Strange defections and “unity”
Some choice campaign quotes
Obviously, this is my final Pre–Polling Day contribution to the Elections to be held on Monday.
Having definitively and basically withdrawn myself from the process, I was still privileged to “enjoy” a relatively – neutral, objective commentator–like posture during the campaign. Still then, from my significant past and current insights, I offer this potpourri of political fare.
The Crossovers…
This partial listing of crossovers must indicate a record of sorts in terms of sudden surprising defections from one position or party to another before Election Day. I’m pretty sure even we the “bigger boys and girls over-60” have never experienced so many metamorphoses in Guyana’s politics ever before.
The partial list of defector – new supporters: Joseph Hamilton, Gillian Burton, R. Van-West-Charles, Phillip Bynoe, UG Lecturers, Joseph Haynes, Peter Ramsaroop, Moses Nagamootoo, Gaumattie Singh, Rajendra Bissessar, M. Benschop, Asgar Ally, The U.F. chairman, Malcolm Harripaul, J. Rahaman, W. McWilfred, Henry Jeffrey, et al and etc.
Two trivial points: I know that a few did not defect from one to another, but merely endorsed. And the AFC, founded by defectors, seem naturally to attract defectors.
Two serious points: I’ve already recorded my understanding of person’s rights to change minds, positions and parties, but oh the bitterness and vitriol – And yes, our best minds should combine to lead us to betterment. But do these strange sudden defections indicate unity of purpose? Or selfish agendas? You voters decide.
Some choice campaign quotes
Frankly speaking, it is a pity that robust but good natured heckling has given way to abusive, disruptive denial of free expression at public meetings and daring the campaign generally.
In my day heckling attracted wit, great incisive political thrust-and-parry. So all I could offer now is some of the more humourous, caustic and accusative quotes picked up so far.
“The only five more years the PPP deserves is in the Camp Street Jail”. (Dr Rupert Roopnaraine). “Jagdeo fooled the world that he was married to Varshni, conning everybody. Chief Deceiver, Chief Trickster…” (Robert Corbin.)
“No knowledge of Roger Khan before 2004? This is bizarre. Mr Felix admitted to me that he had had a liaison with a woman… the mother of one of Khan’s girlfriends… they all would end up in the same house many times” (Gail Teixeira)
“So where was Granger when the GDF had the Ballot Boxes at Camp Ayanganna in 1973 on Election Night and the Buildings’ Windows were blanketed black?”
“Where was he when a PNC minister was allegedly shot at Ayanganna?”
“Did Granger know nothing of the GDF aircraft which took the alleged assassin to Suriname?” (Callers to TV talk shows)
“Jagdeo was never a PPP boy. He worked with Desmond Hoyte and Kenneth King. Jagdeo thinks like A PNC!” (Moses Nagamootoo)
“Like the AFC, APNU also appears to believe that it is the presidential system rather than the head of state’s domination of the parliament that is the root of our problem. I have argued before that the presidency did not make Forbes Burnham a dictator; it was his parliamentary dictatorship which established the presidency.”
“Of the major Parties I am left with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) which has adumbrated a position that comes closest to my demands… the establishment of a Government of National Unity” (Henry Jeffrey).
And as Sherwood Lowe of the PNC/APNU orientation warned about the “PPP/C being a mass – based Party with a proven record of garnering a substantial number of votes”, AFC’s Khemraj Ramjattan quoted someone’s quotation that the AFC “did not see children as vessels to be filled but as lamps to be lit…”
Final Campaign Considerations…
Now look for the opinion polls, the mega concerts, the giveaways, the stunning blimps, the rumours over this week – end. But consider the persons, the human beings who want to lead you. Who is worthy of your long–term trust?
“M. Maxwell” and Enrico’s Capital News are smooth, but dogged advocates for the challengers.
I’ve always wondered how come both the incumbents and the opposition respected the integrity of many GECOM Senior Staff. How come no concerns about those Joe Singh fellows?
Now heed GECOM’s caution: “GECOM has learnt that some local and international organisations intend to conduct exit polls and make preliminary announcements of the results of the upcoming elections. In this regard, GECOM takes the opportunity to inform all stakeholders that the Chief Election Officer is the only person legally authorised to announce the official results of the 2011 General and Regional Elections. Only the results announced by GECOM are official”.
My own final Pre – Election Day Wishes –
That One Party wins the Presidency and Cabinet, and others control the Parliament. What? That’ll cause developmental/governmental collapse? New elections? (Check Barack Obama and his anti–government Congress.)
And that the official election results are accepted. Peacefully!
‘Til next Friday and Some New Government!
(Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com)
