Alternatives to blind rage
Editorial
Guyana Chronicle
October 11, 2002
YESTERDAY there were mixed reactions to the shutdown organised by a section of the business community.
Many of the citizens spoken to were not sure whether the shutdown would have the desired effect. Others felt that the move was too hasty and rash and that dialogue would have been a better option.
In some areas such as Georgetown the response was good while in others the shutdown appeals were ignored.
In fact, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) said that it could not support the shutdown, since the body was involved with the parliamentary parties and other social partners in discussing this very issue.
It would have amounted to bad faith had the PSC joined in the action while they were part of the ongoing engagement with the Government.
The shutdown, however, did signal at the minimum, the growing concern of citizens, and particularly the commercial class, over the ever-escalating crime situation in the country.
No one, however, can justly accuse the administration of being unconcerned about the present situation.
It is always easy to protest and denounce. What is far more difficult is to advance workable solutions and to take responsibility for these solutions.
So far, the group that organised the two-day shutdown, has only said they wanted greater action and unity without spelling out what forms these can take. In the final analysis, reason and good sense has to prevail. Crime will not disappear overnight and no one, especially not the organisers behind the shutdown, has provided the magic recipe for ending the present spate of violent crimes.
The fact that a protest of this nature has not been responded to with any official victimisation or retaliation speaks volumes about the democratic nature of our society and the official recognition given to freedom of action. The Government must be commended for its continued acknowledgement of the right to protest so long as it does not descend into violence.
We know in the past what has been the result of protests in the city and what has been the outcome of protests over crime in other parts of the country.
Buildings have been burnt, vehicles vandalised, citizens maimed and robbed, and the nation traumatised.
If there was anything positive about Wednesday's shutdown it was the manner in which the protest was organised and implemented. There were no intimidating public demonstrations, no attempts to coerce others, no blocking and barricading of entrances and streets and no violence.
This was a peaceful protest that was highly effective.
It demonstrates that once there is unity and support for a cause, that cause can be agitated without impeaching on the rights of those or without resorting to the use of force. The peaceful protest organised by the businesspersons may have been unnecessary and hasty but it set an example that others should follow.
One recalls with angst, when mini-bus drivers downed tools not so long ago. Some operators threatened drivers who were working, in other cases punctured tyres, and attacked their colleagues who did not support their shutdown.
We also recall other protests including those by labour, which have resulted in attacks on the business community, on citizens and on the Police.
The right to protest is enshrined in our Constitution and has been upheld by the administration. However, this is not an unfettered right. It demands, as all rights do, responsibility and good sense.
Protests that have as their motive the destruction of property, the injuring of citizens and the undermining of public order have no legitimacy in democratic countries. However, when protestors use the justness of their cause to convince others to join them in orderly and legitimate struggle, their appeals are more likely to find understanding by the authorities.
The protests of last Wednesday may have been an emotional reaction of a frightened sector. However, it was devoid of violence and intimidation. If only for that reason, it is a welcome development in our country.
Wednesday proved that protestors do not need to make the country ungovernable in order to get their message over.
There are alternatives to blind rage.