Dear Editor
The first eight months of the new PPP provide irrefutable evidence of the standard that its leaders, ministers, and managers employ, and intend to employ, to govern. I call it PPP-style information sharing; it is saying much of nothing significant, while saying little of anything of substance. It is of what Guyanese unfortunately have to be told, and not one word more. I speak like the PPP has been doing (but interpreting the things left unsaid).
Payara report – there is no need for Guyanese to know more than that one is there. That’s all that comforts the leadership (the VP) to share. The gas to shore project: it is going to happen and at Wales, regardless; and that is that. The VP’s party stranglehold and national oil chokehold are all that matters. His word is the first and last authority. If an “independent” study has to be had, then one can be bought from willing, enriched players. As for that toothless embarrassment masquerading as an EPA, the PPP’s public position is that it is autonomous, and the government does not influence. Indepen-dence is the pretense. That inconvenient oilman, Dr. Vincent Adams, is not fit and proper. That is, not for Exxon; and not for the VP’s secretive oil plans.
On crime, the party continues its hegemony – literally and internally – with an emphasis on white collar exploits. For regular everyday crime, there is always the commissioner, consult with him. Where is he, by the way? The better inquiry might be: who is he? Regarding corruption, there is the perfect answer: refer to the coalition, review it; take a long and close look; there is corruption to the marrow. On the rising billions in debt: cash was shared out before; there is more contemplated: soon enough some cash promises (virus relief, pension relief, tax relief) will come to keep the restless and probing quiet. Relative to flooding, the PPP does not control the rain; or citizens’ contributory negligence.
On working with Exxon, the PPP is overjoyed: the company provides PR guidance, it advises on private financial arrangements and channels, and it makes things happen (again, at the individually enriching level; no worries about foreign corrupt practices mandates). Best of all, Exxon assists with neutralizing resistance, from any source. In terms of the relationship with America, it could not be better. Give American visions and commerce free rein, and Washington is happy. In turn, the PPP is free to operate criminally and divisively. Some more. On unity, transparency, and accountability, the president got carried away in the ecstasy of victory. Give the big chief a break; he urgently needs all available help. With reference to his many other promises: That was elections time; this is a different time: real-time dissembling and dodging. Last, the PPP’ position on Venezuela is crystalline: It’s over there. Will be taken care of, in the bag. This is what Guyanese must get used to: the barest minimum, the patently misleading, and the imperatives of unscrupulous leadership.
Sincerely,
GHK Lall
