Dear Editor,
I agree completely with Allan Fenty (‘Frankly Speaking’ SN, Jan 10) that the President is entitled to his dancing and singing in Brickdam, if that is what either could be termed. I go a step further and extend the same entitlement to his parliamentary and other comrades, not only in Brickdam, but anywhere in this riotous Magnificent Province. After all, they need avenues to spend their capital accumulations. That is, unless the beverages are free, compliments of GRA seizures.
Presidents, however, should refrain from dancing and singing (especially the singing) to the extreme discomfort and inconvenience of law-abiding citizens. It is alright for them to make a spectacle of themselves; it is part of the apparel and accompanies the officeholders; but don’t torture citizens. It goes without saying that this President should be well aware of the plaintive, perpetual public complaints about noise nuisance ‒ make that noise torture ‒ which is now a plague in too many areas of society. He cannot plead ignorance, even if that, too, comes easily.
Thus, the President should know better; lead by word and deed; he must not be known to be a contributor to the problem. I daresay that presidents are held to a higher standard, must gravitate to a refined decorum; they must have regard for others, possess some fragment of a conscience, and humble themselves. I will concede that in Guyana presidential humility is an alien concept, a scorned practice. Still, let me be the first to encourage the singing, as I believe it would improve considerably the articulation and modulation of English voiced. But do the singing at reasonable levels and during civilized hours. Then listeners might even join in the paid applause. Or throw a few rotten onions, as the circumstances warrant.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall