Welcome Secretary Pompeo, Welcome Mike!
Besides the now annual National Budget Review by Ram and McRae, I found myself looking out for some form of critique from the immediate past Finance Minister.
Winston “Good-life-war-break” Jordan – former Budget-Preparation Executive for Bharrat Jagdeo – did not disappoint me. Mr Jordan’s first-shot salvoes included describing the PPP Emergency Budget as a “Private Sector” plan which has eroded the revenue base”; is not for “the people” and of course, will “enormously inflate the deficit”.
I awaited Jordan’s assessment for almost obvious reasons. And they were robust with some seemingly valid criticisms which the government MP’s have attempted to dismantle. My untrained mind will not here detail Jordan’s or my concerns. Even as I empathise with Mr Jagdeo’s very short rushed time to prepare and present, I also appreciate Jordan telling the PNC’s parliamentary watchdogs to be meticulously enquiring.
But notwithstanding the long intro above this is what I single out now in Mr Jordan’s critique: His comments on allocation for indigenous communities. Because I had planned to return to this issue today.
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Giving to groups, providing for all
You know the mantra: government has to plan and provide, according to our constitution for all! (On March 27 last, in this column, I had once again, discussed “Empowering Afro-Guyanese”.)
Among Mr Jordan’s comments were “… I have no problem with the spending of the indigenous community who must be given kudos for getting their interest represented in the manner of how large a sum of money is thrown at their communities…”
Jordan also thought it relevant to mention that “the PPP/C government has decided that it will not be getting support from the Afro-Community…” hence its generosity towards the First Peoples.
He concluded his first Budget 2020 critique thus: “My budgets were more balanced and made provisions for disadvantaged communities of all ethnicities.” “Good-life” Jordan has just offered me another opportunity – intended – to offer the following brief comments.
Governments must be cautious when articulating when and how they will implement programmes to reduce poverty or to benefit specific (underprivileged?) groups in the society. Charges of discrimination, vote-baiting and/or favouritism await any perceived or real emphases on one instead of the other.
Now do you realise that when land-titling for long-occupied traditional First Peoples lands was upgraded some “Amerindians” in Guyana became owners of Territory larger than Barbados? For historical, cultural, even economic reasons, are not “Amerindians” beneficiaries of special treatments?
Pan Africanist Brigadier-President David Granger “inspired” and influenced numerous “facilities” to empower Afro-Guyanese during his five years.’ Financing and material assistance were facilitated through the land commission, the co-operative department, LEAP, SLED (???) And the International Decade for People of African Descent – Guyana Chapter. His “anti-marginalization and alienation” blitzkrieg – efforts were brought to the ground on August 02 last.
A few years ago between Dr Clive Thomas and CN Sharma’s televised visit to needy communities, it was determined that there are more poor Indo-Guyanese than poor others. Unbelievable? Well governments can’t isolate “Indians” for poverty-reduction/economic empowerment programmes, right? They have to “balance” – as advised by Mr “War-Break” Jordan.
What’s your opinion on this issue?
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“All ahwee-life mattuh”, racist murders
“Black Lives Matter” is an American Pro-Afro movement. Depending on one’s perspective BLM is a positive effective advocacy for the rights of Afro- Americans in the face of structured all-round attacks on their well-being. Some say it’s also fertile ground for fascist violent interventions. BLM groups have also sprung up wherever depressed Afro-descended people dwell.
In a taxi driven by an Indo-Guyanese fellow, during the WCB protest-turned- racist-riot, he asked me: “Big man all awe life nah mattuh?” I assured him all lives matter. He wondered why there were no huge demonstrations for “Indians” killed in Berbice recently. I had just arrived at my destination.
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A warm welcome Secretary Pompeo!
Look, far from me to add to both any self-righteous hysteria and some valid enquiries around Secretary Pompeo’s visit currently on! A warm Guyanese welcome to you from this 27-year old column Sir. (Somehow, I keep wondering whether you or your boss will be in government next year.)
I, of course, will not add to the speculation about “the real reason” for such a top-top level American visit to a six-week old Guyana Government. Rather ponder on these few observations:
It’s understandable that recent electoral losers will want to protest such an American presence right now, replete with their Anti-American sentiments.
PNC-ites of an older generation will however revere America for helping to oust Cheddi’s PPP between 1962-1964
Pompeo’s visits to Venezuela’s neighbours surely impact on hemispheric interests – from IDB Chief to possible regime-change. But how will Guyana contribute within the context of our own Venezuelan sensitivities
Trump/Biden/Venezuela/Guyana: Won’t Biden wish Maduro gone also? Will Guaido change Venezuela’s attitude to its Guyana claim? Frankly Speaking, I want the USA on our side.
Burnham always reminded: there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests! Real Politik is defined as “politics based on practical and material factors, rather than on theoretical or ethical objectives.” I suppose I’m being colonial-minded when I welcome Pompeo and eschew the convenience of espousing “sovereignty” and “independence”. Very dubious status these days!
Ponder please….
● 1) Holy Creator! Imagine deadmeat AFC/PNC MP Raphael Trotman cautioning the government about losing “dignity, self-respect and statehood” to “foreign dignitaries.” Thoughts from Houston, Texas?
● 2) Were the American sanctions for real? Name three PNC/AFC folks who just travelled to the USA. Oh, only specific electoral thieves were targeted?
●3) “Dead-meat,” “Card Board Parties” – lovely additions to our local political lexicon.
● 4) It’s not that the Police Officer has “switched sides” my PNC comrade, It’s his promotion and pension. And professionalism?
● 5) A Deodat Indar was combatively forceful during the Budget debates. But what? NCN not highlighting PNC speakers? Naughty! If true.
Til next week!
