Basdeo questions Bharrat
After completing twenty-three years within this ‘paper and column, regulars would appreciate that I am not given to – or can’t manage – the more academic, more analytical/philosophical reviews and assessments, whilst discussing or exploring issues.
I’m fairly well-read, I feel, but prefer to leave loftier presentations to the better-qualified. This, after all, is a grass-roots, man-in-the-street feature, remember? I and my fans are of the “University of Life – Faculty of the Streets”.
Now I find the Alliance-For-Change Vice-President, Public-Security Minister, Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan a most interesting cross-over politician. A PPP-product, to me Mr Ramjattan is at an acceptable age and stage for his status. The jury is out, for me, as to whether that Ministry was/is his most appropriate portfolio. (But who am I?) As his “disillusionment” with Cheddi Jagan’s inheritors became akin to Party insurgency he left me with a wonderful then dramatic description of Janet Jagan as the then PPP ‘Czarina”. (I hold the view that that “title” now sits smugly with Madam Gail. Without Janet’s ultimate authority, of course.)
Being a little vulgar here, let me state unashamedly that had I been younger and more qualified I would have lobbied for a public relations/education “hold-on” with Minister Khem. I was even once involved with his old Ministry (of yore) when it “controlled” the Police, Prisons, Fire Service, Immigration, Community Policing, GRO, Passport services etc. etc. I’m still full of innovative proposals!
But what is all the foregoing about? For a few reasons Minister Ramjattan’s personality and approaches educate me, in a most preliminary/elementary manner, about human nature.
Character, Politics, “Power”…
“Schooling”, education, family values, work and environment help to mould one’s adult character. Add in religion and observe any person’s personality – traits and approach to life and his fellow-humans.
Unlettered humans can be as rational as certified professionals. But a sense of morality and ethical standards determine one’s cultured character in terms of how one approaches high office and status.
Watch closely our “new” politicians, parliamentarians and ministers, other high functionaries. Some are “brand new” to authority. A few were able to come in from the “cold”.
After more than two decades. Minister Harmon spoke down with some arrogance early on. (They then hid Harmon for a while.) Minister-Vice-President Khemraj stoutly rejected pre-Old Years Night calls to ease – the 2 a.m. closure. “I’ll bring it forward to midnight!” he threatened. Renaissance-Come-Back Man Hammie can now also determine permission and standards at the Housing Authority. When will this valued Institutional Memory retire to grandchildren?
And oh my Zaleena Deen is fearful that her relative’s brutal killer might soon be freed. Another ‘paper reports: “She is even more worried that the Parole Board might rule in favour of the men, since at the time of their convictions Roshana Kassim’s killers were represented by Khemraj Ramjattan, the current Second Vice President and Minister of Public Security.
“The Minister did indicate that he has the final say in such matters, and he will not be bound by the decision of the Parole Board.
“`I have the power under the Parole Board Act, I have to grant the licence for their release. But I am not bound by the Board’s recommendations. Who I feel in the public’s interest should not be released, I will not release them,’ Minister Ramjattan declared.”
That’s life’s realities: Today’s Ministers, decision makers, were all once citizens who were attorneys, businessmen, academics, Private Sector chiefs, sundry professionals. Discuss.
Black History, Local Black Business
Is this February still African Heritage/Black History Month? Whether so or not I shall not repeat my annual (mischievous) questions: Can you name (5) prominent Afro-Guyanese saw-millers” or 5 Afro-Guyanese importers of vehicles? Five “Black” Guyanese owning large pharmacies or malls? Distributors of cement? No! Not this month.
Instead I, pointedly, advise: By May 26 – Afro-Businessmen, secure loans; court investments; encourage large groups of “your people” abroad, mobilise resources and personnel to establish new schools, medical clinics, fish farms, forestry undertakings, waste-management projects, I.T. labs, Omni-bus transportation, manufacturing enterprises.
Get the idea? The Spirit? Contact President Granger and Minister Bulkan about “Village Economies”.
Happy Constructive Black History Month.
Basdeo and Bharrat
Cane-harvester Basdeo Jagessar will ask Bharrat Jagdeo questions like: Sir, would you agree that your Skeldon project cost my industry millions in losses? Do you remember General Secretary Ramotar being on GUYSUCO’s Board of Directors for years? What did that USA-based Chairman achieve for his millions? How many consultations did our PPP Party arrange before closing two Demerara Estates?
Basdeo asked Bharrat five other questions. The former President answered them by directing Jagessar to new Minister Holder.
People will still “vote PPP”. It’s in their DNA. There are those in the PPP with ideas to turn sugar around before its inevitable, long-term recession. Could they not volunteer expertise?
Ponder, muse …
*1) Could the Opposition find any five good features about the 2016 Budget?
*2) If all that the Private Sector and the Human Rights want to know about SOCU’s methods is revealed, how effective will it be?
*3) Which Afro Guyanese would establish a “big” restaurant for diabetics?
*4) Old-timers! No more Lee’s Funeral Corner spot in Georgetown!
*5) Next Friday: Giving-and telling about it.
‘Til next week!
