REPUBLIC greetings to all. Becoming a republic meant that we shed the political symbolisms of the colonial past. Direct political and legislative control of the reins of power was transferred to the people of Guyana. As should have been the case, the Queen of England should take no further part in our political affairs. The unfolding of our historiography revealed that despite independence and republican status, the influence of the crown and its allies were deeply involved in our politics.
We interviewed ‘Kit’ Nascimento for the Freddie Kissoon Show to be streamed on Wednesday at 20:30hrs.
‘Kit’ commented on the geopolitical dynamics that kept the Burnham regime in power despite rigged elections. The forthrightness of ‘Kit’ caught me off guard, he admitted that he knew that elections were rigged and that the CIA and the British Crown were justified in keeping Burnham in power. He said his conscience is clear, working as part of a government that rigged elections. He was pellucid, there are justifications for election-rigging and his justification was that Dr Jagan was an avowed Marxist-Leninist who was ready to sell out to the Soviet Union and a second Cuba couldn’t be countenanced in this part of the world.
I couldn’t help it, I had to ask: how can you reconcile that view with that of many persons who advocated for the rigging of the 2020 elections, because they claimed that a return of the PPP/C will see them invoking state power to pursue the subjugation and domination of Afro-Guyanese, placing them permanently in the ranks of second-class citizens, is enough justification to support rigging of the 2020 elections? You will have to view the show to hear his response.
I raised that issue as an introduction to two issues: one, when the British left, the government that replaced it, in many ways, ruled in the image of the Crown. They continued many of the same policies that kept the people subservient to those who held the reins of power. Some of the same prejudices, divisions, suspicions and injustices baked into the system remained.
There was simply a replacement of leadership. So those who hold power (and their supporters), has always been viewed as “them” versus “us,” who are out of power. Access to resources, power and justice for “us” is hardly a reality when “them” are in power.
This brings me to the second issue: during the protracted period of the 2020 elections debacle, it was apparent among many of those who supported the coalition that the PPP/C had won the elections, yet they kept urging David Granger to hold on to power; many who did not overtly support efforts to keep Granger in office, stayed silent.
There was a fear among everyday Afro-Guyanese that was as genuine as it was palpable. Many believed that a return of the PPP would bring unprecedented exclusion and savage retribution for anyone who uttered a word in support for Granger or more directly, expressed negative sentiments towards the PPP/C. Despite many glaring shortcomings of the Granger administration, they were prepared to ride with him for another term, even under the threat of sanctions.
The possibilities of the actualisation of their fears were greater than any adverse reckoning. In fact, I know for sure, that there were certain elements in the PNC leadership and several of the district leaders who were ready to instigate violent responses to force Granger’s hand. That said, this nation owes Granger a debt of gratitude, if for nothing else relating to that period, that he was stern and tactical about ensuring there is no violence.
Those who contemplated violence feared that Granger will not spare them the full effect of the law, so they held their hands.
I am not making any judgement whether the fears were justified, nor am I making commentary on the merits of how it came to be so prevalent. I’m simply pointing out that this fear existed in a real and pervasive way among Afro-Guyanese.
I believe that the PPP was not insensitive to this fear and immediately upon assuming office, sought to alleviate this fear. The party is making good strides in this regard. As you move around Guyana, you can see how this fear is waning rapidly.
Many Africans may still have suspicions, but that atmosphere that existed in 2020 is no longer there in any significant measure. Dr Irfaan Ali has done much to assuage fear and imbue hope. There is a lot more to be done, but the trajectory is clear.
Elements in the opposition saw that fear (more than performance) almost kept Granger in office, so the received theory is that, if that atmosphere is recreated, the paralysis of fear will lead to a consolidation of the black vote and by chance the hidden magic in the national census can bring the opposition to office.
I believe it is for this reason that the opposition has let loose its fringe elements to demonise and assault any African who is likely to stand as a symbol of diminishing fear. I used to believe that the racist ideology coming from opposition quarters resides mainly in the fringes of the opposition, but given recent responses from the PNC and AFC to the expressed ideology of the WPA, I must now conclude that this is mainstream and a sacred pillar of opposition politics. Caveat Emptor!