Playing the safety of citizens, central aspect of the PPP culture

Dear Editor,
If there were any lingering doubts about how the Jagdeo PPP/C Government proposes to settle scores with its political enemies those were removed by the outrageous response by Minister Kellawan Lall to a question from well known reporter, Denis Chabrol, regarding the potential health crisis posed by the inability of the Georgetown City Council to ensure the collection of garbage in an acceptable manner.
Minister Lall’s desire for the emergence of a health crisis in Georgetown, no doubt sniffing an opportunity to remove the elected council from office, is callous and irresponsible and underscores the lengths to which this government is prepared to go to settle political scores.
The Minister’s statement seems to be a case of “mouth open, story jump out.” It confirms a widespread belief that the Jagdeo Government sees nothing wrong in imperiling the lives of hundreds of thousands of Guyanese in its pursuit of total control of the institutions of government and state.
Playing politics with the safety of citizens has now become a central aspect of the PPP political culture. WPA sees this as a most frightening development that must be resisted by all patriotic Guyanese regardless of political affiliation.
In the absence of a public rebuke from President Jagdeo and Prime Minister Sam Hinds, and/or his instant removal from office, WPA is forced to conclude that Minister Lall has the full support of the Cabinet.
In this regard we hold the government responsible for any health crisis in the city. Any government that is prepared to play with the health of its citizens in such a manner is violating their human rights.
President Jagdeo and his government know full well that the Georgetown City Council does not have the financial capacity to fund the efficient collection and disposal of garbage in the city.
Hence the Central government is legally and morally obliged to step in and deal with the present emergency. Failure to do so represents a violation of the oath sworn to by the President and his Ministers to uphold the constitution and respect and treat all Guyanese equally.
Desmond Trotman