-Seriously! Any hope for Vendor-City Georgetown?
What do I mean by “17-month mindset”? That’s my way of referring to the mentality; the more political considerations and strongly-held – albeit sometimes subtle – responses demonstrated, or to be exhibited, by leaders and top decision–makers of the now-governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP). After being forced to wait for seventeen months before winning (elections) and office.
Sorry if the explanation above is a trifle long-winded. You see after Mr Charrandass’ No-Confidence dramatic vote in December 2018, elections were due, constitutionally, in March 2019. The Brigadier President’s manoeuvrings and wicked self-serving successful litigations delayed those polls for one year to March 2020 last. Twelve months! After March 02 the Brigadier-President was at it again. Mingo-magical counting attracted a CARICOM-observed recount, then allegations of 115,000 “fraudulent” Lowenfield ballots! Reluctant concession by August 02 – five months after March 02, 2020. Ali sworn in on August 02. A total of (12+5) seventeen months after March 2019. Shouldn’t that influence the PPP negatively and fashion political mindsets and specific attitudinal responses to any opposition criticisms and positions now being voiced?
It’s both “human nature” and political reality for an aggrieved group of politicians including political leaders and policy-makers – who were willfully and skillfully cheated out of months of government – to feel outraged and to probably react appropriately. Of course it’s a measure of political maturity and nationalistic responsibility if the aggrieved party can rise above partisan behaviours in the interest of peace, progress, even “prosperity” for all being governed.
********
Responses: Gail and Joe
The PPP’s current mindset is best articulated by the veteran Gail Teixeira who is reminding new Opposition Leader, “Intelligence” officer Joe Harmon, about certain political home-truths. She is acutely aware of the number of years of government which were denied to the PPP by the PNC. Not even counting comrade Burnham’s overt, blatant 28 years of rigging rule! 1997/1998 and subsequent vitiation then 2011 and self-imposed prorogation all threatened the PPP’s legitimate time in government.
I and the whole nation will scrutinise every behaviour by the Ali government as it manages old and new resources along with the goodwill of the international community seemingly available currently.
Those of us granted the opportunity to share opinions and commentary publicly must be careful and responsible enough not to incite mistrust or provoke doubt – even hostility – with respect to political players or national leaders whom we don’t “like”. That’s why I’ll conclude these observations for now. (And that’s also my reason – however weak – for not commenting at this time on the heinous, sadistic WCB murders of the youths. Deliberately or accidentally one sees how expressed opinions just perpetuate too much hatred as the innocent pay for the sins of the guilty.)
*****
Article 13: What Civil Society?
How hopeful and proud am I to see the relatively sudden but welcome embrace of our Constitution’s Article 13 which has always espoused the mechanisms for “inclusionary democracy.”
This is the aspect of the Constitution that promotes the robust – almost mandatory – participation of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in certain decision-making processes of the Government and State. Two realities have rendered this vital Article 13 sterile and largely ignored: firstly, the NGOs, including workers’ representative trade unions, were never organized, mobilized, cohesive or committed to sustained consistent insistence on participation, as advised by the Article; and secondly, governments themselves either ignored citizen-representation or were hostile to it.
Just a few years ago a certain overseas-based gentleman essayed to organise the numerous NGOs existent here. He succeeded to a significant level. I suspect he had compiled a Directory of every known NGO in this country. He was on the verge of empowering Guyana’s collective Civil-Society movement to complement the country’s “governmental democracy.” Alas, that gentleman suddenly fell afoul of many commercial entities – and of the law.
Last week I noted the interest and request of ten NGOs with respect to the “management” of the Oil-and-Gas Natural Resources/Sovereign Wealth Fund. I await their structured proposal and Government’s Response. Curiously, an East Coast Clean-up Committee and the Ursuline Sisters of Guyana are among the ten. Interesting!?
I caution the following: NGOs must be “professional”, transparent, accountable; for when they cease to be a-political, political interventionists seek to compromise their independence as they inveigle partisan support. Again I advocate the establishment of an Article 13 movement for and in this Dear Land of Guyana. Empower our genuine civil society!
*****
Garden City, Vendor City, Garbage Town
Until I return to this vital issue very soon, consider just the following personal views.
Georgetown has to be one of the dirtiest garbage-filled towns in CARICOM. * There has been too much Government-City Hall hostility. The PNC controlled both government and City Hall/MCC for five years and yet? (New Minister Dharamlall has just “pledged” to “refurbish and rebuild” Georgetown. Should I hold my breath?) * Householders and businesses clog up drainage by their parapets and verges; they must all be fined! * The MCC should be assisted to institute a parking meter project on its own. Nominal charges per hour can induce hefty revenues for an accountable MCC * The MCC must solicit Private Sector assistance to manage a resuscitated Le Repentir National Cemetery. This site is a national disgrace! More to come soon. Including what’s now a vendor challenge. Soon there might be more vendors than buyers!
*****
Consider, ponder…
1) No PPP Leader directed the monsters who murdered the two WCB youths to so do. Don’t soil their memories with your rank politics. Even as you exploit the deaths.
2) We were never racially polarised as in Rwanda, Nigeria, Pakistan, Libya or Ireland. Some are seemingly committed to having us join those wounded societies.
3) The Mahaica mega project mirrors the Coalition’s grand plans for a futuristic Ogle. Let’s welcome both. Cautiously.
4) Reject the politics of violent/racist protest!
5) Shame! Shame on President Ali (and his manifesto promise). Shame! There are not many of us over 65. Only $4,500 more for us Old Age Pensioners? Shame!!
6) Who’s our local champion daily letter writer? GHKL? Bisram?
‘Til next week!
