The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) cannot help but be worried after it considered media reports and social media posts regarding a protest by persons at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara. From the media, we learnt, that those gathered were, in keeping with their Constitutional right, expressing concern regarding the clear threats posed to the nation by the now illegitimate Coalition Government and its consequences for our democracy.
The protest took place outside an activity which President David Granger was scheduled to address. An unusually high security contingent was present according to report. It has been estimated that as many as 140 uniformed police officers were present and unusual security precautions were employed. Certainly, the enforcement measures seemed, in our view, to be excessive considering the protestors, from what we saw, did not appear to be threatening to life, limb or property.
Prior to the President’s arrival, videos emerged about members of the Guyana Police Force engaged in the removal of black flags to signify the seeming death of democracy in Guyana. While, we understand, that prior permission must be sought from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) regarding the erection of paraphernalia on lantern posts erected by the company, the use of members of the police force to remove the flags, which, from our perspective, posed no real security challenge, is a strange and unfortunate development.
We know too that some of the picketers were detained and later released without any charge. We hasten to wonder whether this was a means of intimidation or oppression. Neither is a welcome feature of our times. Also, some of those present reportedly sustained injuries as the security apparatus attempted, maybe, to stifle their expressions for no rational reason. This again cannot be condoned in our society.
Given all factors at our disposal, we see no justification for the extraordinary security presence. Guyanese, once behaving in a lawful manner, have the right to demonstrate their agreement or disagreement on matters. Certainly, the President, prior to taking office, took part and led a number of picketing exercises without restriction imposed. This should be the case at all times. There should be no measure to suffocate that inalienable, hard fought, and won right.
In recent times, the President’s presence has attracted a significant security presence. That presence must have come at a great financial cost for the State. At a time when the nation is gripped by rising criminality as we see and hear about daily incidences of robbery, banditry and other violent criminal acts, the attention of our policemen and women are directed elsewhere.
The Federation nevertheless is most concerned about this trampling upon our Constitutional rights. It is the latest in the evolution of disrespect meted out to our people and our nation in recent times. The continued disrespect for the Constitution and the sacred rights of our people is simply unjustifiable and harks back to a dark period in our country. It is not in the interest of current and future generations of Guyanese to experience a time that belongs in our past. That time was a sordid chapter of our history and one that should remain in the past, as we, as a nation strive to go forward.
