Uncle Bharrat in the Club

Jan 30, 2009 Features / Columnists

The Parrot would never boast of inheriting or exhibiting any party attributes; attributes that relate to activities in night clubs or at the corner shop. My direct non-participation in such activities has earned me many names including “party pooper”. However, this title doesn’t prevent me from sharing a moment of celebration with the boys.

Ever so often there is something to celebrate. As it relates to clubs, there are various kinds; the regular night clubs, sports clubs, boys’ clubs, girls’ clubs, aristocratic clubs, Political Leaders’ clubs, etc. Club Soda?

Political Leaders’ clubs are many: CARICOM Leaders, EU Leaders, the African countries’ Leaders, the Asian continent Leaders, etc. The club that got my attention recently is the one for the top 40 Leaders of the World.
Members of this club are currently in Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum.
Our own, Uncle Bharrat, is the only leader from the Caribbean to be invited! This invitation is no coincidence. He has demonstrated over the years his prudence on economic issues.

This has resulted in a prolonged period of economic stability due to his astute management of our fiscal policies.
This ability and result-oriented management style have been recognised internationally, to the point where Guyana is used as a model for others to emulate.

This, in addition to his initiative on climate change, has propelled his international profile. His meeting with international actor and conservation activist, Harrison Ford, his presentation in Poland and now his much anticipated presentation in Switzerland, are just a few of the many engagements for which he has been recognised.

It is therefore not surprising that he was on the list of special invitees. The recent World Economic Index report indicated that Guyana’s economy remained stable over the years with recorded growth. This is in stark contrast to many others, including developed ones of which some are currently in a recession.

The IMF report which was released a few days ago captured the stark reality: world growth worst for 60 years.
Guyana’s recording of economic growth and stability speaks volumes for the management of our fiscal policies.

One can only imagine the additional economic prosperity that could have been enjoyed by the populace if the opposition had not stymied development from 1997 to about 2003.

During the latter part of that period, a crime wave that was allegedly politically motivated rocked the country. The country has recovered. Salaries continue to be increased; for 2008, the increase was unmatched in the region.

Getting back to that prestigious club, to make the Top 40 World Leaders Club is a remarkable achievement for a country like ours! How is it that this wasn’t given prominence in the media?

Would this be given the expected spin by some media houses? Would we hear the spin that Uncle Bharrat has gone clubbing? Would we hear that Uncle Bharrat is “partying”?

The Parrot wouldn’t put it pass some media practitioners who scavenge for negative news. Their headlines would basically be the same, “Uncle Bharrat seen in Club”.

Well, some clubs have privileged membership; the Top 40 World Leaders Club is one such. Maybe this is worth a party. I’ll cheer to that with some Club Soda. Squawk! Squawk!