Far be it for me, an ageing patriot who chose to live and stay solely and only in this country of my birth, to bad-talk it negatively in a consistent manner. But realities are realities. Inescapable, as they manifest themselves almost daily. And one way to confront negatives is to begin by identifying them.
At this stage and time in my Guyana the social- or, actually, anti-social negatives are many. Some of these national “sores” threaten to characterize us- as a nation. Examples are daily murderous home invasions; other violent crimes, too many proportionally for our small population; irresponsible fatalistic use of our insufficient roadways; executive corrupt practices now seemingly a national sub- culture; and yes, the production, trafficking and trans-shipping of illegal narcotics. The latter, now a real dubious economic activity, is both most damaging and criminal.
The foregoing was merely brief context for my following commentary meant to position an acceptable and necessary national strategy alongside the nefarious “industry” which competes to make evil overwhelmingly good.
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Coca, Cannabis, Green Economy…
I won’t know how long ago our President embraced the concept of a “green economy.” His military colleague Major-General (rtd) Joe Singh was/is a man in love with our hinterland and issues of nature. And to his credit President Jagdeo did “champion” a greener, low carbon national strategy for forest conservation.
But, Frankly Speaking, organized criminal enterprise would wish to steer President Granger’s Green Economy/agenda in one illegal direction, first a quick reflection.
The innocent plants of this planet existed in nature’s Environment before man’s mind and skills transformed them into products of disrepute (all vital medicines were of the earth before the scientists exploited their properties into synthetic, “refined” medical products.)
In Andean South America the “Indian” native people (of Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia etc.) used their coca leaves by chewing. Like tobacco the coca juice gave them warmth from the (mountain) cold, energy to climb and survive their agricultural tasks. Then the European settlers and visitors rediscovered the plant. They added alkaloids and all sorts of chemicals to the pounded coca. Enter the addictive cocaine in all its forms.
Because of what unregulated cocaine-use can do to the nervous system, brain and mind, most countries deemed its use illegal despite its medicinal properties. The same with the cannabis sativa of marijuana. Misuse wrecks bodies and minds, thus its societal illegality.
Naturally, its criminal status and scarcity embolden criminal enterprise to exploit the products, the users, the markets.
In our Guyana cocaine is imported across our porous borders for onward journeys to the UK, North America, Africa. “Enterprising” criminal farmers cultivate marijuana perhaps hoping we’ll become like Holland or some American States, where marijuana use is sold lawfully under regulation.
But all the above is not now a part of President Granger’s Green agenda or economy.
No Sir! Obviously intending to build upon or out-manoeuvre Jagdeo’s international achievements in his LCDS and forest management, the President, just a few days ago in Washington D.C, USA was outlining the elements of his “Green Economy”. They include(d): “development of protected areas; wildlife management; coastal zone protection; renewable energy sources; education and understanding the values of our varied natural resources and emphasising how Guyana’s Carbon “sink” in the reduction of harmful climate change redounds to the benefit of both Guyana’s and the world’s environment.”
The immediate above is quoted so that our people, our leaders and our educators would be reminded of the fundamentals of Guyana’s green agenda. Even as the marijuana and cocaine Barons are kept in check! Huh? Hopefully?
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“Free-Thinkers” Unbound?
Came across an interesting letter to this newspaper by one Lakeram Singh a few days ago. It appears that Lakeram was once an ardent PPP supporter. Now he is an “independent” NDC Councillor on the Corentyne.
He alleges that senior PPP Local Government Officials and agents like their Freedom House managers- do not tolerate any independent thinkers amongst their local officials. He wrote that “they see an independent mind as a threat to their status quo…” Lakeram was removed from a position.
Now Frankly Speaking, this is but a reminder of PPP political culture. “Democratic?” Centralism and Control is still its bedrock. But Lakeram must be congratulated for breaking free though the price was his victimisation.
I touch on the above because I’m becoming worried when I hear that some GWI seniors are not “authorized” to speak; that the Food and Drugs fellow was silenced about the chemical testing, that Health Minister George rebuked one of his own over public comment. Careful APNU Comrades!
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Ponder please… Again I ask the professionals: How come we have so many thousands of single parent mothers?
What’s your assessment of the acting Police Commissioner’s public commentaries?
I too wonder about using all the Chinese Grant aid for the Convention Centre. Could the repairs not be staggered?
Happy Diwali, whichever day you choose.
’Til next week
