The Guyana Observer News’ article “APNU / PNC & the PPP’s back room dealing, Corbinology 101” came to by attention by a third party soliciting a comment. Having read this article I find it offensive since it seeks to implicate me in activities I am no part of and make fun/light of issues I passionately embraced on behalf of the marginalised.

It is known a key element employed by those who seek to destroy an individual or group is to first poke silly jokes in the process of labelling them with a view of convincing society that the individual or group should not be taken seriously. After this process of demonisation it opens the door to justify the elimination of the individual or group. This is a process used by persons and groups in their quest to grab power and oppress people in society. In my instance I see this as an attempt to make light of serious efforts to empower the people and workers to know their rights, the Constitution and laws and to stand up to those who threaten or deny same, including those who purportedly claim to be acting on their behalf.

I take this act very seriously and know it would not have been done if I were not a member of the African community and one of the loudest and sincerest voices that have constantly and unwaveringly fought against the transgression of rights and the violation of laws. Thus inserting my name in a fun ridden and demeaning manner is to communicate to the people, workers and moreso the African community that I am selling out to the politicians, which is something I take seriously.

The speakers today, bar none, inclusive of everyone who write and talk about rights and the rule of law, I have been the architect and protagonist of the current conversation, which commenced in 2002.  I made a conscious decision in 2002 after observing the landscape and the lone voice of Desmond Hoyte, to begin a one-man education campaign to correct this societal deficiency. I remember being condemned for my posture by persons who were advancing the program of the runaway train and who subsequently fall victim to it. Therefore I read this article an intent to demean the efforts of my struggle to empower the people and moreso African Guyanese to known their rights and stand up for same.

 

While I seek no praise from the author(s) of this article, I shall allow no one to demean or poke fun at my character, which I guard zealously.

 

On this Linden issue I have not been silent, neither has I allowed Mr. Granger, the APNU and any other to get away without accounting and feeling our wrath. I have been part of the struggle to respect the Lindeners’ right to self determination- be it economic, political, social and/or cultural. I have done so fearlessly at the negotiation table, in the media and on the streets. As recent as yesterday I spent the entire day in the town, addressed a gathering on the issue of electricity and other socio-economic problems, and worked with the leaders to put systems in place to plans for their own development.

 

I have stood up against every issue I consider not to be in the interest of the workers and citizens during the tenure of Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, Cheddie Jagan, Sam Hinds, Janet Jagan, and Bharrat Jagdeo. I have stood up against the PNC, PPP, AFC, WPA, TUF and every political party that engages in action I think is inimical to the people. When it comes to the matter of workers and people’s rights my record is consistent and can withstand scrutiny. If needs be let it be scrutinised for what it is but I reject any attempt to make fun of or ridicule my efforts on a matter of such serious import since I see this as an effort to undermine the rights of people and the struggle of those genuinely committed to safeguarding them. For me this is not about politics, winning seats, or cannibalising on the plight of the unfortunate for political expediency or ego. This is about empowering people to stand up and fight for what is theirs, including holding their leaders accountable.

 

We must put an end to this type of public discourse of bringing others down, lying and demonizing others to suit a personal agenda or give the impression of commitment to a cause. There is enough space in the battle field for more soldiers to pitch their tents, select issues they want to go fight or join with other in their fights. If needs be to discuss the Linden issue, do so with honesty and decency. It leaders have to be under scrutiny and rightly so, do so with integrity.

Lincoln Lewis