Love, Typee – and Totee–Lotte–Po
Believe me, today I intended to indulge in pure, sweet justified escapism. To explore briefly this matter of “love” and those who love. Or think that they do. Alas, the opposite of love and affection countrywide, has forced me to compromise and include some necessary negatives, as well. But I know, for sure, that quite [...]
Which families own ‘our Guyana’?
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. I am aware, firstly, that there are various types or levels of ownership – transport, lease, etc – and that where [...]
‘Honourable’ Members? Or Honourable House?
Yes, some who bother to read this would probably be justified for thinking or saying “there he goes again”. And I’ll understand. Concomitantly with getting older, I become fussier about those who occupy public, decision-making office; with those who manage to become an authority or “power” to affect how I/we live our lives
The President’s Speech – and Georgetown
I was thrown into a minor dilemma as I was preparing this piece much earlier in the week. Why? Because my really “usually reliable source” on these matters had last week indicated that it seemed that the tenth Parliament of Guyana would be convened sometime next week. Lo and behold, President Ramotar decreed that yesterday [...]
Acquiring power versus serving people
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! From “ability to do or act”, to “vigour, energy, active property”, to “government, influence and authority”, and “political ascendancy and authorization over others,” “power” seems so welcome to those who can acquire [...]
Assessing a significant year
Naturally there will be numerous reviews of 2011 as the year winds down tomorrow. So my offering here can be brief as various journalists recount straight happenings and significant news “stories”, whilst other seasoned commentators employ their personal perspectives and scientific analyses to pass judgement on the year. Mind you, when folks assess any period, [...]
Some Political Christmas Wishes
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. This Guyana Christmas falls within the aftermath of a General Election and all that that brought with it. A new President from an Old Institution once [...]
When the tail wags the dog
Oh me. What am I doing, eight days before Christmas Day, exploring the post-election day goings on still? Well even though I’m no longer a December 25 “Christmas Day” person, to the max, and even though I am definitely near saturated by a surfeit of electoral/political exchanges, there are a few points to be made [...]
Managing the Paramountcy of Parliament
A President by Lottery? | I’ve persuaded myself to make this two–cents contribution to the 2011 post – elections era as it is unfolding. I tended to feel redundant, unnecessary, as I view the daily, numerous print – media outpourings on the varied issues related to the current and the expected outcomes of the New [...]
Lessons from the poll Congratulations GT&T
If one has the ability and will to be objective, to learn from negatives and positives, and to be fair in applying experiences for a better future, there is so much to take away from Monday’s polling and the aftermath, up to yesterday. Here are a few of my “lessons” – both expected, and new [...]
Elections, GECOM, Government – and Christmas
Just In Case They Lose Bear with me and come ramble with me through these thoughts. Because I’ve long chosen to withdraw myself from the more active, even passionate, participation in our elections, due in nine/ten days, it is somewhat challenging to become enthusiastic about all the goings-on amidst the “Electorate” and others. There are [...]
Assessing the Parties and Candidates
A government of “National Unity”? No PPP? Hello. Even as I attempt these semi-moralistic, advisory pieces, I bear in mind today’s changed values, norms and mores, from my young adult-hood. And yes, elections of the past. Heroes, role-models and representatives are rather different form my younger days. This generation seems to go for flair, [...]
Some speeches after polling day
Perhaps it is in the context of the most interesting pre-polling day “defections” and political cross-overs occurring weekly that I create these (hypothetical) fictitious remarks likely to be delivered hours or days after Election Day, November 28, 2012. Despite a few assurances, nay hope, to the contrary, it surely would be too much for me [...]
The right to change your mind
Recall that it was just last Friday I wondered, in print, who would join the growing list of “defectors” or “cross-overs” before Nomination Day? As this is being written much earlier this week, there is talk of Moses Nagamootoo formally parting from his life-long People’s Progressive Party (PPP) as well as occasional fire-brand PPP critic [...]
`The sinner’s wealth’, Sister Lynn
I pledge, upon whatever honour I have left, not to return to this issue for many, many weeks – after today. What issue? What subject? Oh well, it’s my (almost morbid?) fascination with how money and funding derived from cocaine trafficking is used to construct buildings, businesses, reputations, status – and even dreams. And that [...]