-We’re 23 today!
Strange how one can juxtapose seemingly oblique, or very unrelated events, personalities, reminiscences, when one vivid, even startling bit of drama unfolds.
That happened to me this past Tuesday evening as I viewed the various television newscasts. For therein I could behold FITUG head (the giant labour grouping, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG); the man who manoeuvred Robert H.O Corbin, then PNC Leader out from the symbolic “presidency” of the historic Guyana Labour Union (GLU); the GLU General Secretary and member of many Boards under Bharrat, Comrade Carvil Duncan in white long-sleeved shirt- jac and handcuffs in the Georgetown Magistrates Court.
First I must admit that it was not my real joy at seeing the head of Guyana’s very first registered trade union in such demeaning circumstances. But it was very re-assuring to realise that President Granger’s and Dr Clive Thomas’ “credibilities” might yet survive their promises to prosecute those suspected of raiding public purses under the past alleged kleptocratic administration.
Three or four years ago, FITUG convened one of its conferences at a Hadfield Street hotel. Donald Ramotar was on stage when a loyal Duncan declared that “there was no corruption in Guyana”. I muttered loudly that “that man is living in another country- or smoking!” My remark floated up to the stage. Minutes later, Mr Ramotar was to opine that there was corruption around. But he needed the evidence. But I digress…
I was a fan of the Stevedore-Trade unionist Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow from my youth. (Was it, is it because I too never bothered with High School or University yet achieved something?)
Critchlow contested with the degreed, learned and academic professionals of his era, to found and lead one of the Commonwealth’s earliest trade unions from these parts- our (B) GLU.
I adored his pioneering working-class work and credentials for numerous reasons. Then two-three time Legal Affairs Minister/Attorney General Charles Ramson, deflated me somewhat.
Mr Ramson pointed me to evidence which indicated that my grass-roots-turned-international unionist hero, Critchlow, actually opposed the emergent Indian sugar-oriented labourers from getting/enjoying the adult-suffrage franchise so that the “coolies” may vote for change in the BG colony.
I was somewhat perplexed at the “Black Crosby’s” position as he had championed those sugar -workers’ causes against the estate barons. Then I later learnt the reasons that Skibby Critchlow advanced. But that’s for another discussion.
Of ironic interest to me is that it is Mr Ramson’s son who will now be the Union Leader Duncan’s legal defence representative in court. I hope Carvil has resources to retain that experienced, high-priced Counsel. Duncan has been accused of something akin to fraudulent conversion of thousands from a corporation. I can pass no judgement. That is for the various Courts of Law.
In passing I wish to caution a few PNC-APNU friends calling for “justice” for taxpayers not to ask me “Why only two Afro big ones from the past PPP side get lock-up.” This couldn’t be about ethnic considerations. Meanwhile, I put confidence and trust in the promises of my President my P.M., Mr Ramjattan and Dr C Thomas. Critchlow just observed Carvil in ‘cuffs. What does the GLU Founder think?
The Village, The
Strategic Plan…
Hopefully, this one will really contribute to actual lasting effectiveness in the needed national crime fight.
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has just contributed millions and millions to this (new?) government “to reduce the levels of crime and violence here over the next five years.” We’ve heard and seen it all before, But every initiative helps. Or should be made to.
This launch was /is dubbed the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP). It follows the now faded Citizen Security Programme. I’m not about to repeat all of this plan’s reported components. Except to state that its project implementation unit will mobilise both the Police and Prison Services (rehabilitation/reintegration) techniques. And community-level crime prevention actions will target 20 communities selected on their homicide, burglary, robbery and domestic violence rates.
Lovely! Check my simple (simplistic) observations from the village.
The police and all of us follow the trends: a strange car is seen cruising around sections of the village. (So note every feature of the vehicle; discreetly photograph it.) The business place has the owner’s residence above. What are the security implications there? Security cameras? Friendly neighbours? Anti-crime networking? Where should children be housed and how? Teach the children how to behave or react whilst under attack. I know this is easier said than done, when under a gun. But schools should have appropriate counselling someday.
Police hardly have the numbers (of bodies) to wait outside night-clubs after midnight. So they cannot stake out, pre-emptively, all village “wedding houses”. The guests, if not all inebriated, must look out for the ignorant, the intolerant, the drunk and the high, immatured who are likely to quarrel, fight, injure, kill. Pre-empt so that pleasure does not become tragedy.
And one day our village or district police stations will have my computerised village profile (like the Google map) to know every nook and cranny of every village and urban community. Meanwhile let’s follow the fortunes of Minister Ramjattan’s “newest” CSSP- Citizen Security Strengthening Programme.
Twenty-three today!
It’s been my privilege and pleasure- compliments of Stabroek News- to be able to complete 23 years today of presenting this “frank feature” to you all.
It’s a man-in-the-street, grass- roots observer offering. Over weeks, months, 23 years I’ve explored numerous themes- moral dilemmas of citizens involved indirectly with the proceeds of illegal narcotics; corruption and executive thievery; the new morality of crooks being role-models; crime perspectives; civil society empowerment; folklore/culture; etc, etc.
I can even boast that often I was way ahead of other commentators. But being unlettered, unqualified, of only working- class status, my foresight was….
So congrats A.A Fenty, congrats “Frankly Speaking.”
Just two points to ponder…
.1) This “new” government boasts: GINA, NCN, Chronicle, a friendly channel 9; Mark at the O.P; Imran at the OPM; Media and Press Officers/Liaisons at Infrastructure, Communities, Tourism, Natural Resources, et al.
Well… We must know what our Ministries are doing, right? Who they are, right? Pity I’m so retired and tired (I could have gotten a hold on”, right?)
.2) What cane-cutter Jagessar should ask President/Opp. Leader, Jagdeo. Next time.
Til next time
(comments?allanafenty @yahoo.com)
