High standards for PPP Comrades now, my own wish list
Hello friends I plan to go very easy on your concentration and tolerance today. So check out my brevity hereunder.
As mentioned before, the new government is bound to unearth more vulgar generosities which benefited a chosen few in the past regime. All that will be hard to “shock” or surprise me as the biggest indicator–hint was the generous pay-hike for all “big ones” during the first weeks of the 2015-2020 office.
Then Finance Minister Jordan – a former Jagdeo Budget Czar – during his very first budget, had solemnly promised us the “good life for all.” Perhaps he tried – for us pensioners especially – but that promise deteriorated quickly into a national joke. It’s now being revealed that his “good-life” was indeed only for some.
Having stated all the above however, I submit that this new Administration will soon have a golden opportunity to review scientifically, but with all the humanitarian, non-poverty-oriented considerations potential funding must accommodate, governmental public employees salaries, benefits and conditions of tenure.
From senior Public Servants to Specialists on contract to Office Assistants, to Department Heads to cleaners, government workers should enjoy increases as soon as practicable. The ploy used to be just before “Chrismuss”. Okay! And legislation should be considered to make the Private Sector employers follow suit. It’s not guaranteed that better pay reduces theft and corruption but employers who reward adequately could point to that fact when they are forced to fire.
So where is money to be found to improve workers socio-monetary protection? Loans from friendly sources? Grants? What? There is a donor-fatigue as the world’s economies are all challenged? The richer developed nations always keep reserves. They should spend less on conflicts and their military and help Guyana as they assist our fragile democracy to withstand coming assaults. What? Use oil revenue funds? I’ll not go there here.
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Extravagance, jobs for the boys – and gals
I won’t dwell on the unfolding discoveries of gross – even vulgar – overpayments for selected “Coalition” seniors and chosen ones. Partly because it comes as no surprise as, “they all do it when they get in.” Salaries, allowances, promotions, contracts, appointments all constitute the name of the game when, apart from the perennial professionals, the loyalists are to be rewarded.
Two thoughts assail me however, as the Coalition’s excesses, nepotism and discriminatory “goodwill” are being unearthed: Did the Brigadier President know? For think what you will after his failed five-month power-grab, I doubt whether corrupt practices involving him could ever stick. What? He turned a blind eye? He had to know of Joe’s super-super-duper monetary rewards? Oh well …
Secondly when I read of the longevity of certain African Leaders and what their families stashed, as against the dire poverty amongst their masses, I don’t see that happening here in our Good Old Green Land. Because local and foreign eyes are scrutinizing like hawks. And even if a “loving patriotic” 100,000 overseas brothers and sisters suddenly return, over the next five oil-and-gas years there should be enough for all! Nuh??
Let’s face it however. New positions, old jobs, even the usual sinecures, will be found and/or created for the new incumbents’ tribal loyalists. Will those boys and girls be qualified? Or otherwise suitable? Will there be new entrants from amongst new UG graduates? Will PNC and Newer Party folks and comrades be considered? Scrutiny! Scrutiny? Institutionalised monitoring!
But then, mightn’t be necessary. The new Brigadier Prime Minister, the old PNC-new PPP Minister of Labour and Czarina Gail are all political persons of integrity. Jobs and “a better life” for all!
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High, unassailable standards now? My own wish list
Since mischief – even evil – practiced by the recent Coalition government executives is now being revealed, it stands to reason, that the PPP leaders will now subscribe to codes of conduct requiring the highest, purest standards of Excellence. Agreed?
Besides the former Green-House spokesman Mr Harmon and all the other new and old opposition Parliamentarians and other professional critics, most of the righteous nation will be watching, monitoring, scrutinising every action keenly. How many PPP political appointees will be “reasonable”? How will bloated PNC salaries be rationalized? What will be deemed justifiable investigation and prosecution? As against just witch hunting?
I trust the necessary legislation to access money from the National Resource – Sovereign Wealth – Fund will be passed for wise spending. After robust debate if necessary. Strangely (?) I hope that the PPP Ministers will not forsake interactions within their communities. Don’t forsake the working class! Demonstrate urgent Goodwill Gestures for all in this COVID period. Dedicate one month’s salary and allowances if necessary.
And let’s monitor how the new leaders deport themselves – in “manners” and speech, attitudes to junior staff and reaction to the incessant criticisms they will face. I’m no PPP fan but I repeat: if they manage our affairs fairly and efficiently – equitably – they can be around for a very, very long time! It’s up to them. And us.
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Just five among the priorities
Man, everything will be a priority now. Besides managing COVID nationally the new government will be expected, besieged, to satisfy needs now. Unfair, but reality.
From my own wish list of 20, here are my five requests – or hopes: Ogle to Diamond road now! (The Minister Bishop Edghill beat me to it on Monday.) Assist always to improve and maintain Georgetown, Linden, New Amsterdam and Bartica through a well-funded Regional System. Fund youths in agriculture and provide scholarships for vocational pursuits. On my painful knees I beg: Stop blackouts that began under Burnham and never ceased! Improve old age pensions, as promised, by next week!
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Ponder briefly …
1) My friend Bert saw numerous “small” hydropower electric plants whilst flying over Brazil some years ago. I just read a proposal. Why not here?
2) The Georgetown Le Repentir Cemetery is a national disgrace. Could this new government influence the GT City Council to enter some Public/Private Enterprise to salvage this?
3) Cardboard spectators and simulated audience noises and applause at cricket. Look what COVID is doing. Even to a virtual sports world.
4) What was Shimron Hetmyer eating recently?
‘Til next week
