“Lovely cricket”, nationalism and pride
Fully accepting that our own Guyana needs to sustain a functioning democracy I must accommodate, even appreciate a political and parliamentary opposition.
Even if it tried its best to steal the majority will last year with fake electoral counts replete with evil officials and old bedsheets.
And being quite unlike our CARICOM neighbours but unique in our politics we have a fifteen-month old government still deemed “installed, racist, corrupt, illegal” and about ten other descriptions by an opposition still happily “installed” in Parliament. Both faced the electorate but one set feels more elected than the other. Yet, frankly speaking, my Guyana is very much “a real place”.
After 14/15 months I finally experienced elements of valid, analytical, constructively-critical opposition being presented by the PNC still masquerading as some “APNU”.
After fifteen months of last-class cussing – and – ‘busing type of “opposition” the more parliamentary critics – past and current – seem to be getting their act together by utilising reasoned analysis, after careful appropriate study, to point out to all constituencies the seemingly glaring deficiencies of this PPP government.
Because this level of opposition is now, hopefully, improved, necessary and responsible, I welcome it as an interested, matured, even concerned citizen. And the mining field for critics has been easily wide and varied. Prominent issues presenting themselves range of course, from management of the challenging oil –and–gas sector and a fragile sugar industry to the COVID vaccination roll-outs; to visits to Dubai and Ghana; to proposed mega-projects like Amaila Hydro falls and gas-to-shore, along with natural resource/”sovereign wealth” fund and impending act.
The sampling above, along with other issues not yet mentioned here, will all impact most significantly on our current national existence as well as Guyana’s generational future. This government – any government – must be scrutinised and held accountable. Just where is the experience and management expertise residing? Overseas and opposition assistance and collaboration?
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Critics, critics, all constructive?
I’ve long given up hope of the ancient type of “loyal opposition” once meant to be “adviser” and helpmate to any administration. For recent past months all we witnessed was a surly, vindictive, beaten opposition just bitchily criticising and drawing parliamentary perks and salaries. But as just mentioned, more constructive valid rebukes are emerging. And the quality of “opposition” has been robust and varied.
For besides the PNC, knowledgeable voices and minds include former Finance Minister Jordan, warning about government’s lavish borrowing intentions and the absence of the resource fund and local content legislation; misses Janki and Bulkan keeping an eagle eye on government’s deficiencies in negotiations – or lack thereof – with the oil companies; of course Christopher Ram led the way and now presenting brutal valid criticism of non-audits to, presumably, cost us millions in losses in oil; then I saw too, reasonable critiques from new young opposition princesses, Sarabo-Halley and Walton-Desir. (I must return to her scathing criticism regarding Vice President Jagdeo in Accra, Ghana!) Then there are the Article 13 and Electoral Reform Groups.
In concluding my welcome to improved critical opposition I must recognise the print media daily columnists and editors. But why was the Monday, November 8 SN Editorial Writer so unfair to the government? The Editorial “What about the Integrity Commission?” warrants a spirited defence from Minister Gail T!!
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Really “stigmatising” communities?
I’ll merely summarise this issue for now. Just recently a male teenager from Agricola, Greater Georgetown, was shot dead in Stabroek Market when he attempted to steal a lady-citizen’s gold chain.
In the aftermath some Afro-centric spokespersons decried media reports which mentioned such descriptions as “Agricola youth…” etc. They claimed that was “stigmatising” Agricola. As is done when young people even do quite well but originate from places like Buxton, Mocha or Sophia. More “stigmatisation” implicit, they rant.
My brief responses: Agricola once boasted the Fenty name. Like from Buxton many minds and names of prominence have served and still serve Guyana. A certain close friend of mine from the Agricola – McDoom community and girlfriends from Buxton caution me about strolling through these communities after dark. Or even in broad light!
I’m nearing 77. I’m cautious even in the Stabroek Market Square these days, Kingston, Kitty, Alexander Village, BV, Black Bush or Bath Settlement. All the historic, socio-economic/cultural reasons produce naughty youth in Buxton, Agricola, Enmore, Mocha or Albouystown.
I invite an older ACDA representative to traverse Agricola and Buxton after seven p.m. stigma or no stigma!
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Cricket: pride, nationalism – and treason!
I hope it’s a glorious climax to the T20 Cricket World Cup this week-end. What an effect it has had on me. Because of the cricket, the venues the consequences.
The COVID pandemic moved the games from India to the rich Arab Emirates. The stadiums – say “stadia” – are fantastic! When Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh played you would never know that COVID is/was still around.
When Pakistan beat India soundly those who celebrated in India were threatened with treason charges! Just goes to show: international competitive games are no longer sport. They’re near to war! Forget “Cricket, Lovely Cricket”.
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Ponder- Just a while…
● 1) In American elections these days there is increased early voting, mainly by mail. After you’re voted early, you can’t change your mind – or vote. Could work here? Ho-ho-ho.
● 2) I notice that the CAPE examination courses include such subjects as logistics and supply chain operations, building and mechanical engineering, digital media, industrial technology, Green Engineering.
Welcome to Today’s World.
● 3) Now why does a student enter nineteen (19) subjects at the examination? Because he/she can? (Years ago students were proud with six!)
`Til next week!
(allanafenty@yahoo.com)
