Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose

May 25, 2009 Features / Columnists, Freddie Kissoon

In 1859, the French novelist and journalist, Alphonse Karr wrote; “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose” – “the more things change, the more they are the same.” Since then, just about one hundred and fifty years ago, that French saying has found repetition in literally millions of written documents – books, journals, magazines, published speeches, newspaper articles etc.

It has become a very popular saying. Its usage will go on once there is society and politics.

It is generally used in a cynical way. Perhaps its appropriateness is never more contextual than in Guyana. To understand that famous French saying, you have to have lived in Guyana when the PNC ruled the waves. Those were unnerving, dangerous, unpleasant and fearful times.

Try talking to a present day critic who lived in that era and ask him/her to comment on politics and power today and you will be told; “The more things change, the more they are the same.”

I remember in the Burnham days, people died needlessly at the Georgetown Hospital. I left my mom there after she tore a ligament in her foot and when to GNTC to secure a labourer job for my nephew. On returning to the hospital two hours after, my mom was dead.

I’m thinking of running for the presidency in 2011 for one reason, only – the post-presidential benefits. I was looking at the goodies former American Presidents get and when you compare them to Mr. Jagdeo’s package, I would advise most people in Guyana to try their hand at the presidency in 2011.

If I am sick, I know I won’t have to die at Georgetown Public Hospital like my mother did; I will be entitled to be treated at the best hospital in the world and the Guyana Government will cover the cost

This coming national election is going to have more presidential candidates than the population of Georgetown. Everybody wants to have the life Mr. Jagdeo is going to have after 2011. Let us get back to Alphonse Karr.

In those days, Dr. Innocent Muchenagumbo reigned supreme at the hospital. Most patients were afraid of Dr. Mocho because he had a high rate of fatalities. So the great PPP that fought for three decades to bring changes to Guyana is now in power. But the shadow of Dr. Mocho stalks the corridors of GPH. People just die there. People have to wait for hours for treatment. They just die.

My Chinese neighbour got shot by bandits at 18.15 hours. He got treatment at 21.00 hours but it was too late; he just died. He sat on a bench with two bullets in him and internally bled to death. This was 25 years after Dr. Muchenagumbo. This was 16 years after the PPP brought change to Guyana. In Guyana, the more things change, the more they remain the same.

Twenty-five years ago in Guyana, the electricity crew came to disconnect you because you didn’t pay. You ran out the house hysterically with the bill in your hand yelling out that you paid. The chief “cut off” man would say; “We gat we orders, lady.”

In 2009, after the PPP Government brought changes to Guyana, the GPL disconnection van pulls up to your home. You run towards them in a frenzy with bill in hand imploring them to listen because you paid. The chief “cut off man” would say; “Lady, we gat we orders.”

Thirty years ago, you would see fire sparking on an electricity pole, you call the company but there is no answer. In 2009, a transformer sends smoke into the air, you call the GPL, and there is no answer.

Thirty years ago, the overflowing sewage threatens to go into your home from your backyard where it is seeping. You call the sewage people but no one answers the phone. In 2009, the overflowing sewage is unbearable but the telephone calls are in vain.

Thirty years ago, the NIS records failed to capture your correct payments. In 2009 with the great changes to Guyana that the PPP brought, the NIS has either lost your record or it is not updated.

Thirty years ago, your racial identity determines your place in society. In 2009, your race determines how much of the national pie you will get. Thirty years ago, fear made you tremble as you whispered a condemnation of your government. In 2009, you only criticise your government in your bedroom with all the windows locked.

Thirty years ago, we had one radio station. In 2009, we still do. In Guyana, the more things change, the more they are the same.