Dear Editor,
On Monday, the headline read: ‘PPP/C pledges to up corruption battle’ (SN, April 6). From a marketing standpoint, it was a nice quick airbrush touch on a growing, oozing, smelling wound. Whatever the intention, that is one long, high mountain to climb, even if there was any genuineness residing in that pledge, or any enthusiasm to make good on it. Then along came Tuesday, a mere day later.
On Tuesday, there was this list of names from the ruling PPP. Among the names are those who had oversight over large swathes of territory where corruption flourished, and is a way of life; an expensive way of life for taxpayers, a richly rewarding way for those on the beneficiary side. Is that day-old pledge for real? Did it have any seriousness in the first place?
How can any party be so beholden to those who have failed its founders, its supposed principles, its constituents? How? Where are the fresh, clean faces, the bench strength to enable the ridding of those who epitomize an unearned, unexplained enriching lifestyle? Where are they?
In the meantime, the thinking, still hopeful citizens are exhorted to let the scales fall, and peer behind the curtain of character. There is enough to make even the toughened recoil. The conscientious and caring in this place that is home will dismiss chatter about moderates; mock claims of honour and decency; and make merry of the peculiar brand of patriotism practised by those toiling unceasingly in the treasure houses of this nation, and which has so degraded an already enfeebled society.
Yes, it is a new day. But it is one darkened and scarred with old mug shots, and the same incorrigible cast. There are, also, now present a crop of eager, aspiring wannabees. If larger Guyanese society can stomach these characters, this group, then they are welcome to enjoy the fruits of their trust, loyalty, and blind fearful devotion. They deserve what they get, what follows.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
