Dear Editor,
In politics, optics can be the focal point in which the masses can be influenced and souls won. There is no doubt that the PPP has got the money to buy some or even many of our supporters but what is clear to see is that it is also energised and relentless in its work in our strongholds. President Ali is pulling out every stop to prove he and his government is more grassroots than the Leader of the PNCR that rode into the stable of opposition leadership on the horseback of the promise to be the doyen of the people’s struggle and liberation.
This is what politics is about. It is about beating the opponent at its own game. If a party’s foundation is solidified on the merits of grassroots representation, then the opposing side must show that their position in that regard is stronger and more credible. The PPP is doing that in the face of a seemingly lethargic opposition that, like a dead fish, is rotting from the head.
A young supporter called this morning and told me that everything we did not do while in government is being done by this government in fine form and fashion and our supporters are taking note. He cited an example where Happy’s Corner has been from time immemorial the PNC’s grassroots Parliament at Linden. He said President Granger never visited and sat with the people for a beer or soft drink. President Ali is in every nook and cranny dressed like a regular street man, sitting on the ground with the poor, playing dominoes with our brothers and sisters and eating mangoes and drinking coconut water from the chopped out hole of the coconut. People love that. He offers them help but countless would be happy just to know he grounded with them while looking like them.
Meanwhile, our opposition confabulation is replete with disunity and division and unable to match the PPP’s energetic strides among the grassroots. The current Leader of the Opposition is failing miserably with regards to grassroots representation and the national fight that will halt the PPP’s bluff that it is people centred. Our suspended MPs see no fight on their behalf. The Natural Resource Fund is completely unchecked and unmonitored in the hands of the government.
A key Central Executive Member who holds a very important position in the PNC told me a few days ago that they are on the verge of handing in their resignation and there are others considering doing that too. Local Government elections will be held with the same bloated voters list and a press statement will be made denouncing it. We are right back where we were. What do we do about it? At least Harmon had the money and a more receptive approach to people. Harmon was known for his gratitude and kindness to his supporters. He was removed because of the perception that he was a press statement leader. It is unfair for another to be seen as same and enjoy the support of the party. We must fight until we get it right. The fish is rotting from the head.
Sincerely yours,
Norman Browne
Social and Political Activist