I refer to an article in KN (March 10) titled, ‘AFC to call on PM to list names, salaries of President’s advisors.’ This was so incredible that it prompted a temporary return to the letter column.
I must confess that very little, if anything, surprises me any more. Yet the numbers embedded in this news items were so stunning that I had to pause for a long moment. If the AFC is halfway (halfway only) accurate, this would still be an abomination. Eighty-one individuals accounted for under “Presidential Advisory” services at a cost to the taxpayers in excess of two hundred million dollars? Who are these people? What do they do? What can be the justification for so many?
Let it be said here that it is well within the authority of the administration to recruit for and staff with advisors, be they frontline men and women or unseen lower-level folks. But eighty-one of them? Think of it: given the population of Guyana, that is approximately one advisor for every ten thousand citizens. Or given the population of the US it would mean Barack Obama should be surrounded by 30,000 such advisors.
Look, I am utterly delighted to make the acquaintance of these well-endowed citizens. I am sure that they occupy themselves constructively writing letters, participating in blogs, rebutting the new opposition, and preparing to oversee the local CIA, while using assigned identities or overseas registrations. But, still eighty-one of these worthies? This has to be the Ministry of National Development reincarnated under the sobriquet of ‘Presidential Advisory.’ I always wondered if there was a Rapid Response Team working out of that office in view of the constant exhaust emissions emanating from that well-oiled machinery. Well, I know now, and can relate to that cat who ventured into curiosity. It is not good for health or longevity.
On another note, if there are really eighty-one of these characters, and the Top Man spends ten minutes of quality time (whatever that means) with each of them on a daily basis that converts to thirteen hours a day just for these very important and handsomely rewarded people. Of course, allowance must be made for the time travelling on airplanes and in hotels. So, I suppose it is doable for someone truly dedicated to the dubious art of multi-tasking. Think of it: there can be discussions on contract renewals (on the taxpayer); on the merits of five star hotels (versus staying with family, but still bill the people); on document shredding (just in case); on overhauling the enemies list (there are always new names); and on capital placement (compliments of asset sales), among other priority agenda items. There is so much to do, and such a shortage of quality people when really needed.
In the circumstances, it is clear that these people are worth their weight whether measured in gold or US dollars. The people ought to be real grateful – and impressed – that so much is done with so little. Why, it could have been eight hundred, instead of eighty-one; however, the latter number was finalized in the interests of discretion and economy. Plus, there were not enough bathrooms available to flush either the additional presence or even more waste product. All in all, prejudice (and envy) aside, these eighty-one can take their place along the greats in history. I think it is only fitting to place them right next to the three hundred Spartans who laboured at Thermopylae. So much is owed to them, and the sacrifices they are making for the nation. For two hundred and twenty million, this has to be the bargain of the ages.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
