Poor ‘goalies’, rich Senegal
The Caribbean islands of Jamaica and Trinidad/ Tobago are smaller geographically than South America–sited Caricom-member Guyana.
Those islands, however, have much larger populations than Guyana – hundreds of thousands of more voters. Yet, like Barbados just two/three weeks ago, these more populated territories can call/implement national elections at very short notice. Even so-described “snap” elections! How come? How are most societies, near and far away, able to hold elections whereby all eligible voters find it basic and easy to exercise their right on polling day?
Simple! Except for my own big beautiful blighted land. Countries keep compiling their national registers continuously. So included are up-to-date population figures, National Registers of Registrants/Voters Lists. Jamaica and Trinidad both have communities within hills and mountains. But often our National Register Office would list our geographical/hinterland challenges as being one factor that hinders up-to-date population/census/voters lists.
In this day and age!? Where the GRO can use both in-person operatives and video/communication technology to count and record the presence of all living citizens within the borders? Which information and stats could be deemed accurately verifiable? What’s wrong with us?
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Elections here, figures and fear
Why elections? Silly, unnecessary question? Okay, silly for us in these parts. But recognise and appreciate that there are still (huge, powerful) societies on our planet that do not ever conduct credible national elections. Or any elections at all! But we boast and are proud of our democratic credentials, status. And elections are a pillar of our democracy.
But my lord, our periodic elections are also sources of political divisions, ethnic rancour and outright periodic hostilities. Why?
Because, as our electoral/ethnic figures fluctuate and the battles for votes become aggressively intense, too often electoral thuggery is fomented. Especially by those who know defeat seems certain. That wholesale mischief was made manifest after polling day in March of 2020. Barefaced electoral thievery was attempted when the figures of Region/District Four pointed to a PPP win. (All other losses in all other districts were accepted by the PNC. Remember?)
Except for die-hard PNC loyalists who see no alternatives for themselves, who will vote for a party that attempted to confiscate the people’s will in 2020? No matter how slim that majority was? Here follows some of my basic concerns – and fears.
The imminent local elections are already being heralded with PNC intimidations and demands: house-to-house registration for a renewed updated Voters Register. PNC demands regarding election funding even though a depleted Elections Commission is not nearly ready with some “roadmap” to hold even the local elections. As other more civilised states and electorates do so relatively easily.
The opposition GECOM gents are now demanding some “judgement” with regard to House-to-House registration; “cleansing” of the voters register of say, non-eligible overseas voters; the new government amendments to the Representation of the People Act and even a full-scale “investigation” into the “weaknesses” of their own commission – GECOM.
Now into all the foregoing, throw in an aggressive temperament of and an enthused willingness to “prove” himself and I fear the advent of Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton.
Let’s hope my fears are unfounded. And that the Claudette Singh GECOM is allowed to rise to an uncertain occasion. But are election petitions “settled”?
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Social media, songs, moral decay…
Two personal “confessions” upfront: I am/was an old fan of the GTT-discovered singing-star Timeka Marshall; and I do my fair share of cussing – that’s the use of some “obscene” words – in private with small, closed groups. (I beg forgiveness even at my age.)
Very recently I was shown how to access a social media platform – Tik-Tok. As with Facebook and Instagram showcasing our low-level putrid politics, this Tik-Tok is replete with numerous sexual presentations that are sure to influence and corrupt the morals of our youth.
The effect can only be minimal on older folk like me. But I cringe when I see what that version of Social Media offers our vulnerable young. Poor us.
Now Timeka Marshall has come up with a Soca song she knows will please her followers. It borders on smut! So now I wonder how to be upset with Timeka. As I am with R. Kelly. poor me.
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The goalies, Senegal and me
This is a very brief foray for those who love soccer/ football as I do.
Senegal won the Africa Nations Cup Final on Sunday by beating Egypt on penalty kicks. How I dislike the burden goal-keepers must bear after two hours of normal football! Two fellows must do what 20 others didn’t during the preceding 120 minutes.
Sunday’s final was a see-saw affair with Senegal somewhat superior. (Even though they missed a penalty very early on.)
So now I’m glad for my buddy from Dakar – Abdoul Ba. (He was once married to a Granger! Ho-ho-ho!). A Guyana-flagged vessel was just seized with massive cocaine in a Senegalese port. CCH Pounder, our matured Guyanese movie star, is married to a fellow from Senegal. And it is one of the original “homes” of our kweh-kweh! Hail up Senegal! The two teams are to meet again soon. But big-up Senegal!!
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Please ponder…
● 1) Did opposition MP, Juretha Fernandes, “try her best” during the budget 2022 debate?
● 2) Fulsome praise for former BHS head, Rev Maureen Massiah
● 3) Caricom Head Dr Carla Barnett seems to be “a quiet lady”
Til next week!
