Frankly Speaking

Was it not two/three Fridays ago I sought to provoke thought on the issue of whether trade unions are still relevant in the Guyanese society of today?

Look, I do feel enough seems to have been written on everything by the dozens of columnists and commentators already. 

So many “juicy” issues abound! From Budget `Busing to Legal Loopholes to crime, corruption and cocaine.

Look, regard this as a most elementary, Primary Grade three “commentary” on National Budget 2012 – related issues.

“Quality” is intended to refer to the standard of living we here “enjoy”.

Two Fridays ago I admitted being out of my depth when I conceded to being “Perplexed by justice”, in this column.

Those thoughts were prompted by two events – or sets of events.

Perplexed? Puzzled? Bemused? Bewildered? Mesmerized? All of the above, I suppose.

Today’s offering is a (rather rare) tribute to, and agreement with the views of a fellow-citizen I regard as an acquaintance worthy of note and recognition.

Even though many persons behind the promotional scene and the production of the music are matured, very adult individuals, many of us past sixty/seventy cannot keep up with today’s version of soca – once dubbed Soul Calypso.

“From Pakaraima’s peaks of pow’r To Corentyne’s lush sands Her children pledge each faithful hour To guard Guyana’s lands To foil the shock of rude invader Who’d violate her earth To cherish and defend forever The state that gave them birth” Pardon my very negative assumption here – based on lots of enquiries – that too many hundreds of our citizens are not at all familiar with the words of our wonderful “Song of the Republic”. 

Believe me, today I intended to indulge in pure, sweet justified escapism.

From my teenaged years, through adulthood to my current pre-seventies, a word associated with my Guyana, which I’ve long been impatient with, is “potential.”

My lead caption-and theme- is really another invitation to Guyana’s younger journalists, feature writers, even serious social historians, to explore the reality of just who “owns” how much of this place we call Guyana.

Yes, some who bother to read this would probably be justified for thinking or saying “there he goes again”. 

I was thrown into a minor dilemma as I was preparing this piece much earlier in the week.

Oh that much longed-for, or sought-after condition, or status. My old Oxford provides fourteen definitions for the noun (and verb) that is power!

Naturally there will be numerous reviews of 2011 as the year winds down tomorrow. 

Wishes and gifts in this Season of Giving inspired by the gift of a Christ Child whom many Christians believe was the Word made Flesh to walk amongst us.

Oh  me. What am I doing, eight days before Christmas Day, exploring the post-election day goings on still?