God bless America – and that Blue Book
Just slightly disappointed as I write. For succumbing; for allowing myself to be a bit upset with the surviving Burnham disciples and loyalists who seemed so happy to pounce on assessments of their idol expressed by veteran former D’Aguiar/United Force insider and Burnham government minister Christopher “Kit” Nascimento.
So why allow myself to be peeved? Because, at some personal level, I wondered why Burnham’s Believers had to enjoy positive endorsements coming from someone they actually never appreciated deep down. I suspect that even LFSB would not appreciate their seemingly longed-for appreciation under certain circumstances.
Just a few sentences of personal context now. Even as a pre-teen I liked hearing Burnham when grandmother made me go with her to the Bourda Green and Parade Ground. I understood little then but could sense the power of his oratory. I became a real PNC man/comrade in Burnham’s home community of Kitty in 1973.
Perhaps by designed “accident”, I became a very senior public servant in 1979. Apart from government professionally, I served the PNC party very strategically during general elections of 1980, 1985 and 1992. My temporary “boss” those times being comrade R.H.O Corbin. Up to 1985 I had several interactions with the Great Leader, Linden Forbes S.B. (we even discussed mutual dental health problems. Ho-ho…)
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Vision, brilliance, fatal flaws
Even as and when he oversaw and approved the theft of the majority’s will through sustained structured electoral rigging, who can deny Burnham’s political guile, personal charisma as a backdrop to his visionary mind and almost peerless abilities amongst CARICOM’s political leaders?
I noticed as Mr. Nascimento’s adulations were welcomed by today’s descendants, some hurried to remind of his nationalistic achievements to advance this land he ruled over. From his well-crafted definitions of true political independence; the sound practical “vision” of feeding, clothing and housing ourselves; the PNC-inspired political theatre and national cultural awakenings; to the external regional creation of CARICOM and CARIFESTA, international recognition for little Guyana, our welcomed influence in the Non-Aligned Movement, Burnham’s place in Third World history has long been secured, recorded and safe.
So obviously vulnerable did his Believers become, under withering attacks and reminders from the PPP and other numerous critics, that they, were so proud and relieved by brother Nascimento’s encomiums? Really necessary? Come on, Comrade Leader’s comrades.
I conclude this rather brief Brief in this manner: his Loyalists and Foundation must accept both his human and long-term political flaws, and sins against Guyanese humanity. Nothing wrong (to detract). He, in the end, typified “absolute power corrupting absolutely”. Even as brilliant minds ignored his electoral thievery and contributed to our nation building, too many others – the sneakily ambitious, the yes-men – helped to tarnish his legacy.
For every grand achievement Forbes’ admirers list today, I can counter-pose a fatal flaw and lasting mischief committed by the great leader. Not necessary here today. He had truly, nationalistic vision. (He even gave me opportunity, frankly speaking.) So no need for complimentary crutches comrades. Allow him – and Cheddi – to enjoy eternal relief. Whenever their souls did end up.
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“Dead–meat’s” elections, cleanest living list
You-all know what? After reading slowly, AFC’s Ramjattan’s case for a brand–new “clean” electoral roll, I agree and now join the call for such. I heartily support Khemraj “Prakash”.
If House-to-House registration is needed, do it! Ramjattan can convince as to how GECOM, the constitution, the people’s Representation Act, current legislation can all accommodate removal of the dead from the voting list. Claims and objections period? Not enough!
I care not how long a new list delays any next elections. Clean, fumigate the list. The APNU/AFC used it for the last 2020 elections. But let’s join them now. Can you guess what will become of them after the next general elections? Ho-ho-ho… with a new clean “unbloated” list?
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America the great! Blue book saviour and security
Decades ago I appreciated this expression: “America is the country the world loves to hate”
It said so much. The world’s abandoned; its lost souls; its refugees would prefer the USA for hope, recovery and renewed life than any other destination. Once accommodated, those same souls would use America’s democracy to denigrate it.
Sure I know its faults and exploitative systems. How it used and still uses the immigrant skills for prosperity. But even slavery couldn’t stop the ambitious from rising. And don’t wish for it to implode. Millions would perish. Including millions not even born within its borders.
Enjoy the safety and long-lasting security of the little Blue Book – that American passport. And your secure pensions if you once contributed there. If you were born and grew up in Black Bush, Linden Corentyne or Dartmouth; then became a paper/documented US citizen, you’ll be described as “an American” – ignoring your place of birth! Millions such around the globe – from Pakistanis to Chinese and Guyanese proud “duals”.
My small family is there too. I had no ambition! Never wanted to ever live elsewhere. Pray for me you “Americans” but as you stay proud of being American, respect my Guyana. With all its wonderful short-comings. Agreed?
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Ponder – as you go…
● 1) U.S.A – Universal Sustained Accommodation.
● 2) When, where is the next Opposition Mass Protest?
● 3) Even with our own challenges, let’s pray/assist Somalia – droughts killing children; Pakistan – devastating floods.
`Til next week.
