Dear Editor,
What, in my estimation, Region 10 PNCR Chairman and Member of Parliament, Jermaine ‘Figgy’ Figueira did was wrong in the context of where our politics is at present. Under normal political circumstances, it would have been the proper way to greet and engage ruling politicians but we must not forget that we are dealing with government leaders who disrespected Linden officials by not informing them of their visit or inviting them to meet. They, therefore, treated leaders at Linden as unimportant, insignificant and even nonexistent. Not that I would support the Region 10 officials accepting any invitation from them to meet when they are masquerading around the country under the guise as the people’s champion.
Before yesterday came to an end, it was evident what the PPP wanted to get out of their engagement with Figgy. It is important to note that Figgy did not approach Ali, he was walking away when they called out to him. Ali, Kashif Muhammad, Bishop Edghill and team knew what that moment meant for them with regards to optics and what message they wanted to be carried via social media to Guyanese worldwide and in the PPP media in Guyana. Video cameras and cameras on smartphones were on capturing the moment. Everything Ali said to Figgy was meant for the cameras. Figgy failed at that moment to correctly gauge what was happening and to respond like a witty and astute politician would. Ali knew that a handshake with Figgy at Linden, like the one at the National Stadium, undermines the Leader of the PNCR and Leader of the Opposition public stance when he refused to shake Ali’s hand.
What Ali wanted the Guyanese world to believe was that Opposition MPs did not agree with the OL’s stance with regards to “no handshake because it is wrong to shake the hand of those that oppress us.” Ali and the PPP’s hypocrisy is highlighted in the public position he took in relation to assertions about Jagdeo raised in the VICE News’ report and Chinese businessmen. Ali, at a public function, when asked by the media about those assertions, said in no uncertain terms that he is standing by Jagdeo and will not be investigating anything. Responding to a question from a reporter with regards to if he was protecting the image of the PPP, he responded in the affirmative and said again in no uncertain terms that he was standing up for the PPP government.
Therefore, Ali is saying, in the context of showing a united front to protect the image of the PPP, that he has a right to do that but disregard Figgy’s right to protect the image of Norton and the PNCR in the context of publicly demonstrating a show of the holding of “one head” in our party. We see you, Ali, but know you are dealing with a calibre of opposition men and women who will confront your every move. Examine the video and images and try to grasp how divisive and disrespectful Ali and his cabal are. Figgy has stumbled but has not fallen. He is our brother, comrade and a fine politician. I trust that his activism in Linden will once again be one that is militant. Ali must no longer visit Linden without protesters with placards present. Handshakes must be replaced with protest.
Sincerely,
Norman Browne
Social and Political Activist
