The USAID Project: Is the government getting a dose of its own medicine?

    Dear Editor, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon’s recent letter published in KN dated 12/28/2013 and captioned “A most disrespectful United States Govt” reflects the kinds of sentiments Guyanese feel when Luncheon’s PPP/C government abuses its power. In his letter, Luncheon suggests that the U.S Ambassador, and in fact the U.S government, did not consult with the Guyana government on the controversial USAID project. According to Luncheon, the government of Guyana was approached after the US authorities would have already decided on the organization to execute the project. Luncheon and the PPP/C government claim that this action is disrespectful to the Guyana government. After reading Luncheon’s letter, if true, I can only describe the situation as one where the PPP/C seems to be getting a dose of its own medicine. I do not wish to address the issue of whether Luncheon is telling the truth or whether the US authorities indeed sidelined the Guyana government, since my focus is to point out to the PPP/C that for the past two decades Guyanese have been treated with similar or worse kinds of disdain by this PPP/C government. We have been disrespected time and time again and the PPP/C and Luncheon have barefacedly thrust the now “vex word” consultation in our face as a faÇade to appease the very international community, including the US government, in order to garner support for their repressive actions. Shortly after the 2011 elections we were told by the minority PPP/C government that the Ramotar government will ‘consult’ with the opposition on the 2012 budget; where was the consultation? In 2013, consultation was again touted, but again the PPP/C bluffed the people. So the Budget was again chopped up. I recall that we were also told that the PPP/C government will consult with the opposition on drafting the Anti-Money Laundering Bill; where is the consultation? The bill remains in jeopardy. Where is the consultation to revive the ailing sugar industry? What is the status of the promised consultation and review of the draconian 16% VAT Ramotar promised on the 2011 campaign trail? Did Ramotar, Luncheon and the minority PPP/C government consult with the Leader of the Majority Opposition when they chartered a flight and headed to South Africa? They took a PPP/C delegation to represent Guyana at the memorial of the renowned world leader, Nelson Mandela. Doesn’t Luncheon think that this is disrespectful to the people of Guyana? Editor, I can go on and on to show how this government has continuously disrespected the Guyanese people. I have written extensively on this issue and have pointed out many instances where Luncheon and the PPP/C would have blatantly disrespected the people. Only a few weeks ago the Minister of Local Government insulted the intelligence of members of Georgetown City Council, the people of Georgetown and the entire Guyanese community when he announced that Carol Sooba, an unqualified person should function as the substantive town clerk even though the council voted to appoint a most suitably qualified individual. In fact, the PPP/C is sending messages to our young people that seem to suggest that meritocracy may have no place in PPP/C led government. If this is not disrespect, tell me what is? Let me state that I strongly believe in the sovereignty of nations, but I am equally mindful and suspicious of those repressive regimes which are ready to mobilize citizens’ support, in the name of protecting state sovereignty, in order to perpetuate their despotic policies. I caution all of us to pay attention to this USAID debacle in order to make informed decisions about the way forward. I am confused that the PPP/C government, which uses the word “democracy” as a buzz word, would want to shut down a project which is likely to enhance and promote democratic values in the Guyana. Something smells fishy, or as Luncheon would say “disrespectful!” Since the PPP/C government now appears to understand how it feels to be disrespected, will it be more respectful to the Guyanese people? Only time will tell! Lurlene Nestor