Many would appreciate that I often endeavour to “try something a little different “when numerous other contributors zoom in on the socio–political, socio– economic or hot current issues of the day.
That endeavour is of course frequently difficult as those issues cry out for attention and comment. But “I know my place”. Then again, this column granted to me, affords the opportunity for me to write for the working–class layman like myself. And though I do have a few years of insightful – sometimes insider – experience, I leave the more academic, intellectual analyses to those better qualified.
Take my lead topic above. Somewhat hypothetical, creative, imaginary, my actual encounters with and for political heavyweights like Robert H.O. Corbin and/or Ronald Gajraj never–the–less inform my knowledgeable fiction. Imagine the political party’s Public Relations, Propaganda, Education and or Mobilisation Departments gathering to plan their weekly Press Conferences — these days named media briefings. Depending on the sensitive circumstances or election campaign mode perhaps, representatives of the Party’s intelligence/covert affairs or dirty tricks unit (s) might also be included to assist in planning the media encounter.
Today let’s assume that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP – “Civic” my eye!) under General Secretary Clement James Rohee is discussing their Press Event schedule for the following day. (You need not be any PR/Communication/Information/Propagan da Expert to agree on the fundamentals when planning to meet the media – comprising of friendly, objective, professional opposition–oriented and/or just plain inexperienced, untrained (rookie) journalists or reporters.)
The General Secretary – veteran, but burdened and tired, leads off.
Conference objectives, overt, covert
The General Secretary: “Comrades, tomorrow’s Press Briefing is most significant. We must make it so, dictating the narrative. But first I must introduce young Comrade Navin our new P.R. man. I describe him as a graduate of both the U.G. and the PYO. Welcome Cde Navin.
“He knows the basics of this planning: our own objectives; issues to emphasise – either for clarification, red–herring confusion to cause uncertainty, doubt or distraction or to respond to our own comrades’ concerns; just which journalists to invite and to target or ignore; brand new issues to introduce; written statement to be distributed, if necessary and likely, expected questions we must anticipate.
“Those are the fundamentals, but by now he knows my personal style. The Stabroek Friday Columnist Fenty and I went to the same Primary School. He says I don’t smile, I look surly and annoyed. He’s right. I appear so on purpose.
“And always I bear in mind that three of us, the President, Dr Luncheon and myself must always sing from the same hymn-book even if we change up a few verses of the song. I’m always keep my eye and ear on Cde Gail. Sam Hinds is our loyal soft-touch professional”.
The General Secretary then listened to suggestions in terms of both issues and concerns. He practised how he would deal with particular journalists and when he wouldn’t even respond to certain questions. He admitted that he had perfected the face and role of looking ignorant of certain issues raised, and/or appearing dumb or foolish. Every inch of him has a thick skin, he explained, with his evil smile.
Concerning Cde Cheddie’s tears
Today the General Secretary had a brand new concern and challenge, however. He indicated to gathered comrades that he was to continue his structured, phased attack on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). He intended to hint at possible legal action by the Party against GECOM, if only for delay and doubt.
“But now, Cde Anil who was to challenge on Constitutional grounds, has gone and put himself in a sensational/personal distraction – – on tape, mind you!”
Comrades, I think of my father Comrade Cheddie. I know he is in tears over how these newer Comrades are using the Party and Government positions to over-rich themselves. Look how I live! What more do these Comrades want?” He was getting agitated, so the new young P.R. Comrade took over. They discussed approaching APNU’s Harmon and Williams in connection with the No-Confidence Motion. Does APNU have a choice?
Why H.D. Hoyte became livid…
Nearly nineteen (19) years ago, then former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte, in his new three-year-old role of Leader of the Opposition, became uncharacteristically enraged. Why?
Well Cheddi Jagan’s (new) Administration had gotten going. It was three years old. Some of his dubious lieutenants were grinding their stones; licking their chops at the possibilities – personal, corrupt enrichment through discrimination, even racism. Was Cheddi intimately aware?
My God, live and let live, nuh!” Mr Hoyte exploded. This Column highlighted that expression as he implored Cheddi not to allow his new overlords to crave and take all the resources available for all our people. The issue concerned two Co-operative Societies on the East Bank, Essequibo. The “Indo-Guyanese one” had moved in against the Land Co-op owned by Afro-Guyanese. They wanted all the Afro-lands.
Hoyte was suitably enraged. He urged Afro-Society members to exercise “their rights to protect their limb, life and property”. Was Mr Hoyte’s outbursts symbolic of an aggression against the burgeoning one-sided distribution of resources that was to expand? Look where we are today …
Ponder well …
*1) “Nasty Dutty Story!” is what some old folks and young working-class ladies would deem the contents of the Nandlall-Gildarie transcript in one newspaper on Tuesday of this week.
Frankly Speaking, it is as unsurprising as it is despicable, coming from the high government source. Today, Guyana’s moral status has been long diminished. I can count five (5) government ministers still with professional dignity.
Yet, I caution aggrieved Guyanese not to rush to one-sided judgement. Check the names mentioned – and the connections!
*2) Blessings that this Stabroek News never descends to expletives-not-deleted pieces!
Til next week!
(Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com)
