Dear Editor,
So, here’s my two cents on the idea of the ruling party in Guyana losing its grip on Parliament. Honestly, it seems about as likely as the Kaieteur Falls drying up. The only way it could happen is through some wild political drama, like the Charrandass Persaud saga. Without that kind of plot twist, the scene here seems pretty locked in place.
First off, you gotta give props to the current party for keeping everyone in line. It’s almost an art. They’ve nailed the mix of favours, promises, and rewards, keeping every MP on their side. It’s like they’ve got this well-oiled loyalty machine running smoothly. Remember Charrandass Persaud? His surprise move shook everything up. His sudden vote against his own party was like a political earthquake. Some folks think it was all part of a master plan. His defection proved that shaking up the ruling party’s tight hold would take some serious guts or, depending on how you see it, a bit of recklessness.
So, what hope does the opposition really have without another Charrandass in the mix? The ruling MPs are wrapped in a safety net of promises and the fear of political oblivion. For another MP to jump ship would take a major crisis of conscience, like jumping from a safe boat into stormy seas. This explains why there’s been a lot of cozying up to guys like Nigel Dharamlall, who got big support at the last party congress despite some heavy allegations against him.
Plus, the ruling party has mastered the art of public relations. Every event, every ribbon-cutting, is perfectly showcased. Their narrative of progress keeps the public content, leaving little room for opposition voices. People see the progress and stick with what they know, making a big shift in Parliament seem pretty unlikely. And don’t forget about the election process itself. The incumbent party runs a tight ship, ensuring every vote is in their favour. Their campaigns are like grand parades, full of promises and spectacle, while the opposition looks like a sideshow, especially with their internal squabbles.
So, unless another Charrandass or two pops up out of nowhere, ready to stir the pot, it looks like the ruling party’s majority is as solid as the Pakaraima Mountains. The odds of such a shakeup happening are slim, which just shows how strong their hold really is. Looks like Guyana’s political stage will keep featuring the ruling party as the main act for a while.
Sincerely,
Keith Bernard
