Any attempt to repose even the thinnest thread of trust in the words and deeds of the PPP/C government would achieve similar results as someone bleeding next to a shark. Bleeding next to sharks is an analogy that really underscores the fragility of trust in a risky environment. Similarly, trust in the government is not immune to erosion, particularly when confronted with instances of corruption, deceit, or betrayal of public trust. government that does not keep its word.
In this beloved country of ours, we are all too familiar with the government’s track-record in the areas of surveillance, censorship, and certain human rights abuses. In fact, a few days ago, the incumbent was grilled at a session of the UN Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) on cases of human rights abuses, and allegations of corruption against the Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo. Needless to say, that the representative of the government, Ms. Gail Teixeria, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, appeared to have stumbled badly along the path of truth and shockingly found herself between a rock and a hard place, in her not so brilliant attempt to represent and defend the indefensible wrong- doings of the PPP/C government. Indeed, it was a painfully embarrassing moment for Guyana. The government cannot be trusted.
In Guyana, it is common knowledge, particularly among public servants and minorities, in Guyana, that the Ali- led government cannot be trusted. In reality, with this government, nothing is as it appears to be [Guyanese must not take appearances for reality]. Therefore, the real source of who is doing what, or who is pulling the strings, is sometimes hard to grasp. The real agendas of government actions are almost always hidden. The PPP/C government is deceptively soft and indirect in its approach, planning maneuvers with an eye to their effect on public opinion.
Our history is replete with numerous examples of a certain pitiful but dangerous disability inherent in the psyche of the PPP/C: its deceptiveness, which incapacitates trust. From promises of constitutional reform, to renegotiating the contract with ExxonMobil to been transparent and accountable in government, to the fair allocation of the nation’s wealth to treating public servants with dignity and respect. The PPP/C has not honoured one of those promises; not one. Specifically on the Exxon contract, while in opposition, the PPP/C had criticised President David Granger’s 2016 deal with ExxonMobil. The PPP’s campaign pledged to immediately engage the oil and gas companies in better contract administration/re-negotiation. After four years of that party in office, Guyanese are still waiting for even the faintest sign of any intention, on the part of the PPP/C, to renegotiate that contract.
In fact, that party seems to be demonstrating greater commitment to the profitability of Exxon than to the interests of its own people, and the safety of the environment. Citizens would recall that, in a matter filed by two citizens, Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte, for the oil giant to adhere to the requirements of the Liza One Permit and provide the nation with an unlimited parent company guarantee to pay for damages relating to an oil spill, the government fought against the citizens, taking the side of Exxon. The High Court in a ruling on May 3, 2023 ruled that the company must provide the parent guarantee within 30 days. Subsequently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) filed an appeal against the full liability coverage, ordered by Justice Sandil Kissoon. The government later joined the case with Exxon to fight against the Guyanese citizens.
In any case, over the four years, that the PPP/C has been in office, events and incidents have demonstrated that, in truth and reality, the PPP/C government never had any intention of keeping those promises to Guyanese. Those promises were ruses used by that party to get into office. It was a politically deceptive move to capture the reins of political power, to empowered party comrades and friends, and to keep this nation in poverty.
Again, the disability that continues to afflict the government is affecting its ability to be respectful and mindful of the importance of the role our teachers play in nation- building. We witnessed with disbelief the bull- headed approach taken by the government against our teachers during their strike action. Basically, no one in the government paid those teachers any mind. Even the thought of the nation’s children being out of school, for such a long period appeared not to have stirred empathy in the ranks of the government. The incumbent shamelessly and without any fuss went on their merry way as though it was business as usual while children stayed at home and teachers stood in the streets protesting for a better deal. And why not? The government presented a budget of over a trillion dollars but imposed 6.5% on teachers and public servants, whose basic salaries are embarrassingly below USD800.00 per month.
Despite pleas from different stakeholders, the government refused to meet with the Guyana Teachers Union, GTU, under collective bargaining, to discuss teachers’ renumeration package. It took, the good wisdom and decisive action of Justice Sandil Kissoon to order mediation between the Ministry of Education and the GTU. Indeed, the government should be ashamed of itself. But then again, its lack of shame [shamelessness] is one of its core values. But even that order of the court could not cure the disability of the government. On the very first day of the mediation, there was a delay, and as it was to be expected, not many days after talks between the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers Union broke down. Why?
The government refused to keep its commitment as agreed on between the two sides. On Monday, March 4, 2024, the union and government, acting on a Court ordered mediation, agreed to commence talks on issues affecting the welfare of teachers.
The government decided that it was not prepared to consider the proposal put by the union for 2019- 2023; government wants to look at 2024. Rather than allow the process, the government sought to impose its position at the mediation. By doing that it derailed the talks. But the government does not care. Its PR machine came out with a SPIN that the union abandoned the talks. Not true. The PPP/C Government cannot and should not be trusted.
