“O, what a tangled web we weave…”
The PPP/C, upon assuming office, has been convincingly trying to undo many of the iniquities of the former APNU+AFC, mostly revealing the level and scope of corruption, as well as the shortfalls in terms of economic development. The APNU+AFC has sold out Guyana to big oil. Raphael Trotman is yet to answer, and even to provide a reasonable explanation. Guyana has lost a significant part of its patrimony, its pride, self-reliance, independence, and freedom. Big oil has its corrupting influence, and this has seeped into the spiritual structure of the past government.
In addition, the ignominious and downright dirty ploy of APNU+AFC to thwart democracy by blatant rigging of the national elections will stand out as a major stain – for posterity. The nation suffered, and has become a laughing stock. One young man was killed during his protest against the rigging, reminiscent of the ballot box martyrs.
Supporters of the PPP/C (and many patriotic others) stood firmly. APNU+AFC were adamant, stubborn, and used all kinds of ploys to circumvent the constitutional process of Gecom in spite of international objections. Democracy prevailed only because of threats of sanctions by the US!
The oil deal was done; the PPP/C inherited an extremely bad deal. But there was a chance for renegotiation of the Payara oil project. The press and a few other organizations and individuals were on the forefront exposing the skewed deal in favour of big oil. The PPP/C buckled, and signed the Payara project without gaining anything of significance. What a shame!
The PPP/C’s “practise to deceive” will go down in history ingloriously. Shame to the party that I and so many others supported.
Yours faithfully,
Gary Girdhari
