Frankly Speaking-Conning and fleecing your own? No!

-And a plan for Senior-Citizen Pensioners
My age of caution and my preference not to rush to print or judgement with regard to unfolding public scandal and reports of corruption – alleged or real – rein in my ability to ‘buse out national figures with the gusto, alacrity and frequency with which others do.

I err on the side of caution these days and try to really determine if allegations of fraud, theft and nepotism, for starters, can be proven against our accused leaders. Mind you, I know that it is much easier to persuade the court of public opinion than to prove wrong-doing in the courts of law. I suppose our top thieves know that too and care little about public opinion.

So amidst the swirling accusations, allegations and investigations surrounding such high-profile issues and projects/investments like Amaila Falls, Marriot Hotels, Dangerous Stellings and other “suspicious” investments and near-future plans, I felt great remorse, even revulsion, when one aspect or perspective of the allegations hit me. I share it with you hereunder.

Betraying “your own”?

Please, readers and government, understand that, being more scared and furtive than other writers, columnists and critics, what follows is purely hypothetical!

As I read strongly–held views, informed speculation and even conclusions about corrupt transactions, sweetheart deals and insider-type trading-cum contracts awarded, especially in our ten administrative Regions, to incompetent friends and relatives, it occurred to me that if or when elected officials or their surrogates do steal big, their kleptomania means that they are in effect and in practice stealing from the state. And put simply the “state” means those struggling taxpayers including the taxpayers who voted for those political leaders and the officials consequently appointed.

Perhaps it’s premature “old age” which makes me reluctant to believe that a Guyanese elected President, Prime Minister, Member of Parliament or their relative would even consider betraying the trust reposed in them and their election by stealing, however indirectly or cleverly, from the people’s coffers. No, it can’t be happening here, even if you describe me as a naïve “Columbus”.

I know that executive lawlessness and thievery, if it exists, could be sophisticated. “Fronts”, surrogates, middle-men, and elaborate schemes could be employed, even as an elected official eventually benefits from spoils and favours or “commissions”. Or a home a vehicle; or University fees or Airline tickets could be “gifted” by a favoured contractor. But the point is:  even if this country gets a non-repayable grant from Germany or Japan, a loan with friendly moratorium and low interest, or a lucrative rice deal, it should benefit the mass of voters and all of Guyana’s citizens.

It is they who will pay back the loans for generations, when necessary.

So you mean that I must believe that poor Baghmattie in an East Coast Squatting Area and Mikey who can’t afford Secondary School every day, will be ignored in favour of an already wealthy group who donates to a corrupt-friendly political party?

Gosh no! Must I make the leap and envisage those who give speeches at luncheons, who must order pharmaceuticals or fuels for national use, also are betraying their own poor supporters’ belief in them by fleecing them?

Oh my, I understand that all the scams and wastage on national projects – real and alleged – which I read and hear about daily, are indicative of the now “normal” kleptocratic character of government. Where even normal, once-honest and “religious” functionaries become accomplices. I don’t steal. That’s partly why I’m so deep in debt. But just what have we become when leaders behave like money-hungry tyrants and selfish autocrats? And you want me to vote!?

My personal plea for pensioners…

Whether retired professional or just tired mid-sixty housewife, the over–65 Guyanese citizen qualifies for an “Old Age” senior–Citizen Pension or stipend from the State. It is a social safety-net, financial-assistance programme for the usually once-employed and unemployed.

I am a member of that portion of our population and when I “line up” at the post office(s) to receive the monthly $6600.00, I see scores of seniors, much older but less mobile than I am and a few thoughts and sensitivities assail me. Read them hereunder.

First, I tend to thank the post–1992 Jagan Administrations for removing any qualification test before senior Guyanese could receive the National Old Age Pension. I then wonder how many hundreds of thousands of over 65’s there could be, where a hefty proportion of our remaining population is under – 50. Then I am upset at naughty overseas–based elders who still try to receive our paltry pension too.

Oh, and then I watch the bent-up, sometimes lonely pensioner who receives no other pension or income and who longingly depends on the monthly $6600. Pittance. For some reason too, I then think of the new-found comfort of the political/governmental functionaries – and opposition MP’s – who make such decisions. I remember the state millions wasted on faulty stellings, aviation facilities at Timehri, poor roads, continuous faulty managerial judgments and I wonder at what tiny additional comfort the aged pensioner might enjoy if government raises old-age pensions from $6600.00 to a round $10,000.00, at least, per month.

Please, young President, inspire your young Minister/Legislators – Manickchand and Singh to raise Old Folks pensions. To $10,000. Monthly? The National Assembly will approve. Unanimously! Thanks in advance.

Until…
*1) Again. I won’t believe the critics! That Pre-2011 elections national projects are meant to benefit a few voters and many in power. I won’t accept those allegations!

*1b) And certainly No! I won’t accept inferences that even the LCDS/compensation for our forests will be money for ostensible forest-friendly projects to be executed by political friends. Not So!

*2) Surely the World Bank, IDB, IMF, CDB, USAID et al, will look for good economic governance as they monitor “their” projects in Guyana.

*3) One paper tells of Lethem being “transformed” for economic take-off. Others tell of “White Elephant” hospitals, limited electricity and crashing infrastructure. Which do you believe?

*4) The Police Stations on the East Bank, Demerara, should invite visits after seven in the evenings. Let’s check on staff strength, transportation, telephones and lighting. (Remember, I’m actually supportive of the force.)

*5) Interesting suggestion from a letter-writer: Limit the terms Local Trade Unionists could lead!


‘Til next week!

(Comments?

allanafenty@yahoo.com)