-Publisher David, The Mighty Sparrow
One of my intended sub-titles for my lead caption was “Ashamed to be a minister”. I either thought better of that. Or did I run out of space at the top? So what am I on about today?
Simply, in either simple (or simplistic) terms, I share briefly my reflections on people in power – or even just authority – as against the people at varying levels of need and poverty; the latter whom the former claims to serve. Here goes.
Perhaps I should not have chosen Government Ministers to make the point. It is only that they are living symbols of achievement – if not always service – but there are other numerous images and representatives of the concept of power and authority, whatever their origins. (And I have always held the view that magistrates and judges, those hierarchical members of our justice system, are also powerful images of the type of authority which and who because of the rule, the darned intricacies of law, command some awe and regard, if not always respect.)
But we elect politicians – not powerful influential judges – so we are justified in monitoring their behaviour, their stewardship – whatever their party. I make time to study our members of Parliament, for example. I like to analyse, according to my own four/five criteria, how well or suited they are to be in the country’s highest forum; months after their swearing in.
If you did vote last time, then you too should make time to ascertain how well “your Party” and its representative – your advocates – are doing, or not doing. Granted newer Parliamentarians must be given time to learn but later they should be assessed. Part-time functionaries or not – do they research and debate? Speak well? Attend sessions? Or just look forward to the rewards and perquisites MPs enjoy? In short, do they really care about citizens after elections?
How a Minister feels
Instead of stating that I would be ashamed to be a government minister (or a mayor, a police commissioner, a party executive) in this economy, let me put it this way, as a matter of respect and charity: I am sorry for, my heart goes out to the Minister of this fairly-elected government who sees and experiences the poor and their poverty around him or her. (Every society, I know, has some level of poverty. Some poor bring it upon themselves. Others do nothing for themselves whatsoever, blame government and even abuse the government’s welfare. But the government begged for the job at elections time. So Ministers must be accountable.)
So I pity the Minister of Health who must sit in our GPHC Emergency Room (ER) for hours, as scores do every day. Or the Minister of Education who knows a village school has inadequate staff or toilet facilities. I just know that that Minister would not want his loved child to go to that school. I sometimes want to weep for our Minister with responsibility for commerce and consumer protection who can do nothing really about bus fares. Especially with no co-operation from a scared public. I care for our Home Affairs Minister who must care about crime in a community where the station is short of staff and transportation. And believe me, I often feel for the Minister Prime who truly knows of his people’s daily suffering but is bound by the allegiance for which he frequently has to be its spokesman – and often, its apologist.
Yes, I must be accurate when I suspect that our Ministers, with wide-ranging portfolios and responsibilities, feel for the needy as they – the Ministers – drive along sub-standard unlit roads; know that morals have so plummeted that they cannot overcome noise nuisance, domestic violence or boys riding without lights at night. Oh, how helpless and embarrassed those in authority must feel when they see daily failure around them. When they know that too many of us feel hopeless, with no chance of being empowered soon. Or do they? Can poor people “help – themselves” in a non-enabling environment? Discuss.
Farewell, Editor-in-Chief
Since his passing on Saturday last, the tributes, farewells and admiration have been numerous- and justifiable. I can’t add to their eloquence. I too, though, feel compelled to say farewell in my own anecdotal manner.
After the PNC, my political party (then) lost elections in October 1992; Mrs. de Caires suggested that I still write in the Stabroek”. Instead of my preferred Allan being frank, Mr. David de Caires chose “Frankly Speaking”. Thus was born this fifteen-year old effort you’re reading now. Still the only rigid discipline in my rather kas-kas life. (Thank you Sir.)
From little things like cautioning me about my overuse of capitals to issues like local politics and his appreciation of my bold step to formally break with the PNC, I was encouraged by his generosity of spirit. So, I conclude with my Sparrow incident. Even as the Might Sparrow was in Georgetown last week-end Mr. de Caires left us in Bridgetown. A few years ago I approached David de C. really wanting to do a feature on how Sparrow dis-acknowledged his wonderful ghost writer who composed many of his greatest calypso hits. The fellow was really upset with Sparrow – and had proof.
My piece might have chipped away at a Caribbean Icon; an “institution” hard to denigrate. But in giving me the go-ahead Mr. de Caires insisted that I carry a response from the Calypso king. Even, he said, if it was expletive-laden! Just one example of his editorial sense of balance. I never found Sparrow then. Just as well…
Advice to President Bharrat
We’re fairly certain that David de Caires wrote an editorial on Thursday August 19, 1999, one week after the young Bharrat Jagdeo was sworn in as President, consequent upon a Musical- Chairs Constitutional maneouvre. After suggesting that “a dance” for the brand-new, thirty-plus President meant that the PNC should suspend its post-1997 “militant tactics in pursuit of its agenda”, there was pointed advice offered to Mr. Jagdeo.
“Be your own man, use the lessons you have learnt from (your mentors) the Jagans, to tackle the challenges you have taken on. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes; Your age entitles you to make a few…because you are so young, there is a distinct possibility of life after politics … you are likely to be around to have the Guyanese people heap their praises and blessings on you, or have their condemnation ringing in your ears – depending on how well you superintend their construction…” Prophecy-and assessment! RIP Mr. D.
A Rainbow White House
Thousands are writing the encomiums, showering them on the brilliant charismatic President-elect of the United States, Allows me to side-step that and utilize my reminders and perspectives.
Post-racial or post-Generational America? Both! But more of the latter White Super-Delegates gave him the Democratic Candidacy. White “Davids” his Campaign Director and Campaign Chief Strategist, White DNC Chairman plotted his campaign to make a coalition of young voters, young whites, older educated whites, Hispanics, African-Americans, Asians, Native Americans all provide him with victory. And yes, the current financial crisis has helped him suggest salvation too.
Now, how colourful! His family ties mean that the White House will host his own extended family of African-Americans, Kenyans, Whites, Indonesians, Hawaiian and Chinese. What a United Nations of hope on Pennsylvania Avenue! Even as the demography of new American voters have reformed American reality.
Until…
Coming Next Friday: Simply Friday wishes.
1b) what graciousness and dignity from the vanquished John McCain. See that, you local “politicians”?
Who is the local registrar of Trade Unions?
Farewell David de Caires, Mighty VJ, Elton Jefford, Byron Lee.
’Til next week!
Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com
