The Linden crisis must be dealt with before it gets worse

Dear Editor,
I am really saddened by what is prevailing in Linden. The situation is worsening, and it is an opportune moment for the game of cheap politics. What is pathetic is how emotionally charged stakeholders are. It seems as if the room for rationale and common sense is totally closed down. In fact, even spirituality is just about gone as well. I do believe that there is a place for protests – marches, addresses, writings etc. However, I also believe and advocate for any form of protest to be done in a civil manner.
The Linden case is taking a turn for that which is worse than I had envisaged. What started out (over the last few days), as a peaceful inter-faith meeting, with a few hundred residents, ended in chaotic scenes, as thousands of  Lindeners protested government’s hike, in their electricity tariffs (this took  effect from Sunday). So, I am seeing here that even religion is being unmasked.
First, pastors from various denominations prayed for the town, but apparently the  residents were in no mood to pray or be prayed for. In fact, there was no fear of God, neither was there respect for the law. The angry protestors stood up to the heavily armed police officers, who surrounded them. The upset and irate protesters marched from Wisroc and Palm Tree Cinema Square at Wismar to Mackenzie, and upon arrival at the interfaith meeting, they formed a human barricade blocking the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, in the vicinity of Toucan’s Connection Call Centre at Kara Kara. This is a classic case of ‘pray as if everything depends on God, but fight as if everything depends on men.’
Editor, I remember the good book saying that people must ‘render unto God the things that are God’s, and unto Caesar, the things that are Caesar’s.’ I am worried about the Linden electricity crisis. It is most ominous indeed.
First, I want to know why must there be exemptions, from normal responsibility, for a chosen few. I remember how the combined opposition ‘trimmed the budget’ and one sector that was heavily affected was electricity. The Guyana Power and Light did appeal for a rescinding and with valid reasons too. It may be that ‘budget cut’ or not, Lindeners would have still had to make the change, and start paying (at least a percentage) for electricity. I cannot envisage ‘free rides’ for anyone, where development is concerned. The issue here is simply one of responsibility, and Lindeners must understand this. What is bothering me greatly is the attitude of many of these protestors. It seems as though they are forcing others to support them. This is so serious, and of course quite wrong too. For example, “…a Linden to Georgetown minibus, that was making its way down to the capital city, was stopped by the angry protesters.
(They shouted) “Y’all eyes pass we, we protesting fuh stop dis stupid increase and y’all going to town?” Consequently a tussle developed, and this resulted in the ordering of passengers out of the bus. In fact, the melee escalated to the point that some 14 vehicles were stalled on the main access road, as the protesters refused to move.
To me, enough is enough, and it is time that this filibustering be ended. I close by reminding Lindeners that protesting can have a civil ring to it. This might prove far more effective than ‘rough-housing.’Also, in Guyana, if people do not want to join in a protest, then they should be left alone. At no time should innocent bystanders be bullied. This is where the law must be effective and swift. Just as much as protestors have their freedom in society, so too non- involvers have a right to act as they feel inclined to do.
Yours respectfully,
Kyle Abrahams