– No Guyanese illegals at the Southern Border?
Two introductory points upfront: since numerous analysts, commentators and editorial writers will assess the PPP government’s performance after one year at the end of July, I offer cursory comments rights now – after nine months; and secondly, as I frequently do, I concede that I’m not capable of the more scientific “political analyses”.
This is a studied practical man–in–the–street review. From my personal perspective and lens of course.
Context demands that I recall that the PPP electoral victors were made to wait five months while Brigadier President’s comrades used every subterfuge – especially legal – to hang on to political and government power in this the era of Oil and Gas. Imagine the mindset of the PPP’s embittered collective as they took office in August! (One side-bar: they had/have to realize that the Brigadier–President’s power-grab has produced new PPP voters…)
So it was and came to pass that the nation was presented – with powerful international oversight – with its ninth (9th) PPP government. But what has Cheddi Jagan’s political institution become in 2021? As it is about to grapple with the powerful reality of potential economic transformation through another powerful natural resource?
Spare a thought citizens regarding the nature, the character of today’s PPP. Frankly speaking, one has to be blessed with an optimist’s confidence to assure oneself of the ability to manage the future with the personnel now in governmental and managerial authority. Assess the performances of the newer nine-month ministers. Have their busy-ness been producing results? Is VP Jagdeo allowing collective wisdom to contribute?
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Performance Pros and Cons
So how have the first nine months treated us, via the ninth incarnation of PPP management? A few positives: ministers hit the ground running – all over all constituencies with some practical improvements for communities swiftly; reasonable responses to the COVID pandemic although statistics might demand even sterner restrictions; GOAL scholarship project most laudable – won’t the opposition suggest specific improvements and the government listen? The two budgets’ removal of numerous taxes was courageous; I await compensatory results; ministers Mustapha, Nandlall, Edghill, Indar, Hamilton and Croal all seem workmanlike as we assess their actual products by end-July.
I also welcome the occasion and promise of government/media openness, relatively absent during the Brigadier-President’s tenure. And I also appreciate the studied response or eloquent silence regarding the PNC’s sustained criticisms – factual or fake.
The negatives so far? I’ll list the obvious gifting of trawler licences; the non-removal of Linden Hospital’s CEO; the diminution of the EPA; the dead-slow distribution of the COVID $25,000 relief promised since October/November last year; the subject ministry’s seeming indifference to real cultural development; lack of monetary increases for government workers and pensioners. I’ll leave it there `til July’s end.
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Opposition – Not “loyal”
Again, two points upfront: I’m sure that back in my teens – wow! – I was exposed to the concept of a “loyal opposition” in Parliament – if not in government. (Her majesty’s set-up regarded the opposition as part of the government!) Secondly, be honest with me: can you name five (5) opposition parties – excluding the PNC-APNU outfit – that contested last year’s elections? And their leaders? Bet you can’t!
We boast a parliamentary opposition – the APNU+AFC and the LJP. And there are supposed to be about eight-to-ten “parties” along with pressure–groups and civil society monitoring the government within statutes and Constitutional limits.
What do you think of today’s “opposition”? Constructive? Bent on diversion? I feel everything will be done to disrupt peaceful progress in order to regain oil-and-gas ascendancy. I also feel that today’s PNC, aided by Dead-Meat AFC, will get nowhere with threats like those issued by Officer Harmon after the petition loss. Nor will racist remarks win any new friends. By the way, is the Brigadier completely retired? Ho-ho-ho, restrain yourself Joe.
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South of the (U.S.) Border
It has to be the impact of the global pandemic! That’s why no Guyanese has been found crossing from Mexico into America as illegal “migrants”. That has to be the reason! Guyanese would have become Guatemalans or Hondurans to take advantage of President Biden’s disastrous migration policy so far.
Thousands from Central America – and elsewhere – are pouring into the U.S. with their needs, poverty and viruses. American taxpayers must now foot the bill for thousands of illegals.
I’m reminded of two related issues however. A New Jersey Guyanese has attempted to persuade me that “America is always short of population and certain skills”. So are those Hispanic children vested with such abilities already? Or will they vote democrat when legal adults?
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A few to ponder…
● 1) So the first nine months revealed innermost tribal preferences. Why are some so surprised?
● 1b) I’d never use the Linden murder tragedy to be sensational. We are all outraged at outcomes but spare a thought about sound parenting of those two girls. Do some “parents” exercise any control?
● 2) Congrats to the government on urgent construction of new roads and bridges. Let’s all monitor quality.
● 3) I’m hoping to be alive whenever the Georgetown Sheriff Street/Mandela Highway is completed. That means I’m hoping still for a long life!
`Til next week!
