GUYANA is evolving and growing rapidly. The country’s socioeconomic factors are changing positively and equally. The dynamics of people’s welfare have shifted, moving from bad and fair to satisfactory and good. Every sector, for example infrastructure, health, education and agriculture is taking off to support the uptake in technology and science. In short, the face of Guyana is receiving a modern lift and advancement. Guyana stands to become the fastest-growing economy in this century in the world.
Even with all the growth and change, some persons and things remain the same. They are constant and stunted; they are not showing any progress or appetite for a new or modern path. The two things being referenced here are our politics and some of our politicians.
Over the past two centuries, while the political dynamics have changed dramatically and drastically, the political discourse and rhetoric have remained largely the same. There is hardly any effort to change these dynamics, or to impact the quality of the message. Mediocrity and foolishness govern the language, tone and carelessness of those who operate in the world of politics. Heavy racist jargon and dialect are still acceptable as public speeches when communicating with the base of a political party or public. The same old divisive and crass political language is used to stir up trouble or cause confusion. This language is usually spoken when it is safe to do so, or nobody is watching from the other side. Then, the hallmark of Guyana’s political existence is told to the bases of both political parties; it takes the form of whisper campaigns or speeches.
One party alleges the other is racist, discriminatory and corrupt, while the other party is restlessly talking about how the other side is power-drunk, dishing out history, and seemingly too busy governing. The public exchanges between the two sides are most times devoid of real facts or evidence, and places the public in a precarious position to choose the lesser evil.
The debate is never healthy, because the PNC-APNU+AFC never defends its policies, plans or proposals. The PNC-APNU+AFC never defends the things they did whilst they were in power; they are given a past by the ever-watchful media, which is supposedly ‘fair’ in its coverage of news information. The compliant media asks no question or enquires into some of the failed projects that occurred throughout their tenures in office, and pour cold water on exposés when they are brought to light. The APNU+AFC or the PNC/R is treated with a feather by the media, but the PPP/C is always, seemingly, the enemy of their pen.
The PPP/C has to defend its policies, plans and proposals when in office, and when it does, the media criticises the language and strength of its defence. The media, Kaieteur News, Stabroek News and a handful of so-called independent media treat the PPP/C as thieves, and fearlessly go after every wrongdoing and corruption allegation. They hammer the PPP/C, but when the party is badly wounded, it retreats, corrects, and continues its journey.
Nowhere in the world or region is a political party as strategic and ever-evolving as the PPP/C. Why the double standard, hypocrisy and political duplicitous nature, you may ask.
It is all coming back to one thing: Guyana must change the way the politicians see each other, engage supporters, and the public; they must turn the page or burn the book on how they treat facts, plans, and engage in debates with each other. The discussion and conversation must change too; it must be elevated.
Additionally, there is more to discuss than race and ethnic discrimination. Much more! This cannot be the jargon only; politicians from both the PNC-APNU+AFC and PPP/C must deal with matters, issues and events without the usual racial undertones, or without having to reference race. They must stick to the facts; they must not try to spin the truth, and must respect the audience or public.
Turning the page means the political discourse will now centre on discussing plans and policies for the future; it will bring more people to participate in the discourse, especially people who were turned on, and young people alike. The discussion has to be shifted to the creation of a unified Guyana: One Guyana. The concept of good governance and national unity will be a hallmark of the discussion on building a modern Guyana.
The politicians can agree or disagree, but with respect and integrity. Don’t go into the gutter; be civil.
There must be a way to determine the rhetoric. Telling lies and desperately changing the narrative is not cute. Engaging in rigging the elections and subverting the general elections is equally not cute and wrong! Act with some civility and decorum.