The proud descendants of those First Coolies
Okay, okay friends. You’re absolutely correct. I Fenty am no psychiatrist, no psychologist, no psychotherapist or psychoanalyst.
So what am I attempting with today’s lead issue about His Excellency’s mind? Most likely and definitely a superior mind compared to mine? Well I’ll explain in the following paragraph.
The only exposure I’ve had to the study of psychology was an Educational Psychology class in teacher training (1964 to 1966). And an intensive little course it was on classroom psychology about the workings of the mind – both children’s and teachers. And I did try to cope when our formidable lecturer, the late Olga Bone, would explain the ID. Whew! Today as a concerned citizen who once voted (2015) for David Arthur Granger and his lot, I reserve the respectful right to wonder about and enquire publicly as to what this leader’s mind now accommodates.
****************
Personal accomplishment, now public ridicule
No need to “burden” you all with His Excellency’s personal life’s accomplishments. In a paragraph: Queen’s College graduate; highly trained GDF army Officer who fashioned ideological texts for officers and ranks as well as Standing Orders; outstanding accolades from UG and other universities to become historian – (he doesn’t approve that description) – writer and publisher; yet finding time to be President Hoyte’s Defence Adviser – the same Hoyte who preferred Joseph G. Singh as Major-General.
Now add to the above, the silent Burnhamite who, despite “explosive sounds” and the ire of the Linden Comrades at Congress, outmanoeuvred certain contesting complainants to become PNC Leader, the amorphous “APNU” Leader and Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition. Not bad at all!
In May 2015 a slim electoral majority saw the emergence of His Excellency as President (“This is the day that the Lord hath made…”/ “Let us co-operate for Guyana.”) My two votes assisted and he did not disappoint me with his first address to the United Nations (2015) as Maduro was quick to spout his aggressive nonsense. Then flattery to deceive!! How swiftly the rot set in!
After officer Harmon’s instant pay increases to the boys and girls in the corridors of authority and power, came the indications of a planned permanency: a liking to name and rename things and places, an extravagant unnecessary repainting of buildings, even apparel in green (to symbolize a reasonably thought-out green Development National Strategy) and yes, high walls around his Bourda office. Recently he did declare: “cause I en leffin fuh juss now!”
The Statesman Visionary Leader LFS Burnham sullied his life’s image with electoral thievery; Desmond Hoyte benefitted from 1985 then reigned for seven years before redeeming his legacy in 1992. As with Burnham His Excellency has left me bitter, disillusioned and regretful that his power lust has discredited all of his political pedigree and credibility. The following questions are meant for those better-qualified to delve into His Excellency’s mind at this time. When, a little like Hoyte, he has “enjoyed” a prolonged governmental life of sixteen months more than were available (Dec 2018- May 2020.)
***********************
Questions: Promising fruit, rotten product!
Why did you do as the PPP did? Ensure all your Government permanent secretaries were of one race group? And that you swiftly embedded numerous (qualified) ex-GDF officers in strategic state positions? Whilst paying mainly lip service to the country’s constitution why did you – and yours – compromise it so frequently? In recent months?
Don’t you realise, Excellency, that all your kneeling down in church pews has been undermined by your party’s disgraceful behaviours since March’s polling day? Your “first elections?” How do you feel about the abominable treatment meted out to eight past and current CARICOM Prime Ministers – and a past leader of Senegal? Do you plan to rely on China, Russia, India, the Saudis and /or Cuba if ever the west turns on you?
Finally Excellency, even if the recount is managed to award you continuity, how do you feel knowing half the country disregards you – and future elections? I can’t accept any Irfaan Ali as my president but don’t you realise that a flawed “victory” leaves folks like me ashamed? Should I now change my middle name? You’ll always have your group’s loyal tribal support but oil or no oil, your Guyana now suffers from social division. What a legacy! As rumours of corruption now swirl around your closest aides.
********************
From Coolies to proud citizens
As I observe this past Tuesday’s 182nd “arrival” of Indians to this land from the Sub-continent, two points upfront: (1) the Hindi and Urdu “coolie” refer to “an unskilled/manual labourer, from the Far East” so it is interesting/strange that the Chinese immigrants who were introduced here in 1853 did not attract the description “coolies” which they were according to my historical texts; (2) this past Sunday marked 185 years since the “arrival” of our Portuguese forebears.
As I applaud the achievements and contributions of the descendants of those first Indian coolies, I ask for more intense “investigations” into the coming and challenges of our early Portuguese (Madeirans) and Chinese.
For good Histories of “East Indians” here my first two recommendations would be Vere T. Daly’s “A Short History of the Guyanese People” and “The coolie: His rights and wrongs” by John Edward Jenkins. You’re bound to discover things you hardly know.
Sorry to disappoint: I never intended to detail anything about the obvious contributions, after great challenges, by Indo-Guyanese. You all just reflect
*************
A few to ponder…
● 1) So the original count could have taken three (3) days: March 03 to March 05. The recount could last 25? Why? Oh it’s a forensic/audit exercise? But 25?
● 2) After the recount a new acceptable government? Social cohesion? Litigation? Development? Disharmony?
● 3) “Man doan Mingo mih!” (Y’all really think that that poor soul acted on his very own?)
● 4. Statements of Poll freely released when requested by the PNC in past elections, are now withheld and will be replaced by Statements of Recount!
● 5. So original SOP’s not now valid? And what has become of Ruel’s TCI Party?
● 6. Dare to criticise His Excellency’s folks? Joe Singh? Chris Nascimento? Gerry Gouveia? The whole Private Sector group? Lillian Chatterjee? Former CARICOM heads? Editors- in Chief? Denigrate! Discredit! Smear!
’Til next week!
