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The remigrant versus the die-hard resident
Dear Editor,
The following words were extracted from a song by Pluto Shervington, who was a very popular Reggae singer in the ‘70s. While those who were fortunate to enjoy his unbelievably hilarious “Ram goat Liver” and “Your Honor” will smile at the memory of simpler times, few might know musical commentary was an integral part of the fractious political environment that had and still does exist in Jamaica. But that’s a whole other story.
The song that these words were extracted from was called “ This Ya Hard Time” with one verse saying:
So, who a leave gone already
And who a stay better sit down steady
Cause tide is rising fast
This ya hard time can’t last
Cause when is time to reap
Only them that share the sour
A dem a go share the sweet
Now it is with slight amusement and some consternation that I have followed the ongoing back and forth between Freddie Kissoon and a recent remigrant about who has a credible right to be a critic or commentator on the media situation in Guyana, and to be involved hands on in the long overdue development of Guyana.
Anyway, being a Guyanese still comfortably ensconced in the Diaspora, it is with some ambivalence that I add my two cents to the debate lest my point of view be construed as being somewhat impartial. However the tipping point came when I saw a staged picture in one of the local daily newspapers of the new board of the GCCA (Guyana Civil Aviation Authority).
Up front and personal were a few remigrants whom I recognized from their past prominence in the upper echelons of the Public Service and the military hierarchy. Indeed one individual up front and center who is, or would soon be gleefully receiving his Social Security checks compliments of Uncle Sam, having long ago abandoned ship for Region 11, is there.
Confident that now their ex-squaddies from the GDF are running things some have maneuvered for inside positions now that major (no pun intended) soup seems to be heading our way. Another recognizable individual had served as a higher up in the Public Service under the supposedly corrupt and inept PPP administration, deplaned for colder climates and has now returned like the prodigal son to be; surprise, surprise a “Higher Up” in the very same Public Service.
Correct me if I am wrong, but shouldn’t those who have endured decline, mediocrity and victimization be given first preference now that the “tide is rising fast”? Mind you I am in no way insinuating that overseas-based Guyanese should have no part to play in the development of their country, but jockeying for the inside track in a woefully corrupt and incompetent third world country isn’t exactly the way to cover oneself in glory.
Indeed had the individual who presided over the Durban Park Tarmac fiasco had any modicum of pride, they would have gracefully exited to Florida to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Then again shame and pride seems to lost on a backpacking excursion to Monkey Mountain.
I am well aware that my words will be lost in the digital ether because “men convinced against their will, is of the same opinion still”. Let me close by reflecting on simpler times when water came from the tap when you turned it on, lights shone when you flipped the switch, and Georgetown was hailed as the garden city.
When I was in my teens I eagerly consumed comic books with one of my favorites being “Tin Tin” and you folks old enough to know what I am talking about will remember Captain Haddock, whose favorite exclamation after an extremely trying event was “blundering , blistering, barnacles”.
At times when the APNU/AFC Administration with the unheard of twenty-plus Ministers, continually move from one blunder to another, I sadly shake my head and say to myself “blundering ,blistering barnacles”.
Dare I say that a day of reckoning will be here sooner than later and the Keystone Cops shooting themselves in the foot will find the opposition benches in Parliament a very discomforting place. Not if, but when that day comes, it is left to be seen if the selfish soup lickers would once again jump ship and head for more familiar territories having had their place at the soup table replaced by those who had waited with bated breath, patiently in the line.
By the way anyone has updates on that “Constitutional Reform”? Sadly some people never ever learn from their mistakes and time is great reminder that ignorance and arrogance are strange bedfellows. Out of curiosity you can check on YOUTUBE and listen to the songs mentioned above. Should be enjoyable.
Keith Francis
Jacksonville Florida.
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