Christmas comes three times this year to Guyana

Sep 26, 2020 Letters

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DEAR EDITOR,

Our Parliament is full of preachers and teachers but Guyanese wonder, for whom the bells toll! One hopes that the Ministers and other MP’s would be a true representation of the pinnacle of character, morality, dignity, decency, compassion, honesty, democracy, arts and science. This forum should portray the epitome of who we are as a nation, what we stand for and most importantly, who we want to be. The political parties occupy their respective seats because of the electoral votes from the people and as such, it is only fair that they demonstrate the free will of the people and their (Ministers and MP’s) opinions and actions are in sync with those of the people. What stories will the walls tell and whose faces will the mirrors reflect? Let’s not have partisan politics but participative governance from both sides of the floor. As the debate continues, Guyanese are becoming more cognizant of the obnoxious mismanagement from the previous administration and the speaker is either being tested or challenged by the inadequacy and temerity of bombastic behaviour. Is this period a learning process or the opportunity to vent volcanic feelings or is this the foundation for “war break” and another vein of thwarted democracy?
The “Grinch” stole Christmas in 2018 and again in 2019 but will not succeed in the performance of a “hat trick.” He washed his dirty linen in Berbice and went into early hibernation and atoning as a recluse but, without the attributes of an ascetic hermit. Luckily, the culpable PPP/C government has answered the call and came to the rescue of Guyanese. The party has decided that Guyana must be compensated for the loss of the previous two years and as such, Guyanese will be blessed with the coming of “Father Christmas” not once, not twice but yes, three times this year. How lucky can the people of this country be for having a government who understands the needs of the people, who cares for them, who wants to provide and take care of them and who wants to protect them by doing what is right and just for all of them. Did Guyanese realize that old “Saint Nicholas” came twice already this year from the North Pole?
An Afro Guyanese Santa Claus came early September to celebrate Christmas in the form of Minister Of Public Works, Juan Edghill, when he presented Guyana’s 2020 National Budget and delivered his bag of goodies for all of Guyana. He made sure that no child was left behind via his education package and his elf, Minister Prettichand, will manage the distribution and ensure that each child will receive his or her toy, regardless if he or she was credited for good behaviour during the year. COVID-19 has taken a brutal toll throughout the world and Guyana is no exception. Already, the death rate is 70 and increasing daily. Who will live to see the New Year, no one knows for sure and not everyone cares. If they did, then, all of Guyana will be adhering to the strict protocols demanded by this pandemic. Many people are out of work, out of money and out of place. That is why, Santa Claus, in his oversized bag of gifts, is spreading joy with food hampers, tax cuts, increases in numerous allowances, providing for the pensioners, reopening the sugar estates, redistributing the overseas help and bringing a smile to each person’s face. It’s a good thing, Santa Claus has a broad shoulder to fetch that bulging bag of unlimited “sweetie.”
Who doesn’t like the warmth of the Caribbean especially when old man Winter is knocking at the door? Yes, at the North Pole, it is extremely cold for comfort and Saint Nicholas did scamper for a short break last week at the invitation of Santa Claus. He brought Christmas for the second time this year to Guyana when he took the form of a Caucasian Father Christmas and came as US Secretary of State, Mr. Mike Pompeo. He came to congratulate the people of Guyana for making a wise decision and to celebrate with them the freshness of democracy after being suppressed for the past five years by the “Grincher” and to enjoy the freedom from the oppressed state of siege from the cabal of ruthless, reckless, heartless and merciless band of villains who bludgeoned the lives of Guyanese, denied them their happiness and pilfered their booty. Accompanying him also was the familiar sight of his over-sized bag that was spilling peace, joy and happiness wherever he went and whom he met, pledging his broad shoulders for Guyana to lean on for their economic development. His gifted generosity to all Guyanese included announcing a significant US$3M for a “locally-led programme for citizens’ involvement in the government” and US$1.5M so that “the youth of Guyana will be involved in democracy as well.” He will also chart a course for the catfish to swim once again to America and there is nothing fishy about the agreements to be signed on physical infrastructure, energy sector and a digital economy.
The sound of “Jingle Bells” and “Ho Ho Ho” clashed when the two “Father Christmas” collided. There was no more “belly space” for ‘breathing space” and so, Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas decided that, Guyana will be blessed for a third time this year when Father Christmas will allay (Ali) any fear and come as an Indo Guyanese Father Christmas this December to bring more gifts and to really spread the true spirit and meaning of the season so that Guyanese will once again get to enjoy a real Guyanese Christmas after the absence of five long years. Yes, Guyanese will once again get to greet that familiar face of a big, bulging figure dressed in red and white with his black boots and long white beard and his eye-catching bag of gifts. The Grinch will be banished in seclusion, the masquerades will jump for joy in the streets, the carols will be serenaded, the Christmas parties will be in swing at the work places and in homes, the smell of black cake, sponge and fruit cakes will dominate the air, good ole Guyana rum and ginger-beer will overflow, gifts exchange will be anticipated, the stores will have their cash registers jingling, the markets will be crowded, the beautiful Christmas carols will accompany the festivity, all Guyanese will shake hands and kiss and wish each other, ”Happy Christmas,” and okay, Guyana will momentarily drop its guard for COVID-19. Even the “pick pockets” will have their hands full. As Guyanese would say, “all the best” and the rest, will test the PPP/C’s nest.

Respectfully,
Jai Lall

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