Dear Editor,
The First Lady, a public figure, hosted a so-called charity event that attracted a fair amount of criticism which in turn opened the floodgates to an outpouring of support. However, the majority of support especially on social media, came from ‘blind’ loyalist and party supporters who, instead of devouring the contents of the criticism with well-thought-out rebuttals, chose to attack the messengers in the most vulgar of ways. Was criticism of the event warranted? I believe so. The event reeked of celebrity and ostentation and at the very least was distasteful especially given the fact that the hostess is a high-profile public figure, the wife of the current President of Guyana. If it was hosted by one of the super wealthy ‘private’ families/individuals in Guyana or a local celebrity, would it have attracted criticism? The vast majority of Guyanese and supporters of the PPP/C and other political parties are working class people and Guyana is still a poor, developing country. Who exactly has benefitted so far from the oil wealth in terms of improved standard of living and disposable income? Even the $25,000 grant couldn’t purchase a ticket for the ‘All White’ event and even if the money could have been scraped up one had to be specially invited.
Was a ‘charity event’ needed? Does the Office of the First Lady receive public funding? Wouldn’t projects regarding the disabled fall under certain ministries, other state agencies or NGOs and be undertaken with public funds or funds derived through charity events hosted by the NGOs? How many disabled persons were invited to the ‘All White’ event and how much profit was made? How, when and to whom will the proceeds be given?
Persons were ecstatic about being invited to the exclusive, expensive and privileged ‘All White’ affair that they couldn’t help sharing pictures and videos of what they ate and drank. Was the $50,000 per person even enough to cover the cost of renting a vessel, ‘all night’ expensive seafood and steak; premium and branded alcohol such as champagne, wines and whisky (were DDL or DIH products even offered?), not forgetting other costs for wait staff, decorating, security etc.?
Then again, if ‘favours’ were granted or ‘freeness’ received it opens up a whole other can of worms. Hypothetically speaking, is there ever a ‘free lunch’ and should public officials even accept ‘favours or freeness’? The business class would seek to curry favours from those with power to secure their own interest. In Guyana, many including the very wealthy, are ardent or even rabid supporters of politicians. Just the thought of being merely associated would have these people pulling out their wallets and gladly parting with their money. Apart from the ethical issues and doing away with the ostentation and elitism, by just appealing to the business community/wealthy individuals funds would have been raised for whatever charitable cause the First Lady decided to take on simply because of what she represents and who she is.
Editor, some defended the event by stating that the First Lady is young, human and deserves to enjoy herself. I wonder if these people can actually fathom the enviable lifestyles that the politicians and their families lead. While the vast majority of Guyanese can only afford a weekly or monthly outing to the mall or a fast-food place these wealthy politicians with their very fat salaries and allowances which they probably don’t even need given the incredible wealth some have accumulated and business ventures they’re in, can afford the best of the best. It was a crass display of opulence that wasn’t needed. The various ministries already receive public funding to undertake projects in a ‘transparent and dignified’ manner. The event sent the wrong message to the public.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address supplies)