Even if out of my depth, I’m trying to wax provocative today on two social issues, local and worldwide.
Our Brigadier-Historian-President, His Excellency David Arthur Granger is managing to sound consistently articulate quite frequently to the point of bordering on profound oratory with respect to numerous issues of national significance. Whilst his actual delivery is not yet up to match to such oratorical giants like Burnham, Ramphal, Hoyte, Shahabuddeen, (even) Hammie, President Granger, to me, is crafting his messages in attractive public-speaking language these days. He’s good at the United Nations. Whether orator or not, his substance often outmatches style as he says the right things.
Take his simple, brief Republic Anniversary Message to the nation in time for Republic Day last week. His take on our popular “contemporary history” – replete with its aspirational ideals – was on audible display. But ideals, objectives and aspirations are often tempered – blunted/compromised – by obvious realities which politicians, especially leaders, like to side step.
So our Historian-President can regale us with his grasp of our social history all he wants or all he can, “unity through/from diversity” can be more elusive than “cohesive”. Yes, he is accurate in his reminder that “the Republic – (meaning our Constitution) – guarantees cultural freedom, encourages diverse beliefs; respects differences of creed, culture, race and religion and entrenches (constitutional) protection to proscribe discrimination”. And yes, on Republic Day 2017 our President did allude twice that we Guyanese are a society that is culturally plural. Indeed, the historian kept declaring that the diverse races are now “irreversibly a plural society” – “A plural nation”.
Who can fault him? His was not the task to mention last week that since 1953 – some 64 years ago – our political leaders and the more political , social and economic managers of our Guyanese “destiny” have done a remarkable job of promoting, even preserving theft of people’s (electoral) will, causing ethnic/class divisiveness and sometimes violent socio-political upheavals.
No, our Brigadier-Historian National Leader must preach and promote some measure of harmony; accord and not discord, cohesion leading to some “oneness” which I’ve never personally fully understood. So let me mention some brief gems of advice for my, for our well-meaning, well-spoken national Toshao.
Peace, cohesion, alongside poverty-reduction
Mr President. Respectfully I suggest that you heed – and act upon – this citizen’s observations. (We two share a first/second name and importantly the same age – virtually.)
We seem to agree that our people are not that irreversibly polarised on ethnic/political grounds as is often touted by many “knowledgeables”. Yes, both politicians and poverty had engendered anger, dislike, (hate?) envy and intolerance within some individuals and groups against “others”. But throughout all past travails we’ve all co-existed positively. Other multi-ethnic, multi-religious societies have crumbled. Not us. So there is great potential for greater cohesion – if not “love”. What’s to be done?
Quickly, create/provide jobs or promote self-employment. Our poor youths, adults, women, men are all vulnerable! Tired of rhetoric and platitudes. Explain your policies and programmes through credible, sincere sources. Ministers, Vice-Presidents Greenidge, Jordan, Ramjattan, Gaskin, Holder, now even Prime Minister Moses, do not connect currently.
Let your lady ministers try more. Preempt and diffuse Mr Jagdeo, Mr Nandlall and Messrs Rohee and Ramotar. It’s easy if you know how. Ask me! More later, Sir.
Granny and homosexuality
Eras change, generations evolve and values and virtues (are made to) metamorphose. Those who promote social transformation, who study behavioural development and who analyse societal revolution, can more easily understand, even accept, today’s gay-lesbian-bi-sexual and transgender (GLBT) communities – than my late grandmother ever could. Or would.
She and her generation were wedded to Biblical teachings and perceptions of human/gender relationships. Same-sex unions were most objectionable! But they were there – undercover. Even if my granny had read up- as I’ve done – on homosexuality amongst African and Asian Royalty of yore, she would have absolutely rejected it. Modern-day notions of marriage, same-sex husbands and wives now demanding legal status would have devastated my granny of the forties/fifties.
These thoughts recently sailed through my consciousness as I was made aware of seemingly increased lesbian behaviour amongst Guyanese young ladies, the cross dressing litigation and President Trump’s overturning of Federal rules on the use of the American nation’s school bathrooms.
The “Trans” in the “States” are upset with him. He says individual states must decide which children use which toilets. Those who defend GLBT’s are described as “social progressives”. Me? I’m an openminded traditional. What about you?
Just imagine!!
“Deportable aliens” – those (Guyanese) immigrants with green cards for years who never bothered with full citizenship could now be deported if they had any serious criminal convictions. So Resident Aliens, you are still “Aliens”. Behave!
Why the public photos of convicted ladies pardoned by the President? Ethnic “balance”?
Former Iranian President Ahmadinejad was presumptuous last week (??). He said boldly: “America belongs to all nations”. I must return to this…
Anil Nandlall had publicly challenged the AFC and Minister David Patterson – about alleged bribes for gun licences and GPL contracts. Still occurring?
When will work start on the old Stabroek Co-op Bank Building to create a modern vendors mall?
’Til next week!
