Perhaps the very final and conclusive results of this Tuesday’s American mid-term elections are not yet fully computed and completed as yet. (Some of the states have some relatively convoluted methods of counting.)
But, like the vast Brazil and numerous other societies, American democracy surely would have revealed definitive victories – and losses – by now. I’m mentioning the American mid-terms because, as an old-time “elections activist”, I was intrigued by how the primary issues to influence votes were made to vary, to seize attention and, eventually, to dominate. Issues versus candidate quality attracted significant voter attention, besides ideological or partisan loyalties. For the usually-tranquil mid-term elections, Americans made these polls a robust electoral joust for control of their two “Houses” of “Parliament” – the Congress and the equally powerful Senate.
From abortion, inflation (cost-of-living), crime, illegal immigration, democracy and the economy generally, the electoral issues were uppermost in American voters’ minds as post-COVID-pandemic realities worried all walks of life. So what’s the situation in good ole Guyana?
****
Cost-of-living politics – and elections
Frankly speaking, the sense I’m already experiencing is that our “average” citizen cares very little about any local elections at this time. Perhaps by late January next that might change. Right now Christmas traditionalists and possibly a majority of Guyanese are consumed by the bread-and-butter, cost-of-living challenges as the year’s end looms.
Thus it is not difficult for the politically-minded to paint poverty-pictures and dire need during this season. However unfair, it will be difficult to blame them and their cost-of-living politics now.
The little price tags at my favourite supermarket are changed upwards weekly. I note the Stabroek News feature recording high cost-of-living realities from ordinary working-class citizens. That this is now a global phenomenon does not assist us – the needy here.
Naturally, the political opposition and professional negativity – critics – both opposition surrogates and the publicity–seeking opportunists – now pounce on this dilemma for political purposes and mileage. I repeat my regret that Opposition Leader Comrade Norton is not in office to speedily alleviate these cost-of-living, working-class burdens. Just don’t repeat what we all too vividly know: that fruits, fuel, meats and transportation prices “gone-up”.
Diaspora relatives try their best to supplement incomes and opportunities back home here. Even as their own quality-of-life is also threatened in their adopted homelands.
So I repeat my now usual suggestion to the government: quickly fashion generous vouchers which can be presented for necessities at pharmacies, supermarkets and stores countrywide. The goods acquired by eligible heads-of-households and others identified should last for weeks at a period. Discuss.
****
Please! Produce a new list…
In all seriousness, I support the production of a new list of electors for Comrade-Leader Norton and all of us eighteen years and older in this land of fractious elections.
Suspend next March’s local community elections! Whether by continuous registration or house-to-house enumeration – and appropriate (new) legislation, please allow GECOM to produce a new voters list for all upcoming elections.
Fulfil Comrades Norton’s and Alexander’s as well as some “International 2020 Observers’” requests. From the biometric fingerprint equipment to the handling and instant publication of Statements-of-Poll, I plead that the opposition’s proposals be heeded! Do you know what will become of the opposition with elections using a new voters list?
We’ll then see what or who was and is bloated! (By the way, when Comrade Norton’s party does not compete next March, what happens to his party’s local government “seats”?
****
Salaries, conditions, chicken and beef
It was the late commissioner Lloyd Barker who first remarked that his Guyana Police Force could only recruit members from those persons who voluntarily willingly presented themselves for training and employment. (He was even shrewdly reminding that the better-qualified or gifted never seem (ed) interested.)
I think I was overseas recently when I discovered that active police ranks were allegedly involved in “confiscating” quantities of chicken and beef to which they were not entitled. I thought of poor Commissioner Barker.
What do you think? Would improved salaries and better all-round conditions for young cops prevent their interest in cows and chickens? I know this is making light of the serious issues of trust, credibility and professionalism. But I tire…
****
Ponder, consider…
● 1) In support of Sister Shamshun, I ask: is it beyond the competence of our senior “public servants” to distribute pension books and grants for seniors smoothly and orderly?
● 2) Should the government be lauded for its thousands of GOAL scholarships?
● 3) When will government announce the pre-Christmas, pre-2023 budget, salary increases for public service employees (and pensioners?)
`Til next week
(allanafenty@yahoo.com)
