A Letter from the Ground
Are
Vincentians witnessing the emergence of a totalitarian
state?
By Candy
Edwards
Introduction
Duardo
"E.G.’ Lynch, host of the popular radio
talk-show New Times, has been once more
hauled before the courts. This time, he has been
allegedly charged with a criminal offence. According to
press reports, Mr Lynch used his programme to maliciously
spread false information that caused alarm and threatened
the peace and stability of the country. This sort of
conduct is said to be in breach of the criminal code. It
is alleged that Mr Lynch used his programme to falsely
declare that a certain vehicle purportedly owned by the
state had the capabilities to monitor people’s phone
calls and jam radio signals. He also allegedly claimed
that the vehicle was actually used to conduct the
nefarious activities that he described.
As it turned
out, Mr Lynch’s claims were false. They were just
part of the pattern of lies; untruths, falsehoods,
distortions and misinformation that listeners to the New
Times programme have come to associate with Mr
Lynch. Not too long ago, a prominent citizen did sue him
for some unfounded remarks he made regarding this
citizen’s trip to a foreign country. That matter is
still before the Court. This time, Mr Lynch took his
conduct to intolerable levels and is therefore about to
pay the price. Let that be a lesson for all who may wish
to take the privilege of free speech too far.
Despite the
widespread interest in EG’s case, this is not the
subject for discussion today. Although, I am quite aware
that callers to this programme may not be able to resist
the temptation of commenting on the trial of E. G. Lynch.
However, it must be remembered that the matters are still
subjudicae. Therefore, public comment is not permissible
in accordance with our laws.
As much as I
welcome what is happening to Mr Lynch, I think it is
necessary to discuss the broader socio-political
implications of such a case. I am of the view that
EG’s legal problem, as deserving as they might be,
is probably another significant signpost on the road to
totalitarianism in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I do
not care much about Mr Lynch. Let us forget about him and
his problems for a while. I invite you instead, to
examine this question: Are Vincentians witnessing
the emergence of a totalitarian state?
Understanding
Totalitarianism
In a
totalitarian state, power over a nation is in the hands
of a one ruler, a dictator, or one group that has
complete control. The leaders in a totalitarian state
usually rule by coercion or force; people obey because
they are forced to and threatened with punishment if they
do not. The government controls almost every aspect of
social life, such as the mass media, the labour movement,
the church, the legal system and the police.
There are no
elections; or if there are, the process is manipulated
and the results are questionable. There is often only one
party; or people will be told who to vote for and
threatened with violence, victimization or intimidated in
some other way if they disobey. Disagreement with the
government is not encouraged. People who criticize the
rulers of a totalitarian state, known as dissidents, face
threats, harassment, intimidation, imprisonment, torture
and even death. However, there are always dissidents. It
is impossible for a totalitarian government to get rid of
all its critics completely.
As much as
totalitarian governments love to punish their critics,
they tend to hand out handsome rewards to known
supporters. The more visible, vociferous, and vigorous
the show of support, the more generous the rewards
offered by the state. That is one of the reasons why
critics often find themselves isolated and ostracized by
friends, family neighbours and colleagues who support the
government.
Totalitarian
regimes in the twentieth century included Germany under
Hitler, Italy under Mussolini and Spain under Franco. The
former Soviet Union and other communist countries were
also totalitarian states that did not allow free
elections. Dissidents were often sent to labour camps or
even put into mental institutions (on the grounds that
they must be crazy to disagree with the government!). By
the end of the twentieth century, however, all western
European countries were transformed into vibrant
democracies.
Some other
notable totalitarian regimes include Mainland China in
Asia, Libya in Africa, Venezuela in South America and
Cuba in the Caribbean. Despite the positive attributes
demonstrated by the governments in these countries, the
majority of the people yearn for genuine freedom. They
struggle daily for democracy as practiced in countries
such as the USA, Britain, France, Canada and all of the
English Speaking Caribbean. As more and more of the world
embrace democracy, the people of St. Vincent and the
Grenadines seem prepared and willing to accept
totalitarianism in one form or another.
The
Totalitarian Tendencies of the Current Administration
Over the past
two years since this programme emerged, Dr Fraser has
often labeled my views as extremist. He may level that
charge at me today. Whatever the case, I would like the
listeners to know that I am genuinely concerned by some
of the developments that have taken place since this
government took office. I wish to highlight a few of them
as I attempt to demonstrate that we are fast moving
towards totalitarianism as we trample democracy on our
way.
Before
proceeding, I wish to remind listeners about some the
salient features of a totalitarian government:
Totalitarian
regimes tend to arise out of a situation of
crisis evident by political strife conflict and
even violence. Some call this revolution.
