Greetings. Today might very well be one of those times when I venture into an ocean of human behaviour but certainly out of my depth.
But have you not ever wondered why once-normal, regular fellows change to become seemingly cold, disconnected, haughty, contemptuous and/or authoritarian figures? Surely you who vote and elect have seen politicians-turned-ministers and M.P.’s metamorphose into impersonal – but-smiling aloof “representatives” of your cause. Of course there must be various reasons for officialdom’s change of attitudes and relationships.
I’ll use this varied dictionary- definition of mind: “memory; the part of an individual that feels, perceives, thinks, and wills and especially, reasons; intention, desire, mood, opinion; intellectual ability and/or normal mental condition.”
Wide-ranging huh? No not for your regular psychologists or psychiatrists. Man came first but the mind later made him. I deliberately mentioned PPP minister to explore the political, as against the professional or so-called civic dimension locally.
Types of ministers “On Show”
Throughout the years, the administrations, the Parliaments (1953 to present), we have been saddled with the dedicated, the selfish, the public servant, the hustler, the humble and the haughty- as Government Ministers. The political parties and the elections have served them up.
Those who know them in childhood, in neighbourhood, in school and work, before elevation to ministerial office and authority, mighty not be surprised at their attitudinal metamorphoses. Check today’s ministers. Some were/are influenced by the ideology, politics and personalities of the Jagans. Cheddi single-handedly moulded the two “R’s” – Rohee and Robert from the colourful oblivion of Robb Street into “grassroots petty, ambitious autocrats.” Robeson rode on his father’s communist/Socialist heritage and fitted in perfectly. Others from the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) crucible and cradle needed little moulding but much qualification and professionalism to have been ministerial servants of their electors.
I followed Gail Teixeira’s career with interest. She looked like Janet’s daughter out of Georgetown and Canada, serving as Cheddi’s personal assistant/secretary as if that was a religious duty. As an old, then young, “PNC man”, I admired both her tenacity against the Burnham/Hoyte odds. Today the senior Czarina, outstaying the Hindus, the fakes and the get- rich-quick types, still reigns powerfully supreme. Like the good, long-winded doctor Roger.
My favourite “Curiosities” however were/are Ministers Nadir, Ramsammy and Gopaul. Each had his period of bashing Cheddi, the PPP and its governments. Now? The Lady Ministers need their own column. Medical Officer Westford always favoured certain leaders in her party; Rodrigues-Birkett told me on television that it was the late Desrey Fox who influenced her.
Bharrat Jagdeo needs a whole book to profile and assess… whilst the poor vendor in his Unity village remains bewildered over his palace and pension. To me Ashni Singh, Jeffrey and Xavier, came close to demonstrating what a civic component could have been. But? Gone for channa!
When we see the obvious professional incompetence in construction, project planning, intellectual conceptualization; the squandermania and corruption, perhaps it’s reasonable and justified if we ask the following of today’s ministers: What does Samuel Hinds think of corruption and serving as bridesmaid for his record breaking 23 years? How do Hinds, Ashni, and Nandlall, reasonable professional, sleep at nights.
Why did Edghill join the government? Obvious? How come Irfaan has diminished Robert’s status, leaving, Robert to his “Resources”?
I care little, really, about these ministerial politicians. They obviously care little about me, us. How did they become so? Assist me here. I don’t want them catching mini-buses like me. But I do need them to be honest, legal, incorruptible. In these times?
Discuss…
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How dangerous the skies?
I guess I really mean the ’planes, the aeronautical engineers, the pilots, the aviation administrations, the government minister who superintends from the licensing procedures to proper hinterland aerodromes and air-strips. And yes, the private sector air- service companies.
Time was when Guyanese hardly knew of crashes and disappearances of local aircraft. The occurrences were so rare! Now, with expanded air- traffic to our gold/killing fields, to eco-resorts or border connections, more aircraft fly the challenging Guyana skies.
“Challenging” because as one knowledgeable described, the hinterland is characterized by “dense, triple canopy jungle; through mountainous regions, as well as land and take off from airstrips that leave a lot to be desired.” I suspect that that last statement is a powerful, pitiful under-statement. Like river transportation mediocrity, air transport here is also under stress and threat thanks to a better system of training the aeronautical engineers, still skilful pilots and navigators, accidents are kept under check. Relatively so. But incidents are obviously increasing.
I’ve read a lot recently. The local Civil Aviation authority strives to sound good and capable but ask the pilots about the airstrips, the availability of safety/search technology and equipment- ELT’s spot trackers, modern survival gear or the kit to sense heat from downed aircraft and the reality could be scary.
The most recent disappearance- if that Islander is in our jungle- has stimulated safety concerns.
Here is where my young investigative journalists must keep at Mr Zulfikar and Mr Denbow. Go to the hinterland airstrips, find out about aircraft maintenance from tutors and trainees; about international standards I respectfully suggest, Editors, let’s start some local aviation specials and reports.
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Ponder well…
.1) American President Obama had parents who were never slaves. He however understands the plight of immigrants, even the illegal “undocumented” ones. His immigration moves are now attracting the hostile heat of the Republicans. Yet, more immigrants were deported under his watch than any other President.
.2) My belated congrats to a Courtney Crum-Ewing who took consistent protest to the attorney general’s chambers late last year. Like Eusi Kwayana used to do. Where are our others?
.3) You must know this: the GGMC (Geology and Mines Commission) provides three rolls of toilet tissue and one bar bath soap for its employees every three months!
Til next week!
(Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com)
