Recall that it was just last Friday I wondered, in print, who would join the growing list of “defectors” or “cross-overs” before Nomination Day?
As this is being written much earlier this week, there is talk of Moses Nagamootoo formally parting from his life-long People’s Progressive Party (PPP) as well as occasional fire-brand PPP critic Cheddi Joey Jagan returning to “his father’s“ PPP
There will be exactly thirty-one (31) days between Nomination Day and Polling Day, November 28. Given the nature of the relatively momentous electoral event, when some feel that the current lot of leaders should be supported in their bid to continue their “good works”, I am willing to wager that there will be three or four more real surprises of cross-overs and declarations of support for contending Parties and Leaders.
As a one-time political being who now doesn’t even bother to vote and repose any faith in today’s contenders and pretenders, I never-the-less, still feel the “political spirit” at the goings-on. Besides validating my own decision to stay way out of the fray and accept the eventual choices you all make, I feel constrained to share my (informed) views on the issue of changing one’s mind and Party. Pity more of these decisions are not made long before any Election Season.
Why changes are made
Spare a moment to be objective, dis-passionate and open-minded. You’ll appreciate that people have the human, intellectual, political right to contemplate, review, revise and change, if change is found to be useful, even necessary.
Consideration one, therefore. People – including erstwhile stalwarts and die-hards – have the right to change former or current allegiances. Why?
Many are the reasons: disappointment with execution of programmes, secret, radical changes not discussed; fundamental departures from agreed-upon principles; corruption and moral degeneration; no flexibility for the future, etc, etc.
Of course, I understand some individuals change allegiance because they succumb to greed, to a need for status, to promote self-aggrandisement and complete selfishness. To that type of person, the politics of strategic defection determines their decisions and is justifiable reason for them.
Some other supporters change camp simply because of personalities. A Brigadier may seem more attractive a leader than an economist or a handsome politician with charisma may attract much more than a staid inarticulate accountant would. (Issues and programmes can wait…)
When I was active in the 1970‘s PNC, I marvelled as former top PPP members migrated to Burnham’s PNC (governing Party.) Not a word of criticism issued forth from the PNC comrades. But if “a PNC “ was brave enough to “cross the floor” the urban PNC faithful would lambaste the poor soul(s) who dared to defect to the “enemy”. So lopsided were the loyalists!
Beginning in those days the PPP dudes would label perceived turncoats something like “Neemakaram” (??) It was some Hindi term describing the most despicable, ungrateful individual.
Our 2011 crossovers
Forget now-veteran PNC crossovers like Henry Jeffrey and Odinga L. Check out today’s Hamilton, Burton, Joey Jagan, Bissessar, Nagamootoo, Van West Charles. Remember now, they all have their reasons for their changes. They are publicising those reasons for the consideration and digestion of all those interested enough to listen.
Those former critics who join the PPP are (expectedly) described as hustlers or (the well –used) soup-drinkers. I never rush to judgement. I suspect , however, that there must be some form of inducements on all sides. The AFC is open and honest enough to promise Moses some “high place”. And I do really try to believe the more noble, principled reasons for decisions made. I ask only that today’s Guyana politicians desist from trying to convince Allan Fenty about anything.
I close by stating however that the cross-overs by Hamilton, Burton and Van West Charles caught me by surprise. More than the Joey Jagan somersault. What about you?
Ponder…
*1) The Republicans (GOP) held eight debates amongst their eight contenders seeking to oppose President Obama. So rich and enlightening – Jobs, taxes, immigration, foreign policy. Back here in Georgetown and Golden Grove?
*2) Others beat me to it? Why no criticism of Donald Kaieteur?
*3) Please, Lodge Lands People, return my thousands as I’m not to get any allocation of land.
`Til next week!
