
Recently, I was searching the web and ran into an interesting letter being circulated on one of the more popular Caribbean websites. The writer, not me, describes the Trinidad and Tobago situation and suggests a few lessons for Guyanese. How relevant? Readers will be the judges.
According to the writer: "Trinidad was booming, the country was unifying. Government was being run like a business by an action oriented administration, for the first time in history some areas received water from their taps, roads were paved in remote areas, bridges connected communities, new schools built, there was emphasis on training and teaching skills to the very poor black urban areas that hitherto simply begged for a "lil ten days wuk" from government. The media of course never celebrated all these achievements, they were owned by the business groups who favoured dividing Afro and Indo Trinis so they could rule and reporters were on the main anti-UNC. Everything was tried to bring the government down there were strikes, demonstrations, racist talk shows, use of criminal elements - but the government stuck to its task until." The email went on to add: "From right within, the most dangerous enemy of all lurked. From among the very UNC fold paced a (description that would be most unkind) called Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj who felt he should hold the post of leader. Day by day Ramesh crafted his (a certain type of) plan to gain power even if it meant destroying the very political party which struggled for so long to liberate the nation."
The writer who seems to know the Trinidad situation recalls: "He even plotted with others to join with promises of political power. Then he made public all kinds of charges against the party and its leader. He even courted the opposition party and certain sectors of the business community claiming he was the Great Messenger of hope from the wilderness who was destined to deliver the nation. Drunk with power and blind ambition, he led a most vicious, public fight with the party in office. His actions created great disunity among supporters and so embarrassed the party leadership that fresh elections had to be called. This was the beginning of the end ...as a result today the UNC is out of office and this (individual) has served only to foist a (certain type of government) upon the nation. He now remains in the political wilderness having destroyed the future of a country just to make an unsuccessful bid for power."
It is folly to close one's eyes to all possibilities and probabilities. However, Guyana is not Trinidad and Tobago. Certainly, the PPP or PPP/C government of President Bharrat Jagdeo stands tall in relation to counterparts in Trinidad and Tobago. Is the PNCR betting on a Trinidad and Tobago situation? I think not as the history and experiences of the PPP will tell them that this can be an illusion of grandeur. The PPP party is rooted in struggle and in the working class, not in crass political opportunism. But for any peace-loving Guyanese especially members of the PPP, dropping one's guard is not an option.
The writer the email sternly advises his/her readers: "Trinidad and Tobago has a story to tell, learn the lessons, Guyana, and learn the lessons well."
(The author is a leader of the PPP and Information Liaison to the President of Guyana)