A Dark Night For Democracy In Guyana
Read by Cathy Hughes, AFC Executive Member

The combined political opposition, along with the religious community, civil society and the trades union movement, wish to express our deep disappointment with the suspension of the broadcasting license of CNS 6 for a period of four months.

We believe that the frivolous explanation proffered by the President is intended to cloud the real intention behind the suspension: the silencing of all voices of dissent.

The very fact that the controversial Vieira commentary was also aired on another channel, but no such action was taken against that channel, evidences the reality that CNS 6 is the victim of sustained Government harassment and persecution. Also, given the fact that this controversial commentary is currently engaging the attention of the Court, this suspension indeed flies in the face of the procedural sanctity of the judicial process.

Such harassment and persecution has to be seen as a component of an established pattern which has included other victims, namely, Freddie Kissoon, Christopher Ram, Raymond Gaskin, the suspension of the Merundoi programme and the religious broadcast from NCN at Linden along with the entire independent media who have been deemed the new opposition.

The reality is that the suspension is purported to be done on the basis of the recommendations of the improperly constituted body of the ACB, the status of which is the subject of court proceedings. This has to be seen as morally and legally repugnant.

The closure of CNS 6 at this critical period, just before the holding of the 2011 General and Regional Elections, can only be calculated to silence all voices of dissent. It is a shameful breach of all the rules, values and conventions of the democratic societal model. Moreover, this suspension has to be seen as a blatant attack on the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression, both in its letter and spirit.

Coupled with the PPP’s monopolization of the State media – treating it as if it is a propaganda arm of the PPP - along with their scarcely disguised control of MTV 65 and the Guyana Times, Sharma’s closure is effected with the intention of denying the political opposition the right to communicate with the Guyanese electorate. It also flies in the face of the electorate’s right to receive such information which would enable voters to make informed decisions.

We believe, moreover, that this suspension effectively vitiates all the lofty ideals recently promulgated by GECOM in its media code of conduct. Thus, this matter must immediately engage the attention of the Commission, since it represents a major jeopardy for the holding elections that are free and fair.

This closure effectively confirms that this PPP regime has indeed degenerated into an elected dictatorship. The political opposition calls on all of the people of Guyana to abandon all indifference and skepticism and vote this dictatorial cabal out of office.

We are indeed aware that all Guyana, regardless of race and class, are outraged by such executive high handedness. However, this sense of outrage must now translate into a united and concerted project to ensure that there is an established democratic process in Guyana.

We call on the international community to recognize and take note of the sustained PPP assault on democratic standards in Guyana.

All Guyana stands in solidarity with the management and staff of CNS 6 in this dark night for press freedom and democracy in Guyana.

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Continued Abuse of State Resources by the PPP/Civic Regime
Read by Gerhard Ramsaroop, AFC Executive Member

The AFC once again condemns the PPP/Civic for its continued abuse of State resources. Just as was seen for President Jagdeo’s Appreciation Day, GuySuCo trucks were again used in their numbers for the PPP rally in Albion, on Oct 2nd last. Vehicles from the Work Services Group, Ministry of Works were also seen.

We note however, that one Government official was doing the right thing, and rather than use the vehicle provided for him by the State at party event, he was using a BK International vehicle. This is what ought to be done. The PPP being such a wildly popular party as it claims, must make use of resources given to it by its supporters and not take from the State. Further to this, AFC activists and sympathisers in Berbice have reported that hundreds of farmers were bribed with fertilizer to attend the rally in Albion. We understand some were given as much as seven bags in reward.

Most of our Guyanese people will remember that it was these kinds of acts the PPP had vociferously condemned the PNC for, when it was in the opposition. In fact, this was a major part of Dr. Jagan’s platform. It is this deviation from Dr. Jagan’s principles, over the past decade in particular, compounded by the absence of Jagan loyalists such as Moses Nagamootoo, Ralph Ramkarran, Komal Chand, Navin and Indra Chandrapal from this election campaign, that is the cause of the massive loss in support for the PPP today.

Recognising this, and being gripped in a mortal fear, is why CN Sharma was shut down for the coming elections. This is yet another act the AFC condemns, viewing it as an unconstitutional attack on Freedom of Expression in Guyana. Nineteen years ago on this day, October 5th, we celebrated the return of democracy in Guyana under the PPP/Civic. Today, under the very PPP/Civic, we mourn the killing of democracy of in Guyana.

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when will Robert Persaud address this issue about the contracts with this indian company?

This is a travesty the minister is involved in a lot of skull duggery here. This is ridiculous.