I’m sure that I was advised by some knowledgeable superiors during my own active People’s National Congress (PNC) “days”, long ago, that I could be jailed for refusing to register as a voter. But I could not be imprisoned for exercising my right not to vote on elections day.
At the time I was not that familiar with the constitution, nor with the provisions – and penalties – within the Representation of the People and National Registration Acts. But before I explain the foregoing and offer comment on the current Registration exercise, I digress to enquire about our present population.
Just how many are we?
The popular figure bandied for years is that we number 750,000 (seven hundred and fifty thousand) living souls. Who says so? For how long now? What do (updated/upgraded) stats indicate about births, deaths, emigrations, new citizens?
Are we not due another census to let us and the world know, for sure, how many Guyanese still live within our borders? Censuses these days tell us so much more besides the actual or near-as-possible figure regarding Guyana’s population. Economic categorizations and social status all seem to attract the interest of modern census-takers., citizens were asked about their sources of remittances and the other incomes; their family structure and bathroom facilities!)
Who would want to confide in some census-taker all those detail nowadays? I appreciate the necessity for the info and stats but also understand the reluctance to divulge in today’s crime-prone environ-ment. But I feel, as Maggie Lawrence used to advise us during a census years ago: “We need to know how many we are”. Let us contend with ethnic categories, age group, social status and religious preferences. But I just want to know how many Guyanese actually live in Guyana today. And just where in Guyana are they?
Naturally, our politicians and associated political pretenders would love to know what I want to know too, who lives where? What “types”? Are they qualified to vote? All of which, of course, brings me to the issue of Gecom’s continuous registration. Continuous? How come?
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Registration, jail, vexatious voters lists
Unlike other more modern, civilised states our blighted Guyana dues not boast real continuous Registration of its citizen. From birth to death.
Yes the medical authorities might hear of and actually record the latest birth in Imbaimadai or Imbotero; or the death by natural causes, of a 90-year old granddad in Orealla. But, as is occurring right now, registration is done in periodic cycles. But not continuously/daily as elsewhere. (Perhaps I might just be wrong. Convince me.)
I’m now forever disappointed, actually ashamed, that unlike Trinidad or Jamaica, neighbours Brazil and Vene-zuela – all states with populations in the millions – Guyana can never call a national election in say, two months from now. What another sordid sign of our under-development since 1966 “Independence”!
We attempt to number and register citizens during censuses, from 14 years old and for voters/electors list (eighteen (18) and above.) Can we ever really master all that competently/ efficiently? So that a voters list may be quickly extracted for elections? Local govern-ment or national?
All citizens over 14 later this year must be entitled to National Identification Cards. Are those vital cards being readied? Or will there be more explana-tions and excuses than cards? Pardon my negativity. Then prove me wrong.
Besides our beleaguered Elections Commission (GECOM) – attached to a National Registration Centre – I trust “Civil Society” and all real Political Parties are promoting registration. Men-tion that the National Registration Act (Chapter 19:08) mentions prosecution, fines or prison for those refusing to be registered. (You can’t be jailed for not voting).
Then again, stand by for this Comrade-Leader Norton’s PNC is getting ready to cause a furore about House-to-House Registration and any new Voters Roll. Justifiable? Poor us.
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Jesus, The Christ’s Demise
Do I just want to be disrespectful of the solid Christian Record? To even be blasphemous? No. Never. No irreverence to any God from me.
But He entrusted all with faculties to enquire; to research; to seek facts – even elusive truth.
So that on Good Friday, exactly two weeks ago, Lloyd directed me to a provocative text sent relating to alterative reasons for Jesus’ execution by the popular crucifixion of that time. There were/are (?) two prominent Christian Scholars – both academics and historians steeped in the historicity of the Christ’s life and death – whose conclusions were bound to the controversial.
For example, just one of dozens: the two – John Dominic Crossan – some-times endorsed by fellow – theologian Marcus Borg – argue that apart from angering Rome about being some other ( Jewish) King, Jesus was put to death for advocating non-violent resistance to Roman governance and for demanding just distribution of land and food!
He protested Jewish families being forced into destitution with high taxes and land seizures. Crossan therefore argues that Jesus was crucified because he threatened Roman stability. Not as any sacrifice (to God) for humanity’s sins! It is suggested that even devout loyal Christians should study history and not merely selected scriptures. (I respectfully suggest perusing Crossan and Borg.)
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Ponder…Until…
● 1) Why did the anti-PPP fellow tell me – after Saturday’s big fights – that “even the face of boxing is changing”?
● 2) Revisiting the 2022 CARIFTA Games: Did you catch the fact that the Jamaican 800 metre record-breaking youngster Jevaughn Blake has nineteen (19) CSEC subjects and plans to be a molecular scientist?
● 3) Final farewell to our cultural great Henry Rodney – today and tomorrow.
‘Til next week!
