Dear Editor,
I learnt that the DEA plans to establish a permanent office here soon. It is good that this operation readies itself to emerge from the local shadows and assume an official presence and status. The effects will be far reaching.
First, the major participants in the illegal business are known and already were on the radar for a lengthy period of time. Expect apprehensions, revelations, and departures. Expect some compelled asset divesture at the commercial level.
Second, the laments about a ‘slow economy’ will soar into primal screams of the bottom falling out. At the risk of exaggeration, the breadline stares some in the face ‒ relatively speaking, of course.
All of the make-believe business endeavours and interest of before will evaporate in record time. Just watch.
Third, the easy money flinging and slinging about with gay abandon will slow down considerably to the trickling point. A currency drought of El Niño proportions is pending. This is bad news for the citizens who ply their trade in corruption city, but a welcome development on the ethics front. Men will have to learn how to exist on regular take-home pay.
As if all of this is not enough, I read that court documents related to the Khan trial in US Federal Court could be shared with government people. Well, well… The Americans certainly know how to tighten the noose and apply psychological torture at the same time. The fruits of foreign plea bargaining should make for succulent analysis. As is said in Guy-ana, “mouth open story jump out,” and “moon does run til day ketch am.” When this is finished, Guyanese will be in a position to know who was behind whom. People can run, but they can’t hide; they can huff and puff and bluff, but facts and figures don’t lie.
All in all, I observe a tight confluence of circumstances. It is not accidental, but well timed, and strategic in implications. There is sure to be some histrionics and hysteria around these parts. How about a good ole ‘cuss down’ as a smokescreen?
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
