Dear Editor,

Perhaps the ruling People’s Progressive Party should reflect on the old adage that says “self-praise is no recommendation.” The party recently approved an “order of liberation” to honour ex president Cheddi Jagan. This latest self recognition joins the list of dubious accolades the party has bestowed upon itself and members since 1992. According to the PPP, the posthumous award was rolled out at a grand reception in the late president’s honour.

A motion was also unanimously passed in parliament to honour the PPP’s founder, Cheddi Jagan, for his lengthy term in parliament. In the interest of non-partisanship and to lend credibility to their actions, one would have thought that both founders of the PNC and PPP would have been cited for this award. Recognising both leaders would’ve also shown the public that the party is not only providing lip-service when it speaks of racial harmony.

Another sore point to the public is the party’s refusal to censure the illegal actions of Minister Kellawan Lall. This has increased the public’s image of government corruption. When asked about the matter, the party’s general secretary, Donald Ramotar, stated that even though Minister Lall’s action was noted the PPP was unwilling to take disciplinary action. Mr. Ramotar also did not dispute any of the allegations made against his colleague .

Yours faithfully,

Berkeley Van Bowen