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| EDWARD HARRIS @ LARGE! The Guyana St. Lucia Association is joining with other Guyanese and their Organisations around the world to lend support to our brothers and sisters who have suffered the worst floods in several decades. Many religious persons will say it is thee warning of God upon the nation of Guyana. However, Guyana is experiencing the effects of changing times as it relates to weather patterns. The weather is unpredictable these days and even when the meteorologists predict a hurricane or storm path in many cases, they change course as was in the case of Ivan in Grenada. Here in St. Lucia we just cannot understand what is happening as the weather is unpredictable. There is no sunny or rainy period, we just have to make do with whatever the day brings. The situation in Guyana calls for a serious look at the way planning for our country’s development is done. It is time for a shift of the capital and less concentration of future expansion on the coast line. It has now been demonstrated that we are vulnerable to flooding and it is very likely that substantial deaths could result in future disasters. Where do we go from here? It is necessary that we begin at the source of our problem which is political. We need a political solution for our nation. It was the promise of the PPP-Civic when they entered office to revisit the constitution of Guyana. The core aspects are yet to be dealt with. President Burnham and his team when the constitution was drafted sought to perpetuate themselves in office. It was the work of genius and when the current administration reviewed the issue of elections they turned a blind eye and will now enjoy the rights and privileges that will keep them in office until we who are alive today are long gone. President Jagdeo has a unique opportunity to leave a legacy that sets Guyana free once and for all. We must return to first past the post and establish true representation for our people throughout the land. There must be a political solution and we must be selfless about it. Where there is no vision the people perish. When we fail to change a system that is against the people of a nation that is the highest form of deception and God will not bless such a nation. Elections must be free and fair and free from fear. There is much to be done for the people of Guyana if we are to return to prosperity. We must do what is right at all cost. In 1997 I got into to politics with the hope that given the method of voting with photo ID that we would have seen a hung parliament and democracy if allowed would have flourished. We cannot but help recognizing the problem we have in Guyana is as a direct result of interference of the British in our politics and the Burnham administration which caused proportional representation to be introduced in the first place and the subsequent introduction of the current constitution. The PPP-Civic inherited a good thing. In the interest of the people, they need to take action to end this intolerable state of affairs. We, the people must begin a campaign for true democratic elections in Guyana and to lobby the international agencies for change in our electoral practices. A change will give meaning to the political life of the nation and hope for the people with the true blessings of our Creator. In the immediate, the people of Guyana are suffering. Aid is pouring into the country. We can only hope the distribution is equitable. I will not be persuaded by rumours of discrimination in the distribution. In St. Lucia, the Guyana St. Lucia Association in collaboration with the Honorary Consul, Mr. Lokesh Singh has launched a Guyana Flood Relief Fund and established an account with the Bank of St. Lucia, main branch which could be accessed from any branch around the island. The account number is 901101 912. Mr. Ronald Ramjattan, Managing Director of Baron Foods Ltd., with the assistance of Cagema, a Shipping Company and the contributions of individuals – Guyanese and friends will be shipping a 40ft container load of supplies to Guyana shortly. The Honorary Consul for Guyana to St. Lucia, Mr. Lokesh Singh has been busy with the media promoting the Guyana Flood Relief Fund. So far the response has been heartening. Looking beyond the flood, Guyana needs us, and whatever the challenges, it will take committed persons at home and abroad to bring about the changes that are necessary. I am firmly convinced that change must come. It must not be allowed to be business as usual. We cannot but conclude that there has been a high degree of neglect in our country. It is time to fix it once and for all. The Carter Foundation ha s got to do more. Maybe, it is time to invite President Bill Clinton to help us to instill some reasonableness into the hearts of our politicians. Let us do anything that will help us to return Guyana to true Democracy. I can imagine that some will say I am inviting foreigners in our national affairs, but it was President Carter who persuaded the PNC to be reasonable and let the chips fall, and it was he who called the exit poll for a PPP-Civic to claim victory. Let him now help to correct what is wrong, and many things are really wrong. Just don’t only keep the faith, do something!!! God is in charge!!! Edward A. Harris Email: thenetworker@candw.lc |
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