The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) dishearteningly notes that it is now three (3) months since Guyanese went to the polls on March 02, 2020 to exercise their franchise. Though a quarter of the year has now elapsed, the installation of a legitimate Government predicated on a credible and transparent election results remains incomplete at this time. While we know the ongoing recount process is intent on bringing the process to a satisfactory conclusion and ultimately determine the victor, it is deeply lamentable that the process, so far, has taken such an extended period.
We have seen in recent days and weeks, several have sounded the call for credible results. While we share that view, we see too that notion of credibility, for some, has taken we daresay a warped connotation. In as much as we accept everyone is entitled to their views, we contend that certain principles ought to remain sacrosanct and not bent to suit a certain viewpoint. We know that those who hold those warped points-of-view stand with those who have been consistently harping about certain irregularities. We hasten to wonder whether these cheerleaders do not recognize their folly. In recent days, quite of few of those ‘irregularities’ have been exposed as patent falsehoods and really belong to a world of fiction. The fact that men and women who stand up and call themselves principled and seek to espouse calls about credible elections but yet ignore the many fallacies, causes us, at this time, to question their sincerity to upholding democracy, to respect the rule of law and the concept of social justice and equity. We have to wonder whether it is a case of he who pays the piper calls the tune.
The ongoing electoral shenanigans, of course, have been more harmful for our working-people and their families. In recent days, media reports have brought to the public attention the pain and suffering many Guyanese are facing as they confront the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. Already, the Mayor of Georgetown has indicated a difficulty for the municipality to pay its staffers, while the Region #6 Chairman has pointed to the hardships that are facing many persons in that section of the country. Apart from that, the virtual shutdown of commercial activity has had a significant impact on thousands of Guyanese. Quite a few have been made jobless and shutdown of certain operations has shutoff incomes for tens of thousands.
The FITUG, to this end, has been very vociferous in calling for an adequate social and economic package to assist the vulnerable. In that regard, we have made several suggestions including tax waivers, direct financial support, assistance in meeting financial obligations, among others things. So far, nothing has been forthcoming and even the State’s hamper distribution was halted without any successor arrangement. At this time, we see that Guyanese are asked to submit requests for assistance, though it remains unknown as to when the assistance would be forthcoming. We have heard that appropriate assistance has been withheld given the current status of the Coalition Government. While take this explanation with a pinch of salt, fully well knowing that the de-facto Government has identified some $1B to rehabilitate the former Ocean View Hotel.
The current situation strengthens the need for the electoral process to be completed with undue haste. While it seems that some light at the end of the tunnel is appearing, we see calls for the ‘irregularities’ to be investigated. On this front, we saw an examination, in the media, revealing even records provided from the Immigration Department is apparently riddled with errors. But revealing as that is the call for the Elections Commission to examine and investigate the objections is clearly misplaced. Our statues have catered for such eventualities and have clearly spelt out the process to settle such issues. Therefore, we urge that process be adhered to.
The biggest victims of the prevailing elections imbroglio remain the nation’s workers and their families. They are facing the brunt of the hardship and are seeing their standard-of-life slipping away by the day. At the same time, we see any prolongation in the declaration of the results only serving to further undermine their and their families’ well-being. Moreover, any pursuit or ploy that would give rise to the installation of a Government that is not reflective of the will of the people would be most harmful to thousands of ordinary Guyanese and reverse several years of development and improvement. Clearly, we are seeing the situation of when elephants fight the grass being trampled.
