(Observer)IT has always been the position of the People’s National Congress (PNC), when responding to the question of an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of former Working People’s Alliance (WPA) leader and internationally renowned historian, Dr Walter Rodney, that it was not afraid of such an investigative hearing, for it did not have anything to hide.
This was the publicly stated position of former leader, Mr. Robert Corbin, and even current party chieftain, Mr. Granger, when asked whether his Party was prepared to give testimony soon after the announcement of the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry.
But then came the u-turn, with the announcement that the Party was not going to testify, because of objections to one of the Terms of Reference, but that it was going to have its interest represented by an attorney. What a surprise, given its earlier affirmatively bold declarations!
This meant that the Party was not going to avail itself the opportunity of what it knew of the political activist and historian’s death, as should have been the case. This position was always going to be questioned by many observers, because of the overwhelming perception and conclusion that the Party whose government had been in office at the time had been responsible.
So, now that the Inquiry is in progress, and with some very interesting details emanating from some well known personalities, who in turn have been highlighting the alleged roles played by some very important former State officials in the murder, the Party’s lead representative counsel, and also its parliamentary spokesperson on Legal Affairs, is already declaring that for all that has been said, there has been no evidence as to how Rodney met his death.
Observer does not believe that Mr. Basil Williams should be reminded that, in a nutshell, the COI’s business is to probe the circumstances of the political activist’s death; why he had been killed; and who were responsible. Further, the proceedings are now at an interesting stage, where critically important details have now begun to emerge, which will continue when the Commission re-commences. So why the rush, Mr Williams?
Why the seeming tone of triumph from him? Or is this a sign of panic? Worry, perhaps that his Party will finally be exposed? Is there something to hide?
Surely, the truth process of this COI would have been overwhelmingly assisted, had the PNC decided on testimony. Truth would have been enhanced ten-fold. But, do not worry, Basil, this centrepiece of all morality, as it relates to the Rodney inquiry, will eventually emerge(Reprinted from the Guyana Chronicle).
