This is, or should be, serious business. I mean choosing a candidate; then ultimately, voting for a party’s ‘Head of List’ who may end up as Guyana’s president.
The ‘Head of List’ of the party you choose will then declare that he or she will be president of all Guyana “including you who did not vote for him or her. And including me, Allan, who would not have voted at all. Yes sir! Even that new president – and thousands of you – will probably ’buse me soundly for not voting, the country’s head of State will represent me – and my Jehovah Witnesses fellow citizens. Those “fellow citizens” who decline to participate in most official activities their state stages. Strangely, I don’t share their reason for not voting. Just as many won’t ever agree with mine.
But this is for you all who will actually vote; will choose; will elect. Just how will you decide upon the best choice? What? Whoever “your party” chooses for you? Okay. I’m disappointed with that but yes, it’s not my business! However, for the more discerning, I share some pointers for assessing, evaluating your nominees and candidates already declared.
Gosh, as I write this early in this week, there are (now) 11 strapping nominees and candidates who would be president! (Look out for two or three more, at the minimum). Khemraj Ramjattan (AFC) and Peter Ramsaroop (Guyana’s People’s Partnership/Vision – already with his mini-manifesto) are already full-fledged candidates. The other nine are still vying for their parties and members’ nod, or have merely indicated serious interest in waiting to lead you. And me.
My own quick, introductory cautions. There are no angels left in politics. Devils abound! You’ll probably be reduced to resorting to “the best of the bad lot.” (They all change after six months in office, authority and power. Believe me…)
Angels and devils: judgement…
Many years ago, an American aspirant, Senator Gary Hart, was discovered with pleasant young ladies on a yacht allegedly enjoying in moral improprieties. His presidential run was scuttled after publicity. To me that heralded the American (hypocritical) search for sinless angels to be their presidents.
I will tell you this. Even by today’s American standards and assessment/judgemental criteria we would be hard put to pass most nominees and candidates to run! Further I say not, except to advise you who will choose, to employ some of these criteria to assess your own dudes, your eventual picks for president.
Consider yes, qualifications, experience, career history and strengths. (Does their record as trades-persons or professionals inspire?) Their personal behaviour and history. (Are they leaders? Team people? Any violatons?) Their “politics” of course. (How do they measure up as politicians who are clean, open and given to compromise for the greater good? Ever voted on issues according to their own conscience?)
Finally, this basic checklist recommends investigation by you into your (choice’s character and integrity. Can your potential president be a role model in terms of morality and personality over the extended period?
We’ve all succumbed to human frailties and lapses. That’s why many don’t seek to lead others. (Children – and crooks – are watching – to be critical). I hope I’ve given you a start. Use some or all of my evaluation suggestions. If your particular party allows you to!
‘Black people’s business’
“While recognition of Africans must be the concern of all Guyanese, it is first and foremost Black people’s business!” That’s a quote from a letter to the press by Dr David Hinds, but also spoken passionately, on television. Dr David was going on about the UN designation of this “year for People of African Descent,” the alleged discourtesy by the government who is blamed for wanting to “hijack” the programme for the year.
I’m keeping his letter published as “Emancipation has not led to true independence for African Guyanese.” Frankly speaking, it is a useful moot; a provocative reference point to just for starters, enquire of Hinds “why?” Because I am aware of the efforts to involve all relevant groups – except political parties – in the initial official planning, I am not about to expend energy on that issue, realizing the rich, mischievous political objectives of many of the current detractors.
Rather, from time to time, I’ll use Dr Hinds’ background and eight recommendations which he wants to use to re-explore the Guyanese blackman’s condition and as suggestions for upliftment. To me his mini-treatise is a goldmine for contention besides sober, constructive reflection. But just for today I’ll ask again: when the Afro-Guyanese leader-activists put aside even justified claims of government’s anti-Black discrimination and marginalization, what have local leaders and those in the Diaspora done for their oppressed people, lately?
Okay, I know of the medical outreaches and frequent “donations” (on both sides of the divide). Dr Stevens stands out. But I put to Dr Hinds: your dilemma David, is that reasonings and rhetoric do not add up to any Black community’s self-reliance and if the PPP wins again and rejects shared governance, will riots really beget empowerment? Discuss. We have the whole year to do so.
Ponder carefully…
Remember now: the parties are also thinking presidential candidate or prime ministerial running mate. The party (members) or candidate will choose another as Prime Minister (to be).
So when will Gail T announce?
”Is only now y’all cleaning up Cuffy? Because y’all get a conference?” yelled the disgruntled Africans to the Fire Service fellows. Could he not organize a group to demonstrate his pride?
Shame! Why couldn’t the few of us over 65 get $10,000 as Old Age Pension? Old age pensioners of Guyana unite! Elections are coming!
The government is turning a blind eye to the illegality of cafes and others by-passing the licenced GT&T to make cheap overseas calls. They might be “helping” the poor but losing millions in revenue. Discuss.
Keep your eyes and mind on two young track athletes – Rupununi’s Doretta Wilson and Linden’s Nathanie Giddings. Fantastic! More later.
The Rastafari enjoyed their sacrament in their tabernacle this week.
Coming next week – the Book of Proverbs! AA Fenty’s A plate – A Guyana Cook-up.
’Til next week!
(Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com)
