Leaving the contention and debates with respect to the acting Chief Justice’s ruling, Budget preparations and Money Laundering Bill to the more competent, I had (my own) today’s topics thrust upon me.
Guyana’s new dubious reputation as a transshipment gateway to the illegal narcotics markets in North America and Europe has tarnished the stature we enjoyed for decades.
That was of a relatively peaceful and innocent nation linked to a carnival Caribbean people who did not dabble, in any significant South American manner, with marijuana and cocaine. Slowly, imperceptibly, then came Jamaica and our own Guyana. Proportionally to Jamaica’s population, for example, I suppose our open hinterland borders have propelled us to the unwelcome status as a major cocaine surrogate exporter. (I always hope that when other countries’ Immigration officials see me seeking entry through their airports, that they would somehow know that I Allan A. Fenty won’t even recognize cocaine if I see it in any form!)
My regular working-class fans of this column would be familiar, no doubt, with the two practical perspectives I often repeat regarding this issue: that the native farmers of South America’s Colombia, Bolivia, Peru and their neighbours routinely chewed the Coca leaf to give them warmth and energy to face the cold challenges of the steep Andean mountain; that it was the Caucasians who transformed that leaf into various brands of lethal cocaine, and secondly, that where at first there might have been a moral dilemma wherein once-law-abiding, religious citizens are being compromised by drug-trafficking and its “rewards”, there seems to be a diminishing concern over the morality and illegality of this new- “marketable product”.
Upright citizens now knowing or unwittingly, support ventures, businesses and events all made possible by the proceeds of “Drug Runnings” whether the funds are laundered “clean” or not. And that brings me to my caption.
Cocaine gave them their “break”
The robust response from the PNC political grouping to the PPP General Secretary’s charges that that opposition coalition was sheltering drug lords and money-laundering by not supporting the now famous Bill, along with the catch of Cocaine Achar, triggered this section your eyes and mind now read.
How I detest the couriers and larger “exporters” who use innocent “humble” items to send out their lucrative poison- rum, Banko, roti, pholourie, fish glue, pumpkins, curry power, achar, chowmein noodles, lumber, bicycle wheels, cricket bats, tamarind balls, peppers and pepper sauce, etc, etc, etc. Why don’t they stop? Because some do get through! And I an innocent Guyanese senior citizen must be under international airports scrutiny!
The PNC was harsh: “Instead of engaging in slander, the PPP must say why (since 2000), when the Money Laundering Prevention Act was passed, no arrest has been made; no assets of Drug Lords or Money Launderers seized. The Financial Intelligence Unit has failed to conduct any investigations leading to arrest and no substantive reports have been laid by that unit in the National Assembly.
“Alleged Drug Lords and Money Launderers openly flaunt extravagant lifestyles- multiple luxury cars, billion dollar real property without fear of investigation by the Guyana Revenue Authority or the FIU. Many high ranking Government officials and executive members of the PPP live lavish lifestyles and are the owners of multiple property worth several hundred times their annual public servant salaries and emolument, yet their ‘overnight’ – new-found wealth triggers no investigations”, the PNCR charged. (SN February 06, 2014).
My take? The proceeds from drug trafficking to overseas markets have enriched many across Guyana. Just consider that the small couriers could never themselves fund the acquisition, storage and export of cocaine. Who then are the big bosses? Well they are the successful Nouveau Riche – not every business person or successful professional, but a significant portion.
Their children go to school and hospitals overseas; their children are “successful” because cocaine funding affords the best extra lessons text books and laptops; they themselves “succeed” in society by gracing the best social clubs, VIP events and the homes of the powerful and the comfortable.
The successful graduates you know – architects, doctors, attorneys etc – might just be products of the hustle. But they now constitute “high” society! They are the new role–models wherein success is devoid of any acceptable morality. Their mantra could be “money talks ….”
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A driver’s licence, a miscellany…
You readers decide whether this taxi–driver’s story, told to me, is true – or made up.
After a bit of careless driving witnessed by both of us the driver told me that he had lived in Trinidad and Tobago for some time. He claimed that in Guyana “a reckless so–called driver like that one probably bought his book from some out–of–Georgetown Police Station”. This driver charged that local licensing officers allegedly accept money from ill–prepared leaner- drivers to certify them. The police examiners here thus supplement their meagre salaries my driver suggested.
“In T&T, Mr. Fenty, a Guyanese learner approached a Trini examiner with a bribe to get E licence in a hurry. The officer tell E, look keep that cash. This aint Guyana. But come to me after work. I will teach you to drive properly for that same amount. When I know you are ready and a competent driver, I will issue your licence. I don’t want you killing Trinis, including my mom, wife or daughter.”
Whether you believe that driver’s account, or don’t, the reported attitude and approach of the better–paid Trinidadian is worthy of deep thought. Right?
I spent last weekend in and around Bartica. Way out of the garbage–strewn smelly capital that that is Georgetown, I always get to thinking about what is “development.” Children there now take laptops to school but the exam pass rates have dropped according to a reliable source. Gold is still at hand. I toured a water dredge and heard gold stories.
Oh! Amerindian Guyanese in Bartica’s Region 7 hardly bother with cassava bread. They import that from Region One!
I know that we in Guyana have (probably) arrived in the modern era when I read this ad in a Sunday ’paper: “Social: Indian Berbice male, 30, looking for friendship with males, ages 20 – 27. Whats App or text 655 – 5510. Photo necessary.
A speedy recovery to the Lord Canary and Happy Valentine’s Day as you – all remember to hug – don’t hit!
Til next week!
