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Is there a surprise awaiting Guyanese on Independence Day 2019?
DEAR EDITOR,
We are preparing once again to proudly celebrate Independence anniversary 2019 with the inclusion of over 5,000 students participating, and perhaps an equal number of adult-attendees bused in from other regions and towns. However, there are some interesting developments and variations from previous years, notably, the flag raising ceremony, which have given rise to speculations in some circles and among critics, commentators and pundits of boom, gloom and doom dispositions. Many have opined that these acts/events may comprise a signal of surprising news for the nation.
There is no doubt that we deserve to have pomp celebrations to mark this event, which come amidst the 10-day carnival parade across the country, and which has seen the entry of international/sensational artistes. It is believed that the current carnival is part and parcel of the government’s politicking aimed at whipping/winning back support at the polls later this year. This is supported by the fact that the ministerial outreach and enticing/gifting mechanisms – cash, Buju Banton tickets and promises – intensified across the country during this period. In fact, the government appears to have spent taxpayers’ money on some 8000 tickets at $5000 each and has been handing them out to youths. This may very well qualify as bribery for votes.
Meanwhile, the flag raising ceremony programmed for 10 am on Sunday, instead of the usual ‘stroke of midnight’ event, promises more than anticipated. There are speculations as to what may be the core of the speech. Some have opined that this may be the President’s special ‘honey and milk promise filled’ appeal to supporters for another chance to lead Guyana for a second term. He might even cast blame on the Opposition for his government’s failure and ask supporters to forgive him for not delivering the ‘good life’ promises over the last four years.
However, speculations are high that the core/surprise of the President’s May 26 speech may be to preempt the pending outcome(s) of the CCJ-rulings, or as we would say, ‘jump the gun’ and prorogue Parliament. This would in effect downplay the Court-rulings as ‘water under the bridge’. If indeed, this were to occur, the government, and GECOM, would have achieved their collective goal of ‘earliest elections date’ at the end of November. Perhaps, this was the main reason for the additional $3 billion passed in the last session of the Parliament.
In essence, it has been opined that the 10 am flag raising event, combined with the government’s political/gifting campaign strategies amidst the star-studded carnival activities, may be signs of yet another surprising twist in the road/saga of our political landscape.
Yours sincerely,
Ronald Singh
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