I LOOKED at the PNCR press conference over the weekend and was convinced that the Lusignan massacre and the suffering of those living in fear are indeed being used for political gain.

Mr. Robert Corbin is accusing the PPP of “engaging in racial baiting on the East Coast and the stirring up of ethnic passions”.

To even use these words is dangerous, especially at this time. The fact that they were used by someone who professes to be a responsible politician, indirectly tread on a path we all do not wish to go.

This statement is irresponsible and must be condemned. This together with comments made by Mr. CN Sharma and other talk show hosts are doing more harm than good in a cause that demands that all of us rally around the security forces and the leadership at this time. Let’s deal with the politics later. Guyana needs all in the public domain to be responsible in their interactions. I call on the ERC and ACB to pay close attention to statements made by politicians at this time and must condignly deal with defaulters.

Having said that, I would like to ask Mr. Corbin what interest would it serve the PPP to engage in racial baiting? All Guyana saw the verbal and, in some cases, the physical abuses hurled at government functionaries during their visits to Lusignan and surrounding villages. Some politically-loyal PNCR “analysts” have alluded that the protest actions were as a result of “betrayal” felt by East Coast residents at the PPP for not ensuring their security. Given this, how is it possible for the PPP to do what Corbin is saying?

Further, the same press conference dismissed calls by President Jagdeo for the PNCR to acknowledge the existence of criminals in Buxton as being “childish” and “playing divisive politics with the security situation in Guyana”.

Why is it that the PNCR and Corbin find it difficult to accept and denounce the criminals in Buxton? The PNCR boasts that Buxtonians are supporters of the party. Then isn’t it in the interest of the party to advocate the presence and capture of these criminals who have besieged the village thereby inconveniencing the vast majority of law abiding citizens who reside there?

Should I believe that the party is content with the infractions on the peace loving people of Buxton by the criminals?

The law abiding citizens of Buxton must demand that Corbin act responsibly and denounce the existence to criminals in their village. I am sure that the people of Buxton who live under constant fear posed by these gunmen, would love to see their beloved village be rid of these criminals so that life can return to normalcy, ensuring a constant supply of the “buxton-spice” mangoes we all crave.

It’s time that you be “man enough” Mr. Corbin and “own up”, as they say in the streets, to the realities of Buxton. Your people are suffering at the hands of criminals.
Winston Liverpool