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Alison Redford, Blessing Circles, Opposition openly oily and race relations

Dec 20, 2020 Features / Columnists, The GHK Lall Column

>>> Encouraging Events, Disturbing Developments <<<

By GHK Lall

Kaieteur News – It was encouraging to read that Ms. Alison Redford, QC, was not rehired to do additional oil work here. The statement by the Hon. Minister of Natural Resources that the news report was “not true” comforts momentarily, and could broaden if it holds strong, with no surprises later. It would be more encouraging if government were to release the full, untouched Payara review report that was conducted by Ms. Redford’s team. I may overlook Ms. Redford’s prior record, if there is belief that she did Guyana justice. That is, her team probed deeply, evaluated cleanly, and reported honestly.
The dishonest is what rules here, and sometimes under the strangest names, like ‘Blessing Circles.’ Since we know so much about politics, it is disturbing that we know so little about mathematics. It baffles that Guyanese fall for these schemes that defeat basic arithmetic: what does not add up. As much as I want to share better tidings: about Christmas and matters that make spirits soar, there must be delving into these disturbing developments that convey how our more cunning brothers and sisters trick fellow brethren and treat themselves. For ripped off victims, it is the usual equivalent of Halloween at Christmas. What is even more disturbing is that this is happening in so-called “Blessing Circles.” Who is blessing whom? Who is blessing themselves at the expense of naïve Guyanese, all too ready to part with promises that could only beguile the reckless and the lost? Well, some may lose big, since they can kiss goodbye to that nine times return on sum invested. It disturbs that Guyanese dabble in things over their heads on a gamble, and end up losing their heads. It disturbs that there is little learning, given what has made repeated news with a big billion-dollar Ponzi scheme. If I can give one Christmas gift to fellow citizens, it is this: stay away from these things. Don’t be a sucker!
I am trying hard to find the encouraging amidst domestic arsons and accidents, and I fail. For the disturbing comes from the government and opposition, Guyana’s untouchables. Leaders, who are undeniable specimens of chronic foot-and-mouth disease, have nothing to say on oil. It is theirs, this oil of ours. To do as they please; to tell us what pleases them. The result has been nothing. Absolutely nothing from the PPP, and of which Former Advisor, Dr. Jan Mangal, has warned Guyanese not to expect anything but that blank sheet. Three months later, it is that same blank silence from the opposition, despite a public promise from its leader to speak to oil truths and oil facts. The nation is still waiting. I fear that if the Hon. Opposition Leader opens his mouth, he will commit himself, which can be damning and also impoverishing for his group. I am disturbed that democracy in Guyana is now dumb, with this degree of daftness dominating on the people’s oil wealth. How dumb can the Guyanese people be, not to see and appreciate that they are being led by the nose, since ‘deh aaze suh haard’? There will be nothing (clean and convincing) on oil for Guyanese. No wonder they fall for get-rich Ponzi schemes and blessing circles.
It was encouraging that we had a first conversation (of sorts) about improving ethnic relations. Though I learned of some good things presented, I am still to hear us face head on what has disturbed our peace and our souls forever, it seems. We are still not facing the issue honestly and head-on, as circumstances require. How severe is the problem? Where do we make a start beyond conversations? How must we – leaders, citizens, groups – tangibly contribute to first easing, then reengineering? Good start, we must keep going. Last thing: holiday greetings to all my fellow Guyanese, with wishes for a blessed 2021. It can only be better than this one.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

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