We should not forget that photograph of Joe Harmon

Aug 30, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
Anyone taking the oath of office must realize that moral responsibility is its correlate. This leads to the question of the Norton fiasco concerning the “bond deal”. In no uncertain terms, Norton, losing his moral compass, betrayed himself, his sense of right and wrong, his office, our President, our nation and its people. While people may rightly clamor for his censure, one should also ask whether Norton’s humiliation is apt punishment for his transgression. Does Norton need a second chance? If he is remorseful because he is trying to escape censure, then he should be censured. If he is remorseful because he has truly acknowledged the truth of his inappropriate misstep, then he has the potential to be one of the most loyal and dedicated servants of our country. I cannot pass judgment on Dr. Norton. Only he knows his heart; he has to decide on his own to whom he needs to confess and whether he can honor his oath to serve Guyana honestly and faithfully. And, as we are focused on Dr. Norton, we should not forget the photograph of Mr. Harmon where he was cruising above the clouds in a private jet.
It might be prudent for all ministers to have that photograph in their sights, physically or mentally. Let them look and analyze the positioning and smiles of the people who were in control in that setting. That photograph should be a constant reminder as to why they are in office. This is the reason I am calling attention to what Norton and Harmon have done and what they could have become if the truth of their actions was not revealed. If they have the wisdom to recognize the wrong they have done and the strength to refrain from that wrong, they will be reformed. If they do not do this, they can look at the former President Jagdeo.
President Jagdeo was my hero when he signed the agreement with Norway to protect Guyana’s forest. But somewhere along the line, things changed as he was accused of becoming a different being. I do not know the truth in those accusations, but I have read that, because his marriage was not registered, his wife was not entitled to a pension. All the witnesses to his marriage, photographs of his wedding, he living with his wife, his wife being presented as the First Lady of Guyana etc. did not mean anything to him.
Now, I see women as the symbol of our country. If we mistreat our women, we are mistreating our country. If we honor our women, we are honoring our country. I can continue, but let me end with this: We do not need opposition parties in Guyana. We should recognize and acknowledge the different philosophy of each political party, strive together for equity, justice and prosperity for all Guyanese and be cognizant that no party or party member transgresses the boundaries of office.
Stanley Niamatali

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We should not forget that photograph of Joe Harmon

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