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VASSAN TO PNC/APNU: CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? WIN ME OVER!

Sep 28, 2011 Letters

 

 

Dear Editor,
Now that Malcolm Harripaul who was previously PPP and ROAR (defunct)  has now finally (?) found solace and wisdom within PNC/APNU he wants me to join his bandwagon for I think, freedom, racial equality and whatever.
My good brother Malcolm  with whom I have always had a close relationship for many years has yet  to explain his new advocacy on behalf of  PNC/APNU. I cannot blame anyone for changing as it is perfectly acceptable in a democracy.
I want to believe that Malcolm may have reassurances from  Mr Granger about  PNC/APNU plans but   he is somehow  unable to reveal them. Maybe PNC/APNU leaders will step forward to convince me to change too, like they were able to change my brother.
Their words will have more significance and weight. But I am not holding my breath. For the peace and security for all Guyanese, moreso as an Indian I can agree to blame both the PPP and PNC for racism, race riots, drug escalation, corruption, upsurge in crime and the continuous exodus of Guyanese. All our problems that we face can be laid at their doors.
We can also give credit for Guyana’s current nowadays  economic boom, increase in housing and infrastructural buildup to who else? Why of course we may even agree it can be shared by both the PPP/C and PNC/R. Right? Both parties should get credit for both the bad and the good.  See how fair I am?
What my old comrade however wants is that massive groups of Indians (like me) should now vote for the PNC/APNU regardless of the blame that both our ethnic groups  and parties have equally shared over the years. Unusual?
What I want to admit is that democracy is more vibrant when one party does not rule in perpetuity.  So how do we ensure that one ethnic group or party does not rule in the manner like the PPP/C and PNC/APNU?
What can Malcolm or any PNC spokesman do to win me and other Indians over like the AFC seems to be doing? See how Dr Rodneys’ arm chair skeleton leftover rejects rush to discard his sacrifices in spite of their claims to be yesterdays purer socialists?  PNC/APNU contemplation of giving half the cabinet and parliamentary seats to the WPA (like they demanded of the PPP/C) must be credited for raising the dead! So what is in it for me and other hard working Indians?
Malcolm or AFC and specifically Mr Granger can, given the history of Guyana’s race conflicts, convince Indians like me who are afraid of the PNC/APNU to vote for them by addressing my fears.
I have asked some of these questions of Malcolm in private before, but to no avail. Now I pose these questions publicly hoping to get reassurances and acceptable answers, not necessarily from Malcolm alone. Mr Granger’s intervention would be most welcome but PNC leader Mr Robert Corbin’s pronouncements would be pivotal.
Is the PNC/APNU willing to reform ie localize power by decentralization to avoid us always blaming the Georgetown-based central government? In other words let the people manage their own affairs.
What policies, techniques, strategies, will the PNC/APNU implement to reduce our people’s continuous dependency on state largesse?
Since emancipation in 1838 to 2011, (now 173 years)  the system has failed to economically emancipate all Guyanese.
What and how will PNC/APNU policies and  practices harness an ethnic appeal across the board as the AFC has been doing?
With a justifiable desire to keep up with the Jones and Jagdeo’s how does the PNC/APNU plan to reduce the large bureaucratic workforce by making them self-reliant and economically independent?
What incentives will be implemented to praise, reward and encourage people for hard work?
Does the PNCAPNU believe in socialism, free enterprise or cooperatives?
Most importantly after I vote (even join) the PNC/APNU and become dissatisfied, crying foul, how will Malcolm or (anyone else) respond to my complaints? With his pen, a good guffaw or ???.
Please understand my fears and concerns right now. Of course I have more questions but…. Concrete, specific and clear responses can make a difference in persuading me and other Indians to change.
Please do not tell me to read the PNC/APNU manifesto. A document cannot address   fears or give answers. Convince and reassure me, win me over  and maybe I will be available  for an  APNU victory.
Vassan Ramracha

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