Sixteen years ago I “approached” a young lady living in a section of West Ruimveldt in the Georgetown Capital. But because of the deplorable conditions of what passed for “roads” and pathways, I balked at accompanying her home.
Since she had lived in that portion of “West” for many, many years before we met, it means that for some twenty-five- thirty years, no government or municipality ever got around to fixing those roads as would befit the community’s human-being residents. (Okay, okay, I know that such scenarios would have been repeated (normal, common) throughout numerous communities country-wide)
Last week the young lady’s portion of West Ruimveldt had its roads fixed! It was no miracle. But it looked like one to the residents resigned to their communal fate for decades. Both West Ruimveldt’s human beings and lower animals are rejoicing. Over something that should have been a social norm via “caring” authorities. But just what is my point?
It is that citizens, besides wanting to be able to continually upgrade both necessities and “creature- comforts”, even “luxuries” in their bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and sitting-rooms, must access proper roads, bridges, electricity and potable water-supply, health education and reasonable transformational opportunities. Along with cheap foodstuff and medicines, clothing and cultural releases, all this constitutes the good, quality life that all human societies crave – and should enjoy.
The corrupt, the coalition – and care
At a vast, top-class Mall in South Florida last November, my third daughter advised that we by-pass certain high-end name brand stores. She also advised that we certainly could not afford those going prices. I thought I saw a relative of a familiar local government-friendly face, and something hit me.
The past government’s corrupt operatives had various reasons for greedy enrichment at our expense. They could shop anywhere (overseas)! They and their offspring and relatives were able to afford the better schools, private lessons, overseas medical care. Many a time, it is reasonable to assume, the “public purse” financed these opportunities. We at home merely saw the good life on television.
An Indian national who once headed the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) when I was attached, told me that he thought that “the PNC administration had corrupt officials who were competent.”
Then he hinted that even a corrupt government could be “caring” Even as it satisfied its own comrades’ greed.
When then Minister Robeson Benn (or Ashni Singh, whoever!) visited Barbados or Florida. When Prime Minister Hinds visited Canada, where was their competence and conscience?
They saw affordable, safe, modern launch/ferry boat terminals, market squares and transport vehicles. They came home to behind Stabroek Market, Supenaam and a dirty capital. Their supporters’ villages cried out for infrastructure and security.
Now Jagdeo, Rohee and Ramotar dare to accuse the still infant-government. So okay friends. Let the former wicked and contemptuous- and us- monitor the brigadier’s governmental brigade. A great deadline would be mid- May 2016. That’s when the Brigadier wants his “band” to be “coronated.”
Quality, standards for all
I hardly know the name or department- “Force Account Unit.” What is that? But welcome “FAU” of the Public Infrastructure Ministry! That’s the unit repairing and building roads for long-suffering communities. Rehab works are planned countrywide.
Georgetown’s renewal must include plans for monthly maintenance. I would even support projects whereby the Capital’s Citizens could contribute money and /or other resources to improve and maintain specific areas.
This past Sunday’s newspapers were replete with pages and pages advertising numerous invitations for tenders and bids for numerous improvements for communities.
Many works are indicated for those communities which voted solidly for Mr. Jagdeo. Great! Do them early! Show up the wicked! We are not a million within the borders. The President on Campaign was/is right: We are too rich to be poor.
I expect a great quality of life, standard of living, in the future. The near future…
Concerning other ministers
Man, folks found last Friday’s digs, questions in relation to the Ministers both funny and provocative. Here are a few more: which vice president is still largely unknown to most Amerindian Guyanese? What specifically is the Junior Health Minister responsible for? (Madam Doctor, please upgrade the Regional facilities so that fewer cases will be “referred”)
Which female minister has to surround herself with the competent and the faithful if she is to cope with her three crucial areas?
Which minister will now lead the charge to prosecute those who raided the Public Purse over the past fifteen years? Which senior minister who was good at cricket for QC and his high-brow British University; who like the President and me, does not prefer neck ties, does not assume his chairmanship of the 50th independence anniversary committee? (Does he feel as I do? that it should be month-long and not year-long?) More next time. But how busy are Ministers Winston and Amna?
Think well
. 1) More on quality of life: alleyways free of mosquitoes; parks and playgrounds for young and elderly- selling health foods, gymnasiums for adults; community policing for security.
.2) Going to this week-end’s local Las Vegas boxing?
.3) whatever happened to former minister Robert Persaud?
Til next week
(allanafenty @yahoo.com)
