Dear Editor,
The more revelations from other letter contributors are scrutinized, the more it becomes apparent that Mrs Elizabeth Harper should not be considered a true “surprise” PM candidate. I think she fits more the role and label of a stealth offering.
There was Emile Mervin (SN, Feb 24) recalling her pointed unmoved silence in the face of that damning assertion from Dr Roger Luncheon regarding the lack of qualified Afro-Guyanese for consideration for Foreign Service positions. That unbreakable silence should have been a warning to observers and commentators, self included.
Next, there was the PPP orchestrated picketing exercise during budget contentions, where Mrs Harper was very much visible. (See David Hinds, SN, Feb 25). While this can be construed as the exercise of a democratic and personal right, no public servant at the level (and presumably of the calibre) of Mrs Harper should have contributed, or been caught anywhere near such a public performance, if not political circus. Certainly not one that raises questions of coercion (maybe), personal obsequiousness (tangibly so), and professional compromise (by any yardstick) for someone of Mrs Harper’s rank.
Her public involvement in that picketing parade was more than a warning; it was a conforming, confirming warning that was louder than her previous silence. Yet, it went over many heads – or at least my own.
Then, there is this matter of age, retirement age. In the interests of delicacy, it is sufficient to state that Mrs Harper stayed past her time.
From all indications she was invited to stay, and such contractual invitations are not extended to most people, especially people like her. Here was a story with a lot of plots, some of which are only now coming to light, when the dots are connected.
The uncooperative, the undesirable, and the untouched are not allowed to remain beyond that age limit; they are neither wanted not welcome. No thanks, no contract.
But Mrs Harper was blessed with an extension of professional life, and in a place where there was supposedly no qualified Afro-Guyanese people. Well, well… Those contracts don’t come cheap: much thinking goes into them, and much is demanded of the recipients.
Thus I say no matter how nervous, or uncomfortable, or unspeaking is the recent picture, she has been part of a subtle, not so invisible or subdued, political figure skating dance right in the midst. How could everyone have been so blind? Hindsight is perfect, but let the word ‘surprise’ be dropped henceforth when this issue is discussed.
On another note, the prime ministerial candidate might have remained a perpetual sleeper (or unidentified somnambulist), if not for that momentary flash of independence by her now former boss, who objected to the conduct and continued presence, of her law(less) neighbour. There went the nomination. She is now history, while Mrs Harper is still the lead story, the candidate gathering the rebound. Hakeem Olajuwon would be so proud.
Now all that is left to say is that all (repeat all) failed to recognize an outside horse, and a dark horse that was always in the light.
The nation is left to watch how this Elizabethan Reggae will chart; and to listen in the days ahead to the outcome of a Harperian movement in P (read three Ps) major.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