They
assume total control of the critical institutions
of the society including and especially the
media.
These
governments refuse to entertain any form of
criticisms that may be leveled at them from time
to time.
Totalitarian
governments punish their critics or dissidents in
every way conceivable.
Totalitarian
regimes conduct themselves in a manner to retain
power at all cost. Sometimes this may mean
influencing the electoral process if it becomes
necessary.
With these in
mind, it is now up to Vincentians to pay careful
attention to the words and deeds of this government over
the past four years. I now offer some of my own
observations. Some listeners may agree with me that some
of these do reflect aspects of totalitarianism. Others
may even argue that what we are witnessing is a one-man
dictator at work. However, I would not go that far.
Vincentians
may recall that this administration was swept to power in
the wake of a political crisis and popular protests.
These were engendered by the previous government’s
attempt to improve the pension benefits for all
parliamentarians. The opposition, teachers, nurses,
policemen and other state employees struck out against
the government for its insensitive action. Roadblocks,
threats of violence, intimidation and the destruction of
property marked the protests. The government was forced
to call early elections as demanded by the opposition
since 1998.
The alliance
forged with certain bodies during the crisis was
sustained in government. The media, the church and all
the trade unions are now under the careful watch of the
government. None of these, organizations or movements now
dare criticize the administration. To do so would be
folly, as it is perceived that the punishment would be
swift and severe. The leaders of these organizations have
found themselves sitting in the highest echelons of
governance. Many of them have received personal benefits
by being so closely associated with the regime. It is
therefore reasonable to assume that they are under the
control of the government. There are those who may wish
to deny this but the evidence is clear.
Not only has
the administration handled criticism badly, they have
sought to silence their critics. For instance:
A
notable female attorney once locked horns with
the Prime Minister in an interview. She was
ostracized and banned from that media house. She
and her father are now perceived as enemies of
the state.
One
of the brightest and most audacious journalists
in the country began uttering critical remarks
about the government. He was chased from a now
defunct media house. Furthermore his employer, a
telephone company, was threatened. That
journalist is now silent.
A
controversial political commentator had to take another
look when his life was threatened on a
number of occasions. His house was burnt; his
vehicles were damaged and/or destroyed on a
number of occasions.
A
group of concern citizens were threatened,
harassed and verbally abused in public in the
nastiest manner for expressing a different view
regarding the management of the country’s
marine resource. They were regarded as a bunch of
terrorists.
The
editors of the national newspapers often receive
filthy and threatening calls from leading
government ministers whenever they publish a
story uncomplimentary to the government.
The treatment
now being meted out to a popular talk-show host for "stupidness"
is the latest indication of how the government treats
criticism and how they are prepared to deal with its
critics. This is truly a sad time for Vincentians.
Finally, I am
convinced that the government was and is still prepared
to gain an unfair advantage in the up-coming elections.
The cries of foul that emanated from the opposition
should not be lightly dismissed. Everything is pointing
to a heavy loss at the polls for this administration. I
do not think that they would allow that to happen if they
could help it. Vincentians must be vigilant since a
rigged election is not out of the question.
Keeping
Democracy Alive
Democracy is
a political system that is based on allowing people a say
in decision-making. Since everyone cannot be a part of
the forum where decisions are made i.e. parliament,
representative democracy was introduced. This allows for
people to choose persons to represent them in the
discussions and decisions that may arise there from.
Candidates at general elections belong to political
parties, and the party that has the most representatives
in parliament usually forms the government. The people
may participate in governance in a democratic state by:
Voting
in elections
Joining
or even starting a political party
Standing
as a candidate for election
Joining
a pressure group
Expressing
an opinion to a member of parliament in writing
or at constituency meetings
By
expressing an opinion publicly in a letter to a
newspaper, or participating in a radio programme
These are
some elemental features of a democratic state. In St.
Vincent and the Grenadines today, these apparently mean
absolutely nothing unless you support the party in power.
The saddest thing about the situation is that there are
persons and organizations in this society that would like
to see us ignore the basic tenets of a democracy as we
march headlong into totalitarianism.
Conclusion
As I conclude
this letter, it just occurred to me that what we are
witnessing regarding E.G. Lynch is a clever ruse to
distract the people from the real issues. Why else would
they have chosen the month that VINLEC faces severe
challenges to prosecute EG? Is this trial something
concocted to turn Vincentians’ minds away from the
harsh economy; the brutal crime rate; the mini-bus fare
increase; the state of the roads; the escalation in drug
abuse; the homeless people? Is E G That important? If
this is just another distraction, may I remind listeners
that such tactics are also consistent with
totalitarianism?
Sincerely,
Candy
Edwards
April 30,
2005
|
