Dear Editor,
I draw attention to the article titled, `New Gecom Chairman sworn in –says constitution will guide her’ and the underlying picture (SN July 30). I share the following observations.
It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. That does not begin to tell the story of this particular media canvas, as I think it is worth a whole edition by itself. For that colour splash, I heartily congratulate SN for capturing what should have been a thrilling, groundbreaking moment in full, revealing colour. I think it showed too much leadership décolletage, and what is really behind the masks. And masks they were. MGM would have been proud.
It is a grand, sprawling leadership portrait that will go down in history (yes, I am saying it from now), only to be dredged up to remind of the eerie shadow it casts. The brightest splash was the aggressive red slash of the figure on the extreme left. In America, and specifically where I come from, it is recognized as a power colour. In Guyana, it is dangerous: in choice, in the inferential, and as interpreted (by me). Limited minds may not be as exposed to such nuances.
At the same time, all the others are in dark, conservative, dismal hues. I thought that I was looking at the pallbearers at the funeral of a close relation. The utterly solemn, all-too-forced expressions of them all are reminiscent of people compelled to be in the wrong place for the wrong reasons at the wrong time with the wrong people. And here was I thinking (seriously) that this was a truly consensus candidate. I still pray that I have that right, and circumstances will prove to be so.
For, upon close examination, each of the severe-looking leadership quartet appeared as if they had just been handed life sentences without parole for a crime in which they aided, but the punishment is way out of proportion. I behold children dug out of bed, pushed through the rain-stiffly starched and flatly ironed-and now prodded to be on their best behaviour (by putting on their best face) before an expectant public. If those are the best faces that these adults could drum up for an occasion like this, please spare me (and this country) those intervals when things go really bad. And they will prior personal optimism and all.
I must confess at this early hour, that this is not encouraging in the least. To be clear, I didn’t expect ear-to-ear grins and hugs and kisses, but the very body language of them all-bar none, not one -screamed: “how did I get into this pickle; and “I wish to be anywhere but here.” Mark my words, this is not promising. I am not as enthused as I was before. Too grim! Too blank! Too emotionless and pessimistic! With expressions like those for such an auspicious moment, the four leaders put regular GPL blackouts to shame. I invite all to take a look: an honest and frank one.
I am not done yet. I think that SN has to get with the programme and the late 19th century (not even with the 20th). For exhibit A, I direct to the caption: “New Gecom Chairman…” with emphasis on chairman. What’s up with that, editors? Surely, SN doesn’t need a dumb repatriate like me to point out the need for gender/subject alignment.
Chairman is out! Chairwoman is in! And if that is asking too much, I will settle for the more neutral (and accurate) chairperson, or at least chair. I am sure that Chairwoman Justice Claudette Singh would appreciate the courtesy and bow to the march of women.
To close on a very concerned note, I admit to being one of the cheerleaders of this latest Gecom development. Now foreboding comes. With faces like that, forgive me, please. Looks like the realpolitik of Guyana is still at work.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
