I shouldn’t be loved when I am critical of the PPP and hated when I am equally critical of the APNU-

I have been severely criticized by some citizens for daring to be critical of the new government so early. I anticipated this. I understand its origins. I really do have a lot of sympathy for those who will say that I am being negative and that the new government should be given a chance, a honeymoon. In the euphoria of victory, a little bit of intolerance of criticism is to be accepted. After all this victory was like a God-send for half of the nation.

But we have to be careful of double standards—I shouldn’t be loved when I am critical of the PPP and hated when I am equally critical of the APNU-AFC. The two are not the same. My critique of the PPP was aimed at getting rid of them. But my critique of the Coalition is aimed at preventing them from going the way of the PPP.

It is always tempting after the ousting of a discredited government to go easy on the successor. Such is the nature of politics in a complex country like Guyana. But we have to call a spade a spade, even if it offends friends and supporters. There should be a place for critical analysis and support too.

I voted for this government too and I want to see it succeed. But I do not want to be part of an uncritical nation; it is not healthy. Cheerleading for a government is not the only way to demonstrate ones support and loyalty.

Our support for a government should not blind us to its shortcomings or mistakes—even minor ones. It’s a tragic flaw in our political culture that has in the past hurt our nation. What we often see as government over-reach is the end product when it’s too late to reverse it.

Often we wait until governments are on our backs to start holding them accountable. Not me. The way to prevent government over-reach is to identify its early manifestations and nip them in the bud.

Sometimes our honest love and protection of a party and government become fertile ground for intolerance and non-accountability. Accountability was not part of the PPP’s culture. This government should avoid that road. And we citizens have a duty to ensure this. Each citizen has a sacred duty to be watchdogs of government.

To those who may say that critique of this government gives comfort to the PPP, I say there may be some truth in that. But the bigger truth is that critique could help to prevent this government from becoming a disaster like the PPP did.

I fought two dictatorships. And I am not about to cultivate another one. Neither should any sane Guyanese.