1. provide an opportunity for the political parties contesting the national general elections to present their party’s position on issues of national development, in particular those which apply to young people
2. provide a forum for discussion and interaction between the University community and the presidential candidates.
The discourse included candidates of four political parties; the Alliance for Change (AFC), A Partnership of National Unity (APNU), People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and The United Force (TUF.) Students and staff of the University filled the George Walcott Lecture Theatre beyond it capacity. There was virtually no standing room in the audience. Many Ministers of Government, representatives of political parties, International dignitaries and media and news agencies were there to witness this historic event.
Students were urge in advance to be present at this event with an open mind to hear what each candidate had to say and offer. As Candidates entered the Lecture Theatre they applauded for the one of their choice. When all Candidates were seated Students began to shout, "Granger! Granger!" while another set shouted, "Danger! Danger!" This all went on for quite some time, with party reps prompting students to shout and "perform" as Guyanese say.
Guidelines and rules for both candidates and audience were read before the discourse began. Persons present were even told that if heckling and other gestures were deemed unfit they would be asked to remove from the threatre by the police. To my great surprise, students began to shout and scream and throw derogatory remarks to the presidential candidates. It may be one of the worst events I have ever went to.
The fact that it was University students behaving in this manner, in the presence of dignitaries and the media(which would mean that the discourse would reach the public) diminished and reduced the Presidential Discourse to nothing but a "Ghetto yard buse out."
Some persons indicated that they would've actually been surprised if the students had actually behaved and conducted themselves better. This made me think as to why would one say such a thing. But it's true! Some Guyanese are used to shouting and screaming at each other to get their point across. Parents Shout and raise their voices at their Children and tell them all sorts of stuff.
When persons enter into a University they must realise that they are entering a realm of academics, and as such much must behave like an academic. Like a person with a critical mind and one who listens and analyse information and uses wisdom garnered from research. But most of all as an Academic reaches for Intellectual heights, he must also reach for high value and morals in his behaviour.
