First consider these two relatively–opposing points: compared to many other portions of our planet our Guyana enjoys actual prolonged peace; and do you realise many – too many – opposition politicians – along with many letter-writing surrogates/critics – would experience serious mental trauma if prolonged peace and consistent development offered them no reason to be critical, to oppose or to ‘buse?
I suppose political critics and opponents will forever thrive at their trade, for there is no perfect world anywhere.
However on this Christmas Eve allow me to fantasise, to hope, to be even delusional. For what?
Well whether persons embrace Christmas or not, the European tradition says the “season” is twelve days long. From 25th December to January’s sixth day – known as the epiphany when the three wise men/kings paid their tribute to the baby Jesus. Yes Christmas is not the whole of November and December. That’s the creation of the commercial guys, aided and abetted by the media. It’s really a dozen days.
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Peace, goodwill towards all politicians
Celebrating the ultimate gift of all time – the advent of the Jesus – God the Son – Christians and their friends proclaim “Peace On Earth! Goodwill to all men!”
What an aspirational and welcome wish for Guyana! For the whole troubled world! Whatever your religious persuasion. No wonder this Christian Festival is embraced by non-Christians.
Because I suspect that you out there might not be given to any long reading today, let me be brief but hopefully pointed today.
As a citizen past seventy–five and once somewhat political in by-gone days, I’m appealing to our politicians – from government and opposition – to be mutually respectful of the other’s well– meaning positions. For the national good. For starters, over the next twelve days of Christmas into early 2023, can’t our opposition recognise favourably government’s thousands of GOAL scholarships? The massive infrastructural projects nationwide? Cash grants and salary increases recently? Announced imminent development initiatives coming on stream? Visa-free travel to overseas destinations?
There are no “political points” to be “lost” for congratulating your governmental opponents on jobs well done. “Your own” will still vote for you – for “their party”.
On the other hand, can’t the government recognise the opposition’s genuine concerns? Was there discrimination with the cash handouts? Justify why contracts were awarded to Indo-Guyanese contractors much more than to others. Who are justifiably more equipped and qualified?
Government, please “take on” Henry Jeffrey – one-time PNC ideologue and one-time long-serving PPP minister – when he outlines a long list of biased, inequitable behaviours against Afro-Guyanese.
Frankly speaking this writer has no formula to bring opposing politicians together for constructive national cohesion. “Cohesion”? Which forces really want such? At my age I keep hoping though I also keep giving up. Let’s hope this “season” somehow ushers in goodwill amongst men. Including our politicians. Happy peaceful season.
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Christmas’ colonial imagery – so foreign!
I, somehow, can’t avoid this vexatious issue every December. Look, the melodies the sheer catchy music of European and American Christmas tunes must capture one’s musical fancy. Even I can appreciate the songs, the carols.
But my lord! The irrelevant imagery and messages! Winter wonderland? Frosty the snowman? Holly/fir trees? Sleigh bells/jingle bells? Chestnuts? And so on? Let Guyanese in the northern diaspora “enjoy” such. But our green land reality is different at this time. It’s masquerade, steel band, Caribbean/Guyanese “Christmas songs”, ginger beer, sorrel drink, fly, pepperpot and garlic pork. Anyhow foreign–minded or local, have a peaceful pleasant time.
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Yuletide ponderings
Even our numerous press–release political “parties” are sending out greetings.
Research! What is Kwanza?
2b) So personal! Today marks fifty-six (56) years since a lovely lady married me! (No comments necessary…)
My grandmother assisted little me – in our poor Church Street cottage – to construct a “Chrismuss Tree” with green crepe-paper leaves and cotton-wool snow!
Would there have been objections and critical editorials if the visa-free opportunities had been achieved under the Brigadier’s Coalition?
What kind of human being is the Russian being named Vladimir Putin?
You can’t top Guyana! For many workers it’s four full holidays for this Christmas/Chrismuss – Saturday to Tuesday!! Where else!?
`Til next Friday!
(allanafenty@yahoo.com)
