Some disrespect and humour in Parliament
Funny how many (mass) organizations declare that “Congress is the highest forum” for their particular body. Delegates – fully paid-up, chosen representatives of the more ordinary members of the body – congregate to deliberate on the status, development, and challenges and future facing them.
Often, the constitutions of these organizations outline the frequency and all other regulations and conditions governing these Congresses. Often too, these rules are observed in the breach. Or openly usurped during the Congress.
Now, coming to a venue near you, are two Congresses. They are being convened by two national, powerful (?) organizations existing in this Beautiful, Beleaguered, Blighted Land – the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the People’s National Congress (PNC). (You may add on to the latter, “R-IG”, (if you have time to waste).
And since the PNC is a top political institution which, by hook (1964) or Crook, (1968 – 1992) once governed and managed this country, I’ll essay a brief glance at what is expected there first even though GAWU’s gathering begins tomorrow and the PNC’s affair is slated for one week from today.
Potentially, Negative Consequences (PNC)?
In the seventies and eighties, when I was in the bosom (or belly) of the PNC, we used to come up with the positive catch-phases: Promoting National Consensus (PNC), People need comfort (PNC), Peace, Not Conflict (PNC). That was easy for “words-merchants” like me. Discordant Actions, however, are a matter of our political history about that organisation.
It is most obvious, these days, why an effective, law-abiding and responsible political/parliamentary opposition is necessary in a society such as we seem, to be saddled with. The PNC used to be that principal opposition. Even they however cannot honestly claim to be such a force today. It is my studied contention that that party will use its upcoming Congress next week to try to re-capture that status in all its fullness, even as it collaborates with the other groups to plot the defeat, the downfall of the incumbent administration.
But what is the potential? What are the national issues? Internal challenges? I usually eschew “profound” analysis for the simple down-to-earth views. For example, my view is that much of the PNC Congress will cloth itself in illusion, make-believe. Make-believe that it is possible to defeat a (seemingly beleaguered) PPP at an election, all by itself. The Congress will attempt to downplay current internal schisms but I suspect the “newer” contenders won’t allow this. However, look for some compromises “in the interest of the well-being of the Party” to confront a common enemy.
I am assuming Cde Leader RHO Corbin will run for the leadership. I pick him to win! Why? Because there are not enough young delegates interested enough to try the overseas challengers like Armstrong or Van-West Charles, in place of the tried and tested RHO. But won’t it be still interesting if Winston Murray contests? He’ll be a type of moderate, acceptable “compromise” known to old and young comrades. And wouldn’t it be “fresh” for the leadership image of a resurgent PNC? (Okay, I’m dreaming, not merely speculating?)
Finally, ‘til next week, let’s observe just how transparent the preparations for the leadership poll are and will be. And let’s consider a proposal from a former activist who still has the Party’s “interest” at heart. He suggests that the PNC should “elect the grass-roots, elections expert Corbin as leader, but agree on another as the party’s presidential candidate for 2011!” Then the Grand Opposition Coalition! Stay tuned
Sugar, spice, bitters – GAWU’s Meeting
Just as I used to “be PNC,” gaining some insights into that institution’s disposition, so too I’ve gained a few perceptions about – and coming from – GAWU, the region’s largest trade union.
Traditionally, since the demise of the Company–friendly MPCA union; then the GIWU, GAWU is viewed as the country’s sugar-workers union. Not unjustifiably as the overwhelming thousands in the sugar belt are registered members. But GAWU’s membership is also in rice, rum, fisheries and forestry. I know, for a fact, that other categories of workers often approach GAWU for representation being disenchanted with their original union. These workers probably perceive – or know – GAWU to be “a government-connected” union. But GAWU is cautious to respond to them. There will be accusations of poaching.
Tomorrow’s opening of GAWU’s 19th Delegates Congress is to be relatively grand. It’s at the National Convention Centre. The hundreds of delegates then journey to the birth-place of their late Honorary leader Dr. Cheddi Jagan. They’ll really get down to business at Port Mourant.
President Komal Chand is a veteran executive of the ruling PPP. He is also a Member of Parliament for that party. Nothing gloriously wrong there. Forbes Burnham and many of the Caribbean Leaders of his generation were labour leaders and MP’s too. (Like the British Labour Party leaders.) It’s when a labour leader submerges his trade union responsibilities in favour of government’s imperatives; or sacrifices his union members’ welfare for his Party’s preferences, that he should be guilty of betrayal.
Chand’s detractors do accuse him of this. I am still to judge. I do know of his frequent “disconnects” with his “young leader”, something you must look and listen for tomorrow. I trust that GAWU’s Congress considers insightfully, the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GUYSUCO) recent mammoth losses. It must let sugar workers know their vital responsibility to themselves and the economic viability of this nation. Too many sugar workers “get away with murder” on the order line.
But tell me: Does not the PPP need GAWU – more than the other way around?
I might actually attend tomorrow’s opening of Congress. Because I’ve never gone into the Convention Centre before!
Disrespect, comedy in the house!
I’ve taught that “Guyana’s Parliament is made up of the President of Guyana and the National Assembly”. No time to elaborate today. The assembly, with its MP’s (Members of Parliament), is sometimes referred to as “the House”.
A few days ago, the PNC members stormed out of the assembly, shouting, thumping and with leader Corbin shoving a set of law volumes to the floor. Knowing beforehand of the plan, another PNC comrade even walked with a white powdery substance to sprinkle around at the start of the boisterous walk-out! Disgusting and disappointing.
I respect the Party’s right to walk out, to boycott, but not to be overly disrespectful to the highest institution of the land. Speaker Ramkarran later showed how correct his ruling was. And the PNC could not challenge! Great drama for TV, PNC but leave the gross behaviour for the Parliaments of Trinidad, Japan, Bangkok and Britain. Your children are watching and what goes around comes around.
But perhaps my erstwhile PNC MP’s have read former Clerk, Frank Narain’s accounts of past goings-on in the House – when the poor PPP came up against the PNC-friendly Speakers for three decades! Among the bacchanal: Sprinkling of (Banned) flour around the seats; making up face (with talcum); pushing down a table; offering the speaker a loaf of bread; MP’s being resigned without their knowledge; hiding the mace; crowing like a fowl cock – and much more.
But surely, we can separate the humour from the horrible. Let some dignity prevail, “Honourable” members.
Ponder…
*1) Who will go to court to block the PNC’s Congress?
*2) Are the schools ready for re-opening?
*3) So has security at state property improved? Lighting? Security Cameras? Young armed guards with mobile handsets, torch lights and alarms?
*4) CEO of the NDIA – – Lionel Wordsworth. That name should belong to a poet.
‘Til Next Week!
Comments? Allanafenty@yahoo.com
