Dear Editor,
Nowhere in the world has a bully just awakened one morning and decided to end his abuses. Yet the prevailing and cowardly refrain to victims is often to walk away, take the high road, or just ignore the abuses. In the Guyana political context, this strategy has only served to embolden the PPP government and if any group of people, especially Africans, believe that their salvations lies in acquiesce and cowardly highroadism, then they are sadly mistaken and further, history is replete with lessons on how this approach will relegate our children to a future of those same abuses which we endure at the hands of the racist PPP government.
Editor it is my position that when Kwame McKoy initiates a verbal attack on a woman and the women in the PPP party remain silent, then a verbal attack of equal measure must be returned to a women the PPP cherishes. When the PPP decides to evict and abuse our people in Mocha, then we must launch a nationwide strike of all of those businesses owned by the business class that keeps the PPP in government. When the government refuses to increase teacher salaries, then we must encourage and support a nationwide strike. When Jagdeo launches an abusive tirade on Thursdays, then we must return to him and those who support him, equal measure of the force he spews. He must receive similar and unrelenting attacks from Friday until the following Wednesday and this approach must repeat until he learns his lesson. Contrary to opinions in some quarters, Jagdeo is not very bright, so be prepared for an extended engagement. He has more to lose.
There are those in the diplomatic community and in other high places for whom peace and stability is their only concern. They watch from their perches on high, as African people are abused and relegated to laborers and security guards in this society and yet they continue to appear in smiling photos with members of the racist and barbaric PPP government. The diplomatic community must act now to get the PPP to end their evil and vicious behaviors or they must say nothing when the PPP reaps the whirlwind.
In Guyana’s media landscape, the government wields immense power, controlling nationally distributed outlets such as NCN, the Chronicle, and numerous radio stations. Coupled with the unwavering support of certain news outlets and media personalities, the government has become accustomed to launching vicious attacks against citizens with impunity. They know all too well that their media allies will shield them from criticism, while the average citizen cowers in fear, reluctant to speak out against their bullying tactics. This too must end. For every attack, an attack must be returned.
Editor, we have reached a breaking point. We refuse to stand idly by while the government and its cronies trample on the rights of citizens and stifle dissent through intimidation and coercion. The days of unchecked bullying must come to an end, and we are prepared to take a stand against this culture of fear and repression.
We recognize that challenging the status quo comes with risks. The government has a long history of retaliating against those who dare to question their authority. However, we must refuse to be silenced by fear. We must refuse to allow our voices to be muzzled by threats and intimidation. We must not shy away from our responsibilities as citizens of this great nation, no matter the consequences.
An eye for an eye is the only answer to PPP abuses. Yes, some will say that responding to bullying tactics with more of the same only perpetuates a cycle of violence and repression, however not responding, guarantees a lifetime of victimhood for our children and grandchildren and their children. We must respond with courage, resilience, and unwavering determination to uphold the principles of an eye for an eye. If we all go blind, then so be it.
Shane Headley