-Politicising even the cricket?
The official description for our February 23 national holiday is Republic Day. Because it is a kind of climax for the annual days-long Mashramani Festival of celebratory events, many are tempted to “christen” 23rd February as “Mash Day”.
Former political colleagues and Independence pioneers, later turned robust rivals, Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham could agree on just a few crucial (anti-colonial) issues: the need for political/constitutional independence from Britain and Republican status, the latter being declared on 23rd February 1970. (And even the cheated and defeated Cheddi accepted Burnham’s choice of 23rd February as Jagan lauded the 1763 Rebellion; even naming his party’s ideological college after a 1763 rebel hero – Accabreh.)
So next year’s Republic Day will be powerfully pregnant with historic proportions and meaning. Republican status will be fifty (Jubilee) years old. History will be recalled with fervour of pride, achievement and assessment as well as ballistic campaigning and some national social discord. For polling day will be just a few days after His Excellency’s high-octane Jubilee anniversary Republic celebrations. Let’s speculate on what to expect.
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The oil-and-gas Jubilee election celebration
It’s not that difficult to predict. His Excellency’s high-powered Inter-Ministerial (Mashramani) Jubilee Celebrations Committee has already offered a few “exciting” anniversary insights.
Now AA Fenty, through this column, has long dubbed the 2020 Elections as “Oil-and-Gas/Jubilee Elections”. Even before Charrandass’ December bombshell vote! The current planning committee has not yet actually mentioned “First Oil”. However, I anticipate that should Exxon indicate the “bringing-up” of even a few barrels by January – (AA Fenty’s milestone birth anniversary month) – or February – the Republic’s anniversary month – His Excellency will instruct that both symbolic and practical demonstrations of oil wealth/oil revenues-status be staged. Dramatically!
Already we are told to expect international Guyanese mega-stars in entertainment. But I foresee certain gift packages being distributed countrywide. Strategically! Pageants, parades mega-concerts will supplement scholarships, developmental launchings, even salary increases. Which opposition grouping will be able to match the incumbents’ Jubilee Mash to the max? I can’t wait to see opposition campaign strategies in January/February. Poor Opposition. Which brings me to “living along”.
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Living in His Excellency’s decade
His Excellency has long announced his Decade of development within his Green State Development Strategy. I have “read up” on both. It’s hard not to accept all the good planned therein. From 2020 to 2030 will take a fit-and-proper His Excellency to age 84/85!
I won’t repeat here my reasons for accepting that His Excellency’s PNC will win the coming elections by any means necessary. I’ll repeat that in months to come. Don’t you know how?
So here are my few hints to insist on and enjoy His Excellency’s Finance Minister’s “Good life for all”. Especially to Mr Jagdeo’s Opposition-friendly citizens who would have “lost” the polls.
(1)Refrain from physical street protests and demonstrations. See how His Excellency’s “unbribable” Police Commissioner reacted to the protesters who rejected His Excellency’s presence recently? Riot squad! Total National Defence! (2) Seize all opportunities available under His Excellency’s resumed tenure. (3) Use legal, religious civil society assistance to ensure no discrimination. (4) First People and Chinese Guyanese could petition His Excellency for sympathy, support and supplies. (I know what I am saying here.)
(5) Accept all elections “cochore” offers of improvement even as you keep thanking Charrandass for his fast-forwarding of governmental good-will. And qualify yourselves for oil-and-gas’ new frontiers. And why do I keep “feeling” that the Indo-Guyanese segment knows how to exploit commerce and industry whichever the government? Get accustomed to His Excellency’s next decade. The Americans prefer him. And all of you deserve a good-life Decade. And beyond!
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Out with mischievous cricket politics!
Believe me friends, I am not easily offended, at my age and stage, these days. But a wicked, evil, offensive Facebook post by some demented anti-Coalition individual really succeeded in rankling me.
The person abused the legend Chris Gayle for appearing with PNC seniors and normal cricket fans in Linden last Saturday during the PNC Party anniversary/campaign event.
Does this “person” really believe that Gayle or Buju Banton really cares whether the PNC wins or lose elections here? Was the Great Clive Lloyd “PPP” when he worked for months with Sports Minister Frank Anthony in Main Street, trying to sort out complex local and regional cricketing conundrums a few years ago? Do you remember President Jagdeo with placard picketing for “Ronnie” Sarwan? Is Jagdeo’s pal still a CPL pioneer?
Politics does intrude into everyday life. Every aspect of it I accept. But Lord, I’m too upset to expand here.
So will our Warriors do the “traditional” in tomorrow’s finals? I’m still concerned. Prove me very wrong Warriors.
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You should ponder well…
1) The outrageous anti-PNC, supposedly now anti-Gayle person warned that he will check the Voters List next year to see if Gayle’s name is listed. Offensive yes, but worth a laugh.
2) Except any worry about His Excellency’s health, should you really care whoever is his Prime Ministerial Running Mate?
3) Gather some momentum LJP, ANUG, FED-UP, others. Campaign man!
4) Name seven (7) sectors now headed by former GDF Officers however qualified.
5) To indicate simple past tense, I noted the usage “before time” in a KN item. Living language?
’Til next week!
