Happy Holidays to our Prime Ministers
I know that Guyana’s late legend of local trade unionism Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow was fond of reminding folks that “Politics follows you from the cradle to the grave.” How vividly he lived that.
Another senior headmaster-mentor of mine was a little more obscure and dramatic in contending that “politics determines the price of a car, of a Coca Cola and toilet tissues!”
The above is my circuitous way of and politicians can get in the way of introducing my brief contention about how politics can impact, even the current Christian Festival of their Saviour’s Birth – named “Christmas.” And in-deed, in historical fact, the political genesis of Christmas itself was birthed in strong elements of politics.
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Welcome, hail this thing, Christmas.
The 25th December date is replete with the power politics of Popes, Emperors, early Christians and other political types. Because the Christians’ Holy Record – their Bible – nowhere mentions an actual date for Jesus’ Birth. This paved the way for speculation, numerous analyses and conclusions and an ultimate dubious date, December 25. [And nowhere does the Bible say the birth should be celebrated]
The Google – or Wikipedia – fans will easily discover the basics: The first Christian Roman Emperor Constantine’s rule saw December 25 being deemed some “Christmas Day” (336 the year); but it was another religious Statesman-Head Julius who later decreed officially that December 25, would be the official Birth Date of the Christ Child. There are many different traditions and theories (reasons) as to why December 25. Here are my “favourite” two.
Some say young Mary was informed that she was chosen to be the mother of the Son of God on 25th March. Nine months after that annunciation is 25 December. Another theory is that the winter solstice – when the sun is farthest south (Dec 22-25) – and the pagan/heathens of that time who fiercely rejected God, Bible Christianity, would have their own spring time Sun-worship celebratory festival (Saturnalia!)
Since the Roman rulers had a similar festival they adopted then absorbed the Pagan event to become the more Christian happening thus winning converts. Now you know. See the early Christmas politics!?
Today’s “political” Christmases
Consider this kaleidoscopic snapshot of the Christmas festival these days: Extreme caution must be taken travelling to the Bethlehem birthplace in the Middle East these days – political wars conflicts, little joy; political leaders from Britain and the rest of Europe, right now, are displaying little unity, no love; I won’t dwell on the Corona plague which today submerges Christians (but not the spirit.)
In good old beautiful blighted Guyana one set of politicians accuse another set of rabid racism; the usual bonus-incentive year-end financial rewards to workers disappeared; and the distribution of the Government’s COVID relief cash grant attracts harsh criticism. But fear not! Good “ole chrismuss” prevails still!
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Lasting gifts…
Christians holds that the Birth of Jesus was/is the greatest gift mankind could behold. Thus this emphasis on the exchange of gifts as part of the festival.
So the workplace emphasizes year-end gifts and some homes have under-the-Christmas-tree Christmas Eve wrapped-up gifts for the family. Wholesome and welcome always. But remember – your year-end gift should resonate for years after. Consider just how any gifts you share can impact the recipients’ life long after.
Sure, immediate, instant or short-term pleasure also counts, but these times beckon long-term assistance. So clean an old-lady’s yard; pledge monthly help for a deserving shut-in, give a needy youth a scholarship – or groceries for four months – or a job! Start up a “Christmas Co-op” to provide your group with identified needs. Get the idea – friends?
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“Happy Holidays” my Prime Ministers
Just before Donald James Trump became President of the USA, there was a “movement” to miniaturise the greeting “Merry Christmas” with “Happy Holidays” so as not to offend” non-Christians. Trump hailed Christmas and Christians. How Christian are our Prime Ministers?
Our living former and current Prime Ministers are Hamilton Green, Samuel Hinds, Moses Nagamootoo and Mark Phillips. Since there was recent emphasis on former presidents I choose now to salute our PM’s. Three were truly colourful. Green was once a powerful populist assistant to the Kabaka Burnham. Burnham later anointed Hoyte! The affable GUARD Civil oppositionist and Linden’s Chemical Engineer in Bauxite Samuel Archibald Hinds has to have some record as one of the longest-serving Prime Ministers in the world! (As Hammie Green was the longest- serving Mayor of a little capital!)
Nagamootoo deserves more study by those who are politically-minded. No time or space here. From the PPP to the AFC to the APNU, he grass-hopped over Ramjattan and Trotman to be Granger’s Vice President No.1. Now in happy rewarded retirement.
I’ll leave Brigadier Phillips for next year. Linden connections? I recall him succeeding the Rear Admiral! Special Season’s Greetings to all my Prime Ministers. Ho-ho-ho!
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Ponder briefly today…
1) The opposition must be careful how they gloat over the incidence of crime, including murder, these days. Crime never stopped when the Brigadier appointed a former Police Commissioner and numerous ex-GDF officers to pivotal positions.
After just 4/5 PPP months and now Christmas 2020 you can’t expect crime to cringe (?)
2) The local politics of Christmas ensures that vendors take over pavements and some roads. (“Granger en move we, PPP kyan do duh!)
3) Analyse all you want! The ERC and GHRA come off as periodically opportunistic.
4) When a popular Santa Claus was finally revealed as carrying HIV, parents objected then scorned. The well-loved Santa soon became depressed then died of a broken heart.
5) Coming next Friday: Cocaine’s prominent citizens.
Til next week.