Within a five–day period thousands of us interested enough were able to be treated to varied “explosions of sound” emanating from the PNC/APNU/Parliamentary Opposition Leader, retired Army Brigadier, David Granger.
To me, two very different and distinct occasions provided insights into the Brigadier’s abilities as an aspiring leader of this nation. A latter political event had the leader’s spokespersons speaking nonsense in feeble attempts to gloss over and trivialise a serious incident. When that white–washing was not necessary. Truth sets you free. To explain, to defend honestly. The explosion of that Congress Place gunshot, to me, will resonate and reverberate around the local political spectrum for some time to come. Even though an experienced Ex-Police Commissioner present thought the shot sounded like balloons bursting! Balloons – or balls!?
But guess what? I suppose I have the strangest take/perspective on the gunshot element of the Congress Fiasco. It is this: that the eighteen–to–thirty–year olds still interested enough in the PNCR, will actually find that muscular/lethal incident “attractive”.
Today’s prevailing “culture” amongst much of our youth steers them towards macho solders and violence. I conclude therefore, that the PNCR youth vote remains intact. The bigger picture for my erstwhile Party, however, is somewhat a different story.
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Historian, Opposition Leader
Two Wednesdays ago, I played a minor role and participated in a Parliament Office workshop for the local media.
Prime Minister Samuel Archibald Hinds and his Party’s parliamentarians were made to boycott that interesting interactive session, strangely. But the opposition Brigadier seized the opportunity to demonstrate his historian credentials and to unleash an attack – justifiably – on the government’s manipulation of the people–owned State media.
Granger argued then that for 220 years “the state” has engaged in a type of “war” with the “Free Press” in this country. The state’s ambition to control free thinking and expression escalated after emancipation, nationally. Newspaper Acts and other legalistic regulations were employed.
Fast–forwarding to right now, the historian/politician Granger exploded: why should the current president and commander–in–chief of the armed forces want to be Minister of Information? Is it because information – and its use – can determine the population’s behaviour. Granger thinks so.
He quoted our Constitution’s Article 146 to remind all of the Information–related rights we should enjoy and he recalled complaining to the Speaker of the Assembly, in 2012, of the overwhelming bias against the opposition in State Media reportage. So robust and animated was Granger, in making these points and deeming one–sided, unprofessional journalists as quacks, that former House Speaker Ralph Ramkarran was moved to remark later that “he has completely lost the hesitancy and soft tones displayed when he was first elected. He is now a commanding presence with a forceful and coherent message!!
Which brings us to last Sunday’s Congress and Granger’s determination to dominate three major opposition spaces.
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Managing the major opposition
Quite naturally you must first manage forcefully, successfully and with majority acceptance, your own political party.
I am seeing the tons of words assessing Granger. From within his own environment. (The governing PPP is expected to gloatingly do what they will with what fell into their lap last Sunday. You must “enjoy” all that.) Strangely, I feel that power has seeped into the Brigadier’s political veins. He will justify being leader of three components. I cannot envisage the scholarly Brigadier serving his Party under a Norton or Solomon! Personal residual class–pride trumps realistic political and presidential ambitions here. To me, even disillusioned PNC members/supporters – and I – still prefer a Granger to anyone the PPP thrusts at us. He should swiftly “campaign” more, now.
As for Granger’s performance, including leadership and general Opposition craftsmanship against the PPP’s stalling, use of litigation and shady government? Post Congress soul– searching has to result in massive rethink. “Lucky” for the Brigadier, “alternatives” are few!
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Comrades Clarissa and Aubrey
Desmond Hoyte surrounded himself with “Citizens of quality” and professionals of reasonable competence and integrity. A remarkable lady, Clarissa Riehl, was one chosen.
Hoyte was to deem roots–man Party activist Aubrey Norton, “a creature of the Party” whilst ignoring Aubrey’s academics and other worthy, needed attributes. I retain doubts as to whether Norton has matured enough to lead the PNC but that is not my call, though you–all who vote must assess all aspiring leaders.
In the wake of Sunday’s PNC – goings–on I respect the views of both Clarissa and Aubrey. Aubrey’s last public correspondence was a short gem of personal political analysis. I’ll quote it next week.
Til next week!
(allanafenty@yahoo.com)
