-Changing Guyana? Concerning businessman Badal
Hello there. Although I consider myself largely “retired” and “tired” my past significant brushes with “PNC politics” have left a residual urge to share comments from my armchair/recliner, relevant to you know what.
Still not completely indifferent to the goings-on, some principled positions and little doses of lethargy now prevent me from appreciating the divisive, selfish ambitions; the leadership mediocrity and the leader-led governmental bullyism- especially from the Ruling-Party loyalists and tribespeople – at this time. And however neutral or a–political you are, or attempt to be, elections surely impact one’s social conscience.
The above sermonette is context to repeat my own mantra and tenaciously-held belief: that His Excellency’s grouping will ensure its triumph by all/any means at its disposal. And these “means” are numerous, regular and irregular. Also lately I’m feeling an American embrace for His Excellency – before and beyond March 2020.
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Not “leffing” – and “seeing far”
Pitying the fact that I did not “qualify” myself properly, I’m truly given to the casual and the creole. “Creole” because I know that our folkloric traditions and heritage inform an identity constantly under erosion from a local generational copy-cat mentality and the relentless onslaught of foreign influences through technology and travel.
So when His Excellency, at a housing development on the East Bank of Demerara a few short months ago, assured his supporters that he intends to “end homelessness” here since according to his own creole usage, “I en leffing fuh juss now”, I appreciated his style and intent. If not the manner of clinging to office which might be employed.
You see, No-Confidence motion or not, I had long – in these columns – shared my feeling that these Jubilee-and-oil Elections would be His Excellency’s arena for “Not leffing-fuh-juss-now”.
Even “little” things like repainting the National Heritage State House in green and fortifying the Presidency Office with enormous green walls sent the message: “I- en-leffing-fuh-juss–now.” Meaning? His Excellency and his Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) will be leading the new Petro-State- (black gold, not green) – for a minimum of ten more years!
One newspaper report indicated that His Excellency at the launching described himself as “a See-Far Man”. Now, you-all know I muss like duh. In my lil bhai- granmudda days a See-Far Man was local prophet, fortune-teller/prognosticator who could fore-tell and predict. Many Obeah practitioners were also regarded as See-Far fortune-tellers.
But His Excellency’s See-Far quip reportedly meant that he had visionary Development Plans – Green, Digital, Petroleum “States” and an Education Nation within his GSDS – lasting from 2020 to 2029! A Decade of National Development that would see his – or some fit-and-proper delegated officer- Comrade in office ‘til he becomes 84!
Now who’s around to stop him? Doctors Bharrat or Irfaan? The Toshao, speaker, teacher or business Magnate? Or the Americans? Hoho! How many will be left standing after today?
Land, Housing – and Comrade – Minister Annette
This here is just a short sharp blast on my own trumpet. You see, as I’ve raised in this column over recent months, the issue of State land distribution and house-lots allocations will attract attention, in dramatic fashion, after His Excellency installs his Post-Oil Cabinet and 36 Parliamentarians and other key “coalition” Officials. Why?
Because, Frankly Speaking, His Excellency, through his Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, will empower Afro-Guyanese especially, to join other groups in respecting, then owing the land. It is to be hoped that National Land Distribution superintended by the GLSC, will be fair and free from discrimination.
So until I return to this – which I must do – Y’all observe the CH and PA explaining its House Lot allocation Challenges; notice Court Cases involving allegations related to Land “seizures” and Minister Patterson’s new found penchant for acquiring land for public purposes. Ho-ho. Even land for squatters.
Incidentally I listened to a (late?) Christmas message 2019 from/by Minister Annette Ferguson. She “is in charge of” housing. Commendable message in a distinctive style. House lots are coming! By the way, I love the Minister’s natural hair, boy-cut, hairstyle.
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Changing Guyana Today? Businessman Badal
From the livestock industry to fast foods to the GPL Board to hotel ownership and now the leader of the new Change Guyana Political Party, Robert Badal hopes to be a Peter D’Aguiar. A Big Businessman turned gentleman-Politician who would be President. After all look at former Play Boy Business Tycoon Donald Trump!
As I see little worth in the new political contenders, Badal sends a vague hope. Alas even he knows any Presidential ambition is a no-no. Third Party leverage? Nah. Not known enough. I write this because I admired his taking on, critically, His Excellency’s announced Development Decade Plan.
You heard little or nothing from other leaders. Poor little parties. Pity they are just internet Facebook contenders. Please prove me wrong after whenever is Election Day. Badal should come again in 2025
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Now ponder carefully …
.1) Suppose, just suppose Brigadier Phillips becomes Prime Minister. Will he appoint more former GDF officers than Brigadier His Excellency?
.2) How did the GECOM Briefing for local accredited Election Observers go?
.3) Could some enterprising young journalist be allowed to interview the overseas experts, consultants at GECOM? What are they doing? How are they getting on?
.3b) Poor unbribable Police Commissioner. His Special Branch Constable was/is an alleged part-time bandit!
.4) Be honest Dr Irfaan: Where were all the old – and not so “old” – Comrades on Sunday? Good old Dr Roger was wheeled out…
.4b) This Tuesday the content of the two leading local newspapers was overwhelmingly court-court-court-crime-crime. Reality? Reflections of our time?
.5) So accommodating of two utility companies to allow party flags on their poles. No choice?
.6) Coming next week – “Campaigning – and silence- in a mini- bus.”
Stay safe ’til next week
