Prognostications and Resolutions, 2016

50 of this, 50 of that: confirm!

It’s obvious to me, my few friends and many (?) readers that I love that word- Prog-nos –ti-ca-tion- which has to do with foretelling from signs, indications or evidence; prediction.

But I, seemingly, use it just once a year. As a very “new” year dawns.

Predictions, of course, may be categorised. There are the serious substantial ones based sometimes on politicians’ promises or reasonable pledges made by donors – from countries, aid agencies, even employers. Prognosticators know from inside sources that they will happen – or just will them to occur.

Weather patterns, if not compromised by global warming/climate change, offer relatively safe grounds for forecasting and prediction. Again “inside” sources “can make some fortune tellers seem real clairvoyant, almost in a mystical supernatural sense. They were tipped off! But to the simple mind they come off as prophetic.

Then, of course, there are prognostications of the type my flippant mind appreciates: the more personal, even “scandalous” predictions laced with the levity of farce, suspicion and extremes – but based on (un) reasonable expectations. Below are some of my own obvious – and ridiculous – prognostications for this year.

Golden Jubilee Predictions…

Many pundits have already weighed in but their predictions are merely filled with hope.

My predictions take into account that the Granger administration has no choice but to fullfil manifesto promises and early government programmes they committed to. I further remind that my own perception accommodates this belief: That Granger himself knows that the PNC ruled for 26 “independent years,” the PPP 23 and he has but just one year (since May 1966 and May 2015) to erect, in a sustained manner, his own brand of achievement and national success.

Progress so long delayed and denied. His historian’s mind and grasp will “battle” to make this Golden Jubilee of “Independence” his very own.

So look for: A January budget featuring at least three major national projects and investments, an emphasis on education and crime prevention and detection. (Do y’all know that President Granger has said that “if Public Servants don’t get an increase in the January Budget, they’ll receive it in the 2017 Budget to be presented before 2016 ends”?) But I predict an increase in this month’s Budget.

It’s easy to know that all 2016 long there will be country-wide 50th Independence Anniversary activities promoting the APNU-AFC Granger Brand.

In this regard it is also easy to predict that Mr Jagdeo’s PPP will accuse the government of fostering “a PNC anniversary”. It is up to the administration to be national. I suspect that with the regional flags and totem poles, fifty-dollars bills, a rejuvenated capital city and new- and refurbished monuments, the “celebrations “will inspire national patriotism. (This does not preclude any political party or civic organisation from mounting its own observances.)

I predict that the Brigadier-President will transform Georgetown’s D’urban Park into a “Jubilee Square or Park.” (I trust no tampering with historical/traditional names occurs however.) Watch for Granger-inspired village economies and enterprises (evolving out of an historian’s mind).

The first charges and prosecution of former “administrators” will take place (in the first half of the year.) I myself will watch to see how Dr Clive Thomas’ “irrefutable cases” stand up. The city/country-wide restoration clean-up will attract its first major corruption/kleptomania scandal.

Messrs Roopnaraine and Alexander will make it their mission to improve vastly, the fortunes of the university and teachers college. Qualified and technical Guyanese will return to serve (from overseas) on some basis. Linden will benefit from “special attention”.

“Seriously”, watch for these…

The   President has promised developments on a new Demerara Harbour Bridge and the Linden-Lethem Highway (Welcome Brazil!)

And the Take-Home-Pay Tax Threshold will please the working-class.

The GDF officer mentioned in a Ministry’s vehicle scandal will retire.

The PPP’s now-elder Czarina will go into pre-retirement – Canadian “commitments”.

The US ambassador and his   DEA will really scare our local businessmen/barons!   US visitors visas will flow but when some misuse them it will be: 10-year visa, 5-year jail!

Other PPP business supporters – like Yong and Ross – will join BK in “supporting” Granger. Bharrat Jagdeo will not remarry in 2016!

Resolutions?

Resolve not to make 2016 resolutions you won’t or can’t keep. The Government must resolve to mobilise the relevant agencies to modernise the NIS and to “reform” street vagrants. There must be a national resolution to educate ourselves about the Venezuelan Claim.

Georgetown should resolve to elect a new mayor – fifty to sixty years old – far healthier than I am. So that Hammie may cease his Conflict-of-Interest dilemma relevant to the Municipality and his CHPA position.

Let us resolve to applaud our national cricketers and our Lady Jaguar-football team.

Fiftieth Fever!

So last night/this fo-day morning the “authorities” also ushered in the Fiftieth Independence Anniversary Year at the Arch and Square?

50 of this, 50 of that! I trust the act is getting together. May the nation really get something to “celebrate” as we observe.   Frankly Speaking, to me now past 70, about one-third of the 50 was political and developmental – stagnation whereby even little resource-challenged islands passed Guyana by. May the Brigadier’s Brand on 2016 revolutionise this land developmentally. Ignore the Partisans!

All the best!

Til next week!

(allanafenty@yahoo.com)