Maybe we can look forward to the PM’s actions corresponding with his sentiments

Mar 28, 2018 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in his column “Portrait of a People’s President” in the March 17, 2018 Guyana Chronicle, wrote glowingly as he recalled the life, work and legacy of Dr. Cheddi Jagan. It was a well-written piece in my mind and the Prime Minister spoke about his personal interactions and work with Dr. Jagan over his many years of association. But as I read Mr Nagamootoo’s column, I could not help but become more and more upset as I recognized the Prime Minister, who proclaims himself to be an avowed follower of Dr Jagan, shepherding policies which Cheddi would have never agreed with.
For instance, the Prime Minister says Cheddi was “…open-minded and looked at the world around him with gentle, humane eyes. His pro-poor attitude could not be defined by ideology”. But while the PM writes so eloquently, we see him actively participating and defending policies which cannot be described as pro-poor.
In recent memory, we cannot forget about the heavy increases in taxes, the taxing of essential goods and services and the mass redundancy exercise in the sugar industry. I have no hesitation to say that were Dr Jagan alive today, he would have been one of the leading voices opposing those draconian measures.
Mr Nagamootoo also said Dr Jagan “believed in and practiced consultation, even when the process is painful or dragged out”. This is the approach, I believe, any worthwhile leader would embrace and promote. Though the PM is aware of the positives of such an approach, he nevertheless, it seems, has not sought to follow such advice. We see living examples regarding the Administration’s approach to the sugar industry, the oil deals, the GECOM Chairman appointment, among other things.
As the PM wrote “The centenary of the birth of Cheddi Jagan must give us cause to re-look at our past and to deepen the efforts at uniting our Guyanese people.” I agree with the PM’s view, but I will not hold my breath, as actions they say, speak louder than words. Though a little late in the day, maybe we can look forward to actions from the PM corresponding to such sentiments.
Yours sincerely,
Liebert Alleyne

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News