Dear Editor,
The Sunday papers are losing sight of the real Guyana; there is the need for greater care when disseminating the ‘facts.’ Try a couple of stories for size.
First, there was the caption that read: `Government eyes new Harbor Bridge, to spend US$300 million.’ That is wonderful news for everyone. However, there is need to get with the programme and reflect reality. Meaning, that that headline should have stated: “government to spend US$240 million. In this way, due recognition is given to US$60 million (20%) that is earmarked for insiders. Sixty million would cover a lot of tender love and procurement partnership arrangements. Like I said wonderful news for receivers, but more attention is due to the numbers.
Second, there was part of a sentence that went like this: “…one of the city’s most powerful private sector bodies…” to identify the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce. A most powerful private sector body? Since when? Says who? Well, I object, as there is no basis for such a statement.
If anyone disagrees, they should provide examples of any changes this “powerful body” has brought about. Or any other body for that matter. On the other hand, the only group with power-or anything resembling power-in this country is (no name calling today)the one with its local versions of Beria, Molotov, and Stalin. Therein resides real power lock, stock, and barrel. Monopoly power. Horse power. Please note that the latter consists of two words.
Now for a moment on this exuberance over the hiring of local workers at the Marriott site. Some questions should suffice. Which self-respecting Guyanese workers start their day prior to 10 a.m.? Okay, I take that back; make it 9 a.m. And will someone enlighten the nation, as to which ones put in a full day? That would be working beyond 3 p.m. and seven days a week, week after laborious week? Yeah, which ones? Which ones work throughout the month of December? And don’t forget two weeks’ vacation and fourteen national holidays. Will people get real?
Still, I am known to speak Cantonese and Mandarin, eat horse meat (what’s with the English these days?) and dog meat. By the way, I lack the special Guyanese skills of cheating and stealing and camouflaging. I hope these don’t rule me out. Thus, I intend to mosey on over to the building site and test the waters. What do you mean I have to have a visa? And work permit, too? Well, we shall see about this nonsense. It could be the picket line for me. Who knows a revolution might follow…
Yours faithfully,
Ghklall
