The virtually-premature ministerial salary increase generosity aside, I share my thoughts on issues of authority, power, humility in fair-minded service and political personality changes.
The numerous reactions to the Cabinet and Parliamentary pay rises – some responses expected Opposition-fuelled propaganda, some more reasoned concerns – and this Sunday’s Stabroek editorial – Ministers’ pay rise – all beat me to it. Still, however, I muse on, the consequences of the APNU+AFC collaboration assuming governmental dominion and state-control, in terms of reasonable expectations of their supporters, as well as fulfilment of certain suspicions.
Based on my own 1970’s-to-1990’s “PNC-experience (s)” I’ll personalise all this, as this op-ed feature is sometimes expected to do.
Context: however Cheddi Jagan was/is viewed, when he won authority in October 1992 most sections of the populace welcomed the change from the Burnham–Reid-Green–Hoyte era. Why, even the defeated Desmond Hoyte declared, in the first days of Cheddi’s reclamation, that there was tremendous “goodwill” existing for his new administration.
A little after four years in office, an aging Cheddi died. His “lean-clean” promise metamorphosed into “mean” governance instead, as successive PPP administrations gained reputations for discrimination, corruption and exclusion, amongst other ills. During the life of those succeeding regimes, I – and most of the nation – witnessed how elected officials and then favoured or related professionals succumbed to sheer greed, as mentioned above.
Caribbean writer and thinker George Lamming had opined that when Caribbean (Third World) politicians were thrust into the corridors of power many times unexpectedly, they were beside themselves with the lure of sudden availabilities. I agreed, except that to me, Frankly Speaking, like some young “ambitious” police recruits, many Third World politicians consciously worked to secure “office” – to serve themselves.
Fast-forward to the hope and expectations of post-May 11 last. The retired Brigadier – President David A. Granger does not, at all, attract even a whiff of personal corruption or greed as personified by those in the past governments. His earlier ideological, officer-corps assignments in an evolving GDF, his advisory role on security to President Hoyte and his subtle, successful manoeuvrings to become PNCR, APNU and Opposition Leader should have prepared him for some form of hierarchical political leadership, surrounded as he was/is by many of his trusted ex-military colleagues. His Code of Conduct could – or must – be an effective guide for the behaviour of his Cabinet and public servants. But could the poor President really control human nature? I think not.
Service, values – and position–seekers
This Sunday Stabroek editorial captured perfectly the concept of “service”, missed or ignored by officer-Minister Harmon, as well as how ministers and senior functionaries should regard rewards and comparative remuneration for what they clamoured to do during election–campaign time.
Frankly Speaking, to me something happens to new office–holders in an infant-government which makes them, their values and aspirations become hostage to authority, then power. Control is probably a real “heady” attribute. Slowly but surely, the well-meaning drifts away from roots and service-oriented behaviours. I know that a new minister or Permanent Secretary cannot now entertain, satisfy or please all old friends or supporters as was possible before assuming office. Even false, unreasonable expectations cannot be fulfilled at short notice. But it is how requests and people are addressed. The new kids in town must shun and eschew arrogance, for starters.
Now friends, I have already observed the following: most brand-new officials are indeed hiding and distancing themselves from members of the public genuinely in distress since the former exploiters held sway; because the APNU-AFC components both have loyalists to reward, there is a bit of jockeying and positioning for “opportunities” available. Outsiders not aligned to the PNCR, APNU, AFC, WPA have to wait and hope for consideration – qualified, experienced or not.
Poor President David has to pass down the message: “Employ, appoint persons on merit, qualifications, experience, goodwill and service; explain to some comrades why they must hold on a bit; tap in to civil society more for committee and commission members.” Yes, from National Awards to appointment as our Heads of Missions, let more inclusivity be manifest. Discuss…
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Which minister is…?
This is a quiz to which I’ll share my own answers and ask for yours as well. You don’t have to agree with my views, of course. So let’s focus on about twelve of our new Cabinet. Which minister already comes off as being arrogant and dismissive? Which senior Minister with a massive portfolio, is probably quietly competent but yet comes off as an enigma, out of his depth? (Honourable Noel Holder?)
Which Junior Minister, with his own speaking style, comes off as a welcome passionate surprise? (Honourable Jaipaul). Who is my Teachers College Batchmate/ Minister determined to “democratise” housing and have the new-rich PPP pay for what they appropriated?
Guess which minister seems always annoyed with the PPP evil even as he superintends empowering President Granger’s “communities”? Which Vice-President Minister, like Alexander and Norton, has dismissed PNC internal elections misgivings, to represent our country’s image most competently? Which minister speaks most down-to-earth language whilst explaining the state of the nation’s health (Hon. Norton!) And which one definitely needs all the support available to ensure proper national infrastructure? Poor fellow and professional – from floods to new playgrounds, he is expected to produce.
Of the lady ministers – all new – who seems charmingly in charge of her portfolio? (Honourable Hughes, who must push local tourism.) Which lady minister never sounds real genuine? Who must read up the labour laws thoroughly as she continues her crusade to stop employment exploitation? Which United Force official is quickly grasping her ministerial responsibilities? (Hon. Garrido-Lowe)?
Easy quiz wasn’t it? But it could still stimulate scrutiny of those appointed to serve. I dare not bother today, with the President and his Chief Assistant, the Prime Minister, but as a parting shot, will ask: who has to ensure that Anil Nandlall does not come off as “Brighter”?
Please ponder…
.1) Whether it is to be Hamley Case, Keith George, Wesley Kirton, Elisabeth Harper (???), Dr Mozart Thomas, Supriya Singh-Bodden, Frank Campbell, Desmond Roberts, an Amerindian–Guyanese, Chinese Guyanese or Portuguese Guyanese, Mr President please announce our Ambassadors and High Commissioners soon!
.2) Which new national P.R. person comes off as abrasive?
.3) The Atlantic Marriott, paid for by us the people, is directed and managed by our servants, so could we not get a progress report/sit-rep?
’Til next week!
(Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com)
