By A.A. Fenty
Lest the intent of this be misunderstood because of the lead caption, let me state that, in essence, this is meant to be an appeal to the good sense still buried within the bosom and mind of a politician.
In so doing, being an erstwhile assistant to current Parliamentary Opposition Leader, Comrade Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, I try to imagine the strategic planning scenarios which are conducted at today’s Congress Place. Hoping that’s where the People’s National Congress (PNC) strategies are still conceptualized and fashioned.
As an invited guest contributor to that Party’s fiftieth anniversary observance last October, I had suggested, with much caution and respect that the PNC do two things, among others on their agenda on behalf of their constituency. I suggested that they enquire just how the numerous debt write-offs the VAT remittances and lottery takings were being utilised by government and that the party should indicate an early interest in Carifesta Ten scheduled for Guyana this August. That was some eight months ago.
I’m in no position to offer comment on the possible response to those suggestions made by a humble guest. But I can speculate, based on both a modicum of old-time experience and current goings-on, as to the deliberations and decisions after, say, January last around the Palm Tree Conference Table and in the Comrade Leader’s Office. (Imagine Aubrey, Basil and Oscar agreeing that it was time to resort to more aggressive forms of public protests – in endorsement of Comrade Corbin’s thinking.
Lance and two lady executives would have also thrown in their agreeable lot. After all, visits to New York and the need to raise the status and credibility of the leader after the Gang-of-Seven smothered surge, all pointed to the need for high-profile action to re-invent the Party as leader of Opposition action and champion of a constituency under economic pressure.
One can understand this conclusion – if not temptation – to be more volatile, vocal and visible. It is the consequences for the Party, its Leader and the country that should invite equal consideration, however. Never-the-less, I try to understand the “Party’s strategy” here. After the national tragedies of Lusignan and Bartica earlier in the year when, in the face of collective outrage and grief, openings were found to criticize the government’s responses to crime, rather “juicy” issues were handed to the PNC to be converted into “protest ammunition”. Like a rather harsh sanction of an errant CNS Television Station, the charge against a friendly ex-GDF Officer, more high-profile crimes, the spin-offs from global fuel and food crises; then latterly, allegations from the Prosecution in the case against Roger Khan in the USA. Certainly, it was time to hit the streets, 1998/2001 style. My concern, however, was/is with the Caribbean Festival of Arts (Carifesta).
Carifesta-legacy and lawlessness…
Let me even allow the PNC their preferences to be partisan, parochial and proud with respect to the proprietary-like claim to Carifesta.
It’s somewhat justified to trumpet to the world and all who would listen, the vision of founder-leader Forbes Burnham. I’m resisting the temptation to quote Burnham in 1966 and ’70 on the nature and reasons for the Festival. I’ll do that beginning next week. For even though I wondered whether President Jagdeo had difficulty with saying the name “Burnham” at the Flag-raising last Sunday night, I’m bored hearing PNC Supporters’ allegations that the current festival planners want to erase the Burnham brilliance and inevitable association regarding Carifesta.
That’s not so. There might be new focus but none can obliterate Burnham from Carifesta. That’s why the PNC should join the country – if not the planners – in embracing this August’s festival. It is a landmark legacy this country bequeathed to the region which tends to look down upon us from time to time. Regrettably, that too started under Burnham’s watch. No lawless, “unmanageable” tactics should be un-leashed to sully the enabling environment for Carifesta here.
Look, I wondered about and searched for reasons why the President offered to host the cultural mega-event amidst all our several challenges. I’ve identified a few, including one which seems to be: “Anything you can do, we can do better!” Not a worthy objective, I know, but the thing is a fait-accompli. Caricom, the Caribbean and most Guyanese are welcoming
Carifesta. Guyana deserves this, for the sake of our traditional hospitality, our reputation, our image. I can discuss the benefits next time, even as I have concerns. But Comrade Corbin, don’t spoil the show!
Comrade Corbin’s considerations
Should the Party – the PNC – threaten to kidnap the festival and hold it hostage? Certainly not, man. That might provide leverage now but think of the downside, Cde Leader.
Which Caricom state is not threatened by the economic crises of food and fuel right now? Where in the community is the Opposi-tion satisfied? Would sabotaging Carifesta really stop corruption in high places? Is there no way Carifesta can work for all? I am a little troubled by that latter question, indeed, but I can share concerns and ideas on that. Even with just weeks to go.
Finally for now, I say that even though, Cde RHO, you might argue that Forbes himself would have employed your tactics to confront the government, let us agree that his memory deserves better. That can be made manifest during the festival. Let our youth learn and enjoy. Let Carifesta live Comrade. Thanks – in advance.
The festival: Before/After
The media, the Fourth Estate, led by the Stabroek, have pleased me with regard to the investigative scrutiny they have subjected recent investments to. I’ll return to this soon, but competent writers are on the case. Must corruption attend investments? Sweetheart deals to fund-raiser friends? Due procedures relaxed? No competitive bidding entertained. Go media go. But be responsible. Then I want to hear more from the President on the allegations and insinuations. I welcome investment but not one set of Guyanese owning our patrimony.
Can we make the food crisis short-term and to our (export) benefit?
How would a PNC government go about investment?
I suppose Stabroek News policy dictated that it publish such letters as the Rickford Burke thing?
Scared as I am about “Roger Khan issues” I wonder who came up with “200+ murders?” Won’t it be convenient to situate quite a few within that context?
A Parliament Office/Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Media conference considered whether it is always wise to react to columnists’ vitriol. Even suing attracts more time repetition and attention!
A few years ago my beautiful, brainy grand-daughter in New York, nearly spelt the Spelling-Bee word incorrectly because the moderator mis-pronounced!
‘Til Next Week!
(Comments allanfenty@yahoo.com)
