Moses has disappointed me

Dear Editor,

It is sad to say that a man who I respected prior to him joining he APNU/AFC slate in 2011 is so engaged with others to see further rigging of the 2020 General and Regional elections.

Moses Nagamatoo was an icon in the PPP during the years of struggles for free and fair elections in Guyana. This man was in the forefront against Burnham’s dictatorship during those bleak and dreadful years.
I can recall Cheddi and Janet Jagan closeness with Moses in many demonstrations across this country.
Moses was and is still an excellent speaker who captivates many of the younger supporters of the PPP.
He was very inspiring and encouraged many of us to join the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO).

I am now 65 years of age and I remember being involved in three decades of fight for democracy in Guyana. As a teenager, filled with youth and the passion for democracy and justice; I joined all the protests actions in Essequibo where I was residing. We were beaten, charged and abused by Burnham’s policemen and women.

I can vividly recall Dr. Jagan sending Senior Counsel, Doodnauth Singh, to represent us at the Suddie Magistrate Court. It is still fresh in my mind the greeting that was given to Singh by Magistrate David Singh. Words that still resonate in my thoughts: “It is an honour to have a distinguished gentleman like you in my court today”.
I cannot understand what could have caused Moses in his final years of his political career to be on the side of blatant riggers of elections.

This is beyond the man I knew, the man venerated and whom I struggled with.
I can never forget those loyal servants who remain steadfast and struggled with Cheddi, those who went through bitter poverty, who eat cake, mauby, catfish curry and rice and who slept in prison cells for democracy in Guyana.
I salute Harry Persaud Nokta, Reepu Daman-Persaud, Sheik Feroze Mohamed, Donald Ramotar and all the others who refused to join those terrible people who brought hardship on the populace through incompetence and rigged elections.

Moses has disappointed me by his actions to support that which he fought against. I sincerely hope that this onetime gentleman redeem himself by doing the right thing and stay far from that which he struggled against.

Mohamed Yousuff (Br. Bob)