Dear Editor,
Many of us may conclude that some of our political leaders were ineffective because of their self-serving idealism and racial agenda. This may have been the case of the PNC governance during Mr. Burnham’s tenure and the PPP governance during Mr. Jagdeo’s and his protégé, Mr. Ramotar’s, tenures.
Looking at the leaders of the PPP today, they have neither embraced nor emulated the principles and integrity that becomes Dr. Jagan. And looking at the leader of PNCR, Hon. Granger does not embody the negative qualities that are associated with Mr. Burnham. Yes, the PPP of Dr. Jagan is not the PPP of Mr. Jagdeo and his ilk just as the PNCR is not the PNC of Mr. Burnham. To show this, I repeat a story of Mr. Granger’s empathy and morality.
In the late 70s, the PNC government’s auspicious Xmas fete highlighted the theme of the group Earth, Wind and Fire. President Granger, then a Brigadier General, standing amidst billowing banners of this surreal world, was nauseated by its pretentions. Brigadier General Granger departed saying that “some of our women and children are hungry, and this is what we are doing”? Is there a comparable story of Mr. Jagdeo and his ilk that will obscure or negate the allegations of cronyism, misgoverning, malfeasance, nepotism and profiteering during their tenure? And while you are contemplating a response, remember that Mr. Jagdeo and his ilk may be responsible for the destruction of the sugar industry that provided jobs for many PPP constituents and was the lynchpin in Guyana’s struggle for its independence from colonialism. Our struggle is not and should not be between races. Look at the men who are vying to represent you and our country and decide who has the better character and integrity.
Yours faithfully,
Stanley Niamatali
