– Vintage Kaiso fuh so on yuh radio…
Endure or enjoy today’s lecturette, ramblings, waffle. I have to get some sensitive issues off my mid–seventies chest.
Primarily, they concern the management of our country’s resources (economy). Those trusted with that national management and administration; and how all the foregoing impact, promote or thwart our quality of life inclusive of such desirables as excellence and morality. Phew!
Of the four primary, foundational elements mentioned in my lead caption, there certainly can be friendly debate as to who or which should be first and foremost when we as a people recognise and assess which of the four is most vital to our acceptable existence, comfort, even prosperity – the government? Family and education and employment all in good health? Does the morality of faith help?
I suppose one context of today’s offering is embedded in the personal pessimism of a concerned senior still with a healthy patriotism which is daily under attack from a newer generational immorality, grossness and politically–driven mischief. So bear with me for a few more minutes (of reading.)
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Who qualifies? Our withering chances
However much or frequently “the power of positive thinking” is invoked, when I experience the realities of Guyana’s “leadership”, management and chances of pleasant, productive, sustainable existence, Frankly speaking, hope sinks! Oil or no oil!
Of course we who are between fifty and eighty on this piece of the earth are not without the fault of blame! Our society gets the generation produced by the ones who came before. With lots of assistance from “outside sources” and influences.
The cabinet of ministers informs government replete with its permanent secretaries, CEO’s, all officials; there to administer and manage. Just who are these ministers (elected or appointed.)? What do you know of ministers Todd, Walrond, Indar, Parag and Zulfikar, for example? Are they exemplary role models? Even if “qualified”? Will their ministerial efforts produce comfort for citizens along with standards of excellence and virtuous morality?
Could politicians of any hue with allegiance, quite naturally, to “their Party” adapt, even transform themselves to be true servants of all, eschewing favouritism, discrimination, racism? Do the parliamentarians all come from backgrounds – (of good character, previous service and occasional humility) – which inspire confidence of the citizens who probably voted for them? Answers to the above explain our current status, in part.
As around much of the world, the Guyana family has long been an endangered species.
“Single–parents”, mostly, harassed, young women, can’t always cope with two/three children, including feisty teenagers. Even the grandparents of old-time extended families are “young” or extinct now. Sadly we know what too many of these homes are producing. And I submit that even today’s religions are artificial and fake! Do the “pastors” really explain the bases and tenets of the respective faiths to the young? As young “church-goers” do you observe their behaviours?
Civil society is too often compromised by politics and the dollars to exist. Where is the guidance? Corruption affecting taxpayers’ money; illegalities successfully defended and spiritual renewal rendered impossible by fast-paced technology and missing or deficient parenting stress a drowning society.
I know that I’ve come off as a most negative pessimist today. Pray for me. Or prove me wrong.
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Long live calypso! Really?
Now indulge with me. Juxtapose all the foregoing to this relative levity. But wait! This is also my lighthearted lament regarding the demise of a musical art-form I loved from even my pre-teens in Alberttown, George-town. I can’t actually explain how I adored sweet ole-time calypso from so young. The slow rhythm Carib-bean? The rhymes humorous and serious? West Indian/ Guyana ballad style?
I plead guilty to adoring early raw vintage Kaiso from Trinidad’s carnival tents. I know the names of early Trini Masters. I limed by Maurice Fenty across the pioneer Gems studio. I listened first hand to Coffee and Panther. I know how much the King, Sparrow owes us for his gigantic unique fame. And I attended the Canary/Fighter duels at Astor and Globe.
I understand the evolution of “the Beat” – soca, rocksteady, reggae. One of our better music-makers “hurt” me by criticising my ole-time vintage calypsoes – slow beat with picong. Before and during my stint at the Culture Ministry I’ve written significantly much on Calypso but I can’t do so here.
Rather, I thank Bobby Vieira’s 104.1 FM Radio for surprising me with his vintage calypsoes series, just discovered on Friday nights. Even as I now appreciate multiple musical genres, I’ll depart this Earth loving my ole-time Kaiso.
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Yours to ponder…
● 1) Why I mourn not ever appreciating this incarnation of the PNC: After reading the constructive critique of the government’s GOAL Scholarship project by life-long Burnhamist-Opposition-GECOM Personality V. Alexander, I had to note Officer Harmon’s absolutely crude response to the Chief Justice’s Petition ruling.
Long-term wise these putrid provocations have to benefit the PPP! Ho-ho-ho- please restrain yourself Joe.
● 2) The Regent Street stores competently activated their old-time security mechanisms on Monday as they grew scared of the PNC protesters. Who benefits from divisive fear?
● 3) I agree as I wonder: What does Jesus Christ think of the Pope’s Vatican worth millions even as Catholic followers (in South America especially) find it tough to survive?
● 4) The Hindu Vegetarian/Vegan asked me: “Fenty what right do humans have killing and eating the flesh of birds, fish and four-legged mammals?” (I thought of Jesus and fish and cows, but did not readily respond.)
‘Til next week!
