Dear Editor,
A few weeks ago, I reminded Guyanese of a popular newspaper column titled “Believe it Or Not” by Ripley. One, the popular ubiquitous tenant of my friend Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo made remarks which are ostensibly uncomplimentary. Remarks which impugn the character of a top official suggesting that improper way business is now conducted by and through the government. Quite understandably the offending party publicly proclaimed that they would sue Mr. Su. Believe it or not Mr. Su has disappeared. The Guyana Police Force cannot locate this gentleman. The same police top brass that can charge former Minister David Patterson for relieving himself in what we were told is a secluded area at night and the same police who prevented Mr. Patterson from traveling because he is on a list of persons not allowed to leave Guyana. Believe it or not, it is the same police who cannot locate Mr. Su and can’t charge the person who killed Paper Shorts. Believe it or not!
Two, our constitution require citizens, including the PPP/C led administrators, to obey the law and at all times, give due regards to the essence of our constitution. The linchpin of our constitution speaks to consultative democracy and the importance of workers, trade unions and associations as the representative of workers. Yet our President invites carefully identified teachers to wine and dine at State House to discuss and decide on matters affecting teachers countrywide. The President carefully avoided engaging the registered and authorized body that is the Guyana Teachers Union. Believe it or not! The nonsensical proposals are of course another matter. So instead of bargaining for an adjustment in the income tax regime or increase salaries we are told that some of those selectees said they prefer allowances instead of an increase in salary. What stupidity, allowances mean nothing for on your retirement. Your pension and other benefits will be calculated on your last salary. Believe it or not! This is of significance as we celebrate Teachers Day today (October 5, 2023) which also coincides with the renaming of the PPP Burnhamite faction to People’s National Congress.
Three, and finally, we have a government that has placed the cart before the horse. So we are building hospitals and schools and no evidence of a massive training program with incentives to produce doctors, medical technicians, nurses and teachers to train and keep them at home. Today I spoke to a family member, who must find 1.5 million dollars for a prostate operation at a private hospital, because for good reasons, they have lost confidence in the public medical institutions. This, believe it or not, is the fastest growing economy in the world. And another cart in front of the horse philosophy; the President explains the massive blackouts citing as one reason an increase demand because of development projects which have been encouraged by his government. David Patterson has dealt effectively with this puerile explanation by the Head of State. The President and others have failed to identify the root cause which is their appointments to top professional political and administrative positions which have nothing to do with competence but only with PPP/C affiliations. This is Guyana’s burden. Citizens must wakeup to this debauchery and together safe our beloved Guyana from further decay even as we boast of being the fastest growing economy in the world. Dear God, please save us from this PPP/C administration.
Sincerely,
Hamilton Green
Former Prime Minister and
Mayor of Georgetown