-Light Americana-trivia
Just a “heads-up” to my weekly regulars and all others – that today’s offering will be pure brevity. Part of the reason is that it’s being hurriedly composed in New York, NY, USA where I find myself on a sudden emergency mission.
And guess what? Today I might just come off as “pro PNC”. Ho-Ho-Ho (funny how in today’s world of electronic/technological communication distance is now merely physical.)
Whether Oil-Rich or Oil-Wealth, Guyana has been identified (along with Surinam?) as being the new oil-mine for two or three decades to come. Who could predict that “rich”, and “wealth” would be descriptions to be attributed to our less-than-a million nation? Even Qatar, Dubai and the other oily emirates have more persons in their territories.
So, what should the above mean? Well, even given the unpalatable fact that under the Brigadier-President’s watch, then Minister Raphael Trotman was inspired to sign an agreement which must now rate as of one of the most lopsided, pro-ExxonMobil steals ever – which robs us of a more generous patrimony we truly deserve, I can still wish the former Attorney/AFC/Minister much better health. Even as I understand why now PNC Leader Comrade Aubrey is not as hostile and belligerent about that “deal” as he could be.
I sometimes wonder what would have transpired if the outfit supporting the Brigadier President had managed to pull off their 2020 electoral coup. Would they have managed the relative paltry earnings more professionally? Equitably? We won’t ever know now.
However, all the forgoing may be considered context for the following reality.
Relentless, but fair monitoring?
Yes, I do accept that those best qualified and experienced – including those within – must dutifully monitor, even scrutinise just how the oil revenues are being utilised by the government. The PPP administration is to govern and manage for all children, all members of all parties and even those who don’t ever vote.
This year’s National Budget is funded primarily from the earliest oil funds we were/are allowed to “enjoy.”
What projects and services and national proposals are set to benefit all? Which sectors need more than others do? Who manages cash grants? Why can’t trickle-down include monthly vouchers for medical, transportation, housing, or educational benefits?
One other newspaper seems to have dedicated millions in newspaper space and prominence to monitor this government’s (inherited) strategies and relationships regarding oil and gas. It is truly relentless and daily. I welcome the campaign. (Even though sometimes I wonder at the motive.)
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Finding, exposing corruption. Prosecution?
VICE News interviews alleged “exposure” of an Essequibian PPP loyalist; discrimination with cash grants; one newspaper’s daily hounding – the list is sustained. Especially on anti-PPP social media.
My position as a concerned citizen is as follows – even though you didn’t ask.
● The government must be given its constitutional and
administrative space to manage our national resources, services,
and budgetary programmes.
● Slippages and illegalities, along with plain inefficiencies and
incompetence must be ruthlessly pointed out; eliminated.
● Where corruption by a few is proven – prosecution.
The Parliamentary Opposition over the years, never had such help from sustained robust scrutineers and anti-government critics to assist with its work. Comrade Aubrey uses the viral/social media well too, as all others do. From New Amsterdam to New Jersey.
So let’s await the next whiff or reality of corruption. Or a good old scandal. Hey! Our Opposition seems angelic clean! Ho-Ho-Ho.
Americana – trivia and the serious
It’s nearly five years since I made any reason to visit the American Land of Opportunity. And as I quickly confirmed, I’m too slow for the pace here in N.Y.
From my first ever wheel-chair experience at CJIA, Timehri to the long, long pathways at the JFK Airport, such hectic travel no longer excites.
● After thousands of Afghanis, thousands of Ukrainians can pour in, apparently with more Hispanic thousands across the US Border.
● The bags we discard in G.T. each cost 25 cents where you shop in NYC.
● Airline crews are in demand post-Covid pandemic restrictions. The industry is back but short-staffed. Pre-summer chaos and cancellations already!
● Putin will annex much of the Ukraine as presently configured. As the world watches.
● Oops! Last weekend President Biden fell off his bicycle. (He won’t run in 2024. Wanna bet?)
‘Til next week!
