Burnham took care of those loyal to him

Oct 21, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,
Forbes Burnham took care of his friends, so long as they maintained loyalty to him and the People’s National Congress (PNC), but woe betide them if they said anything out of turn at any meeting or function, against party doctrine or policies.
Numerous spies were around plus many others who, were looking to ingratiate themselves with him. If it reached his desk, you were likely to get a call and were confronted, and maybe to save your skin, family or business, you had to do some fast thinking and fancy footwork.
He would direct business, through government ministries and agencies to his friends and their businesses.
Take two examples from among what may have been a great many – school supplies, and National Insurance Vouchers
He made sure that those with whom he got along well received many orders for school supplies and uniforms, and were paid regularly and promptly.
NIS vouchers were directed to those businesses and professionals who got along well with him.
Of course, you had to show your appreciation by making large donations to the party, paying for certain overseas trips, and supporting party activities. You may be expected also to write off certain debts, small and large ones. But of course such people were making large sums of money, plus what they may have been making through tax evasion or tax avoidance.
You were also facilitated with getting loans or other financial assistance at government-run banks. Paying back was not always an option.
John Da Silva

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