-“Honourable”? Look give me a break!
Good grief friends, stealing should never be about “better”, or “more”. And when leaders, decision-makers, national managers in the country’s administration, top institutions or corporations are the ones being accused of alleged thievery from the public purse, matters could be classified from “unacceptable” to a societal, official crisis.
For if thievery and corruption will characterize a government, a nation, current and future generations inherit a “new norm”. As morality easily fades. Church going or no fake religion. So what am I going about today? (And remember they say “a (blackened) pot should not call a (blackened) kettle black”. Those critical of thievery – like – me – should be of unimpeachable integrity!).
Well quite recently numerous allegations of various forms of thievery have been flying thick and fast with some intensity. The alleged perpetrators of pilfering the public purse are ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials and supporters of the past PNC-AFC regime.
These accusations capture newscasts and headlines and social media platforms and make for grand drama on the darker side, for those usually interested.
To me, frankly speaking, the issue reveals the greed and avarice of those elected to manage our national affairs and who are amply rewarded with significantly satisfying salaries allowances and all types of benefits. Surely it is greed and public mischief, even criminal – if indeed they are guilty. Service to and for citizens – from our children, their supporters and voters – is merely opportunities for self–enrichment.
Actually there are some amongst the populace who applaud their reps for dubious upward mobility. After all, “alla-dem does do it”
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Greed – them versus us
Greed is defined – as “acquisitive or selfish desire beyond reason”. Some folks in the employ of big business, state corporations, contracting companies and/or branches of government, after months or a few-years on the job, studying procedures and personnel, seem to become infected with a desire to enrich themselves often at taxpayers’ expense. As mentioned before any personal morality or integrity is submerged in favour of corrupt enrichment of self and family.
Growing up in Alberttown, Georgetown my Afro-Portuguese grandmother and her old peers used to imply that a particular ethnic group was “the best” at stealing “on a large scale”. I grew up thinking that. But whilst in government and party; also observing alleged results of the alleged drug-trade operators, I concluded that, in this town, no one group holds any patent on corruption, illegal enrichment and thievery. It’s opportunity that matters to the greedy–minded.
I marvel at the varied, corrupt, weak ways that are created for opportunities to steal. No actual cash needs to be touched! Contractors reward favours, relatives deposit “donations” in bank accounts; overseas bank–accounts are created; fake businesses and “money–laundries” are established for donations to officials and executives to pass through. Anniversary gifts of some worth are presented, land documents are transferred.
Frankly speaking when younger members of the current generation observe – or know of – corrupt practices by senior officers, corporation Heads or tax–people, what should we expect of the ambitious rudder–less young?
In closing this summary lament I make two points: I know I’ve lapsed in fulfilling certain official obligations to the state so far, but as a one–time very senior public servant and now as a retiree and pensioner still waiting on my Covid-relief $25,000 grant, I never consider(ed) anything fraudulent. I thank my grandmother for that.
Secondly, even as you consider the structured scientific nature of the industry that is the global drug-trade, consider the alleged roles of accountants and attorneys-at-law in felonious thievery locally. Ho-ho-ho.
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The Vice–President – emphasise “President”
On Tuesday night just past I felt compelled to state the following.
I didn’t win on the daily millions game, as usual. The channel was left on NCN TV 11/5. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo came on. As he explained why he was relatively low key but that he had no rumoured serious illness, I decided to forego my “normal” American politics via my cable facility.
Because the Vice–President actually captured my undivided attention! His Tuesday press conference probably reminded why some folks regard him still as the “power” behind the PPP “throne”; why he is often referred to as “shadow or parallel president.”
It’s not about whether one agrees with his perspectives or not. Or even his personal “spins”. It’s about admitting to Bharrat’s comprehensive knowledge and strategic skills. As a politician he easily dismissed Joe Harmon. As an economist he gave his version of Ashni Singh’s budget today. As the virtual minister of energy he expounded on the nuances and technicalities of oil and gas – now and in the future.
Dr/Mr/V-P Jagdeo’s political, technical and governmental skills were on full display. You don’t have to agree with him. I’m no worshipper. But no way can President Irfaan match his V.P! (No subject was taboo to BJ.)
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“Honourable” my eye!
I know I’ve touched on this issue in columns very long ago. But I still manage to become stressed, even outraged, when some members of parliament are described as honourable. Give me a break!
Let me repeat for you: honour has to do with personal and official integrity, superior standing, earned privilege, worthy reputation, good name. I could go on. Now consider our “lawmakers” in our assembly, our national house of representatives. You can identify many honourable reps? I’m so glad for you.
But when I detect – easily – the arrogance, pomposity and aloofness from constituencies, I differ. Check the Facebook, the offices, the interactions with those not their own. What was their background before election to high office? What is their character now? Government and opposition.
Poor speaker Nadir is bound to describe the assembly’s folks as all “honourable”. Hail the British…
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Ponder quickly…
● 1) Commissions-of-Inquiry, audits, accountant-general’s reports, police investigations – yet how many are convicted for stealing from their people?
● 2) Believe it or not, for me Cheddi and Dessie were above personal enrichment. (And I agree: Hugh Todd couldn’t make any decision on Taiwan.)
● 3) Pres. Biden seems to be opening America’s southern border. And illegals are getting pardons and Covid shots. Hurry to Mexico y’all!
● 4) February’s Black History month: Coming: Was Kofi/Cuffy from Berbice? Or Suriname? Ho-ho.
`Til next week!
