By Abena Rockcliffe
Buju Banton’s “Close One Yesterday” is a work of art, especially lyrically. One of the lines that resonate deeply with me is, “envy not the oppressor, choose none of his ways…” I find that line powerful for many reasons. It is especially important when considered next to the maxim, “we become what we hate.” We also see why Buju’s line is an important consideration when we consider the plot of George Orwell’s Animal Farm.
Assuming familiarity with that book, remember how the pigs who took control of Manor Farm eventually perpetuated the actions of the humans they overthrew? In fact, the pigs became even worse especially since they were now oppressing their own.
Many are crying out about the modus operandi of the PPP/C Government. Guyanese complain about the lack of transparency and accountability. They complain about the tendency to suppress the opinions of those who are not singing the approved chorus. They complain about the Facebook bashing and character assassination. And they complain of the double standards.
That of course is an abridged list of complaints. Let’s zero in on the double standard quickly; with some examples. The PPP praised the media back in 2020 for the work done when highlighting the transgressions of APNU and its agents who attempted to rig elections. The media was good then. Media workers were even considered “guardians of democracy”. But when media workers highlight the transgressions of the PPP/C Government, they are automatically treated as enemies of the State. Even those who try to maintain neutrality, like media workers should, are targeted.
Another example is that the PPP loves to be convenient with it position that Guyanese should not be put in a box. Party officials would say Black people should be allowed to vote for any party and allowed to condemn the actions of politicians. But there have been several instances where Indo-Guyanese have been called slurs for supporting or joining traditionally Black parties.
I noticed the oppressed are taking several pages from the book of the oppressors. Particularly as it relates to putting people in a box and ignoring/ invalidating the choices and opinions of those who support the government. The danger here is not only becoming like the so called “oppressors” but the so-called “cause” can lose valuable allies.
Case in point, the reaction given to those PPP supporters with a conscience. I am talking about those who condemned the MV Barima tragedy for what it is, an avoidable mishap. And calling for accountability.
As I see it, not nearly enough Guyanese care enough, be it APNU, WIN or PPP supporters. I am therefore heartened to see those who are allowing their humanity to overpower their politics. I would think that this should be supported. Good governments are made by voters/supporters who demand goodness. When enough supporters let their government know what is expected and needed, the only choice is to act in accordance.
There are a few known PPP supporters/ members who have spoken out and made demands following the tragedy. Among those I have noticed are Richard Rambarran, Nick Sankar and Annette Arjoon.
I especially appreciate the stance of Sankar because he is a young party candidate. He must have been tempted to do all he can to gain the favour of senior party members and move up the ladder. The fact that he is speaking out gives me hope for his future in politics as one of the “good ones” who care about the people and would be willing to delay personal progress for the good of the collective.
Arjoon is not a politician per se. But her unwavering support for the PPP is no secret. This fact has caused her to be labelled a hypocrite by Guyanese who opposed the PPP. Their logic is that one cannot claim to be pro human rights when one openly supports a government that has a poor track record upholding human rights.
My view is that someone may have strong feelings about a matter and still support a government because their support is because of other reasons including consideration of the alternative. I wish not to delve further into this, but I want my view to be on record. When it comes to matters as big as what the MV Barima tragedy represents, all advocacies should be welcomed. If one is an advocate for human rights and dignity, then it should not matter who is the perpetrator. If one welcomes advocacy for a cause, it should not matter what political party that allies support. The cause is bigger than all of us. As I began this piece with Buju, let me go full circle. In other for us to “keep your (our) heads above the water,” we need a critical mass of people willing to demand goodness from the government despite where their votes were cast. Don’t shut them out.
