We’re 22 today!
Let’s do a layman’s “analytical” breakdown of the elements, institutional assistance experts, expertise, environment and other personnel needed to deem a society, a country, a State, a narco- friendly place.
By “narco” I mean the type of generic description for activities related to the production, distribution, trafficking and shipping in and out of narcotics derived from coca/cocaine, marijuana, and other substances which have been deemed to be illegal when not approved for use by governmental authorities- local and foreign.
Look here at my partial listing of elements needed to be “friendly” to the Barons and Traffickers of the illegal drugs: manufacturers of the finished narcotics, suppliers, air and sea transportation, porous and unsecured entry/exit points (borders), narco-scientists and technicians, poor citizens to become small couriers, corrupt politicians, government officials and businessmen, and business, cultural, sporting “fronts”, a suspect judiciary and shrewd lawyers, underpaid or greedy or corrupt policemen, part-time and professional criminals, consistent poverty compromising old fashioned values and spirituality, immoral leaders, exasperated youths without guidance and righteous role-models.
I’ll pause at the above as I ask you dear upright, law-abiding reader, to run through my list. Then consider if our Dear Land of Guyana can “qualify” to be a narco- friendly place. How many elements of my incomplete listing are present here today?
Frankly Speaking, the criteria, opportunities and players have been around our society for decades, but to me, narco- activities and exposures have peaked over the past fifteen years. Should I attribute any significance that that period co-incides with the PPP’s governments’ post-1992 rule? I’ve read and studied the work of knowledgeables on the subject.
Dr Clive Thomas and experts based abroad. My simple mind has long concluded: the Drug Trade could not have flourished here without inputs from three categories: career criminals, crooked politicians and law- enforcement officials and wealthy businessmen. If I need to add a fourth “dimension” it would be the ready market manned by overseas Guyanese and their affiliates.
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What’s to be done?
Really? Can there be a crack-down? A turn-around? A dismantling of an obviously–organized narco industry? By whom? Mr Rohee’s numerous “strategies”?
(They say the solution may be part of the problem)
Our intermittent “Strategic Drugs Plans” remain plans and/or indeed “strategic” for certain stake- holders.
I suspect that it would take a new administration to establish a brand new action task force to confront our local narcotics juggernaut.
It should be comprised of, amongst others, expert investigators, America’s DEA advisers, suitable prosecutors, those who handle drug cases from Guyana, occasional informants (anonymously), border-based villages and border patrol officials.
An international trade whereby the product creates wealth for both the wicked, the greedy and the already- wealthy will never disappear easily. A submersible manufactured in our northwest region caused a brief stir. Then silence. Our DPP Learned Lady of Law and Prosecutions, advised that the crew of the Cargo Ship MV Deltadiep be released. No “evidence” even though that vessel was found in Guyana with $800 million worth of Cocaine. The Revenue people got a “small piece” as a fine/revenue and that was that. Our Guyana, now a Cocaine-friendly, hospitable place.
The Campaign: some tips
As an old “qualified” elections campaign observer, I’ve already commented on the political parties’ campaign financing. Now just a few more strategies to look for. If you’re interested.
But first, is it not instructive to witness how our electoral aspirants and would-be “representatives” go about negotiating/bargaining/jockeying for positions, status, even “office” as they seek to concretise their coalition politics and strategy?
I know it’s necessary to safeguard the respective parties’ trust and mandate given by its own supporters – – real or perceived. But why do I sense it’s all about how much power some dudes get if or when elected?
As others have observed, study how the parties and campaigners and dirty tricks strategists will use occasions and events: Lusignan massacre, Indo/Anglo religious observances, “handing-over” of even a new community toilet, Mashramani, Phagwah, the Easter Days, Labour Day, Arrival Day, then Independence Day. (What day/date would Granger or Nagamootoo have preferred for Elections Day?)
Observe what will be done – or offered – if a National Budget is presented. Should people be impressed if the ruling Party’s government gives long-overdue assistance? I say take what’s yours but vote with your brains. Any governmental assistance is from your money! Look at past old manifestoes then check for new faces and a few last-minutes defectors.
Tell your 18-to-25 year olds about ambitious politicians, about race; then see how the campaigners approach the youth vote. Ring the bells and wake up the villages by 5:00am on Polling Day. More for you voters soon, including the role of the Guyana Times.
Anniversaries I’m proud of…
As I indicate annually at this time: Bring out the band and the dancing girls! Bless the regulars, the fans and the critics! This man-in-the-street column by me – who has never attended any secondary or tertiary school – is 22 years today!
I’ve never claimed profundity or deep, scientific, intellectual analysis. Just acute observation born of experience and a life reasonably lived. Thanks to Doreen de Caires who suggested it after “my party” the PNC was “beaten” in 1992; to David de Caires who guided its early embryonic years; and the current editorial management. Thanks. This is my only “discipline”. (It’s also some kind of record.)
Tomorrow I also celebrate another significant personal milestone. With all my debts and ailments it’s still great to be alive in this Big Beautiful But Blighted Land.
Ponder…
*1) What!? The Rusal Russians are shipping out our precious ores surreptitiously? What a charge by the Region Ten Councillors and Unionists. If true, poor Guyana. Worse governance!
*2) We might all need this practitioner who advertises in a section of the print media: “We can help you – remove evil spirit, bad luck, blockage, reunite family and lovers, money problems, jobs, pregnancy, uplift business, skin problems, sexual problem, legal matters and much more. Call today for tomorrow may be too late”
Til next week!
(Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com)
