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Feb 02, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,

I am not surprised at His Excellency, President Ali’s most recent public expression of his appreciation of what his office represents. My initial low expectations are confirmed repeatedly; time serves evidence that the allegedly new PPP resorted to the old standards that are still found delightful and constructive. Though only six months into the new government, I guarantee that more farces and failures, like the recent media outrage, will occur.

The president barred the independent (mainly critical) media from his gathering; he is responsible ultimately, regardless of which office is blamed, if such occurs. But though the president is responsible, and it fits seamlessly with His Excellency’s version of transparency, accountability, credibility, and presidential dignity, I am aware that he lacks the mental reach to target so pointedly the non-state media, and the spinal steel to implement same. For those who think that it is déjà vu, it is just the beginning, and the source of his tutelage should be obvious. It is not his handlers in the Office of the Presidency; better to look at the one who handles him. I employ that word ‘handle’ the way Guyanese do, when they observe someone being treated, shall I say, in a degrading, utterly unacceptable manner. Well, President Ali did exhibit palpable zeal for the job offer; I regret to say that his ordeal has just begun.

Editor, I regret also that a half year later, the head of state still retreats from the fact that he is the president. Not of the Westminster Kennel Club, and putting on a media dog show, but that he is president of a democratic nation, albeit one made more tattered by him and his people. Still, I can overlook his lapse, but I am unable to do similarly with his words and postures, or lack thereof, on the issue of the fishermen and their boats illegally seized on Guyana’s waters. I remind the president that they are Guyanese citizens, and even if he didn’t want to know, or preferred not to speak, about the now mysterious (maybe to be disputed) third seized vessel, at least he had to know and should have been prepared to speak one way or another. It is an unfortunate expectation that presidents should know everything; or appears to be in the vicinity of areas of national importance. I would posit the most important currently. And if the president doesn’t know about that, or is so gun shy on that one, then he may not be so useful to have around, even for these public relations gimmicks and fiascoes.

Sometimes I hit the jackpot. When the news became public, I recall saying that the then candidate was not made of the required timber. I erred, for now he proves me wrong, by failing to rise to the texture of even presidential matchstick. Given how the president has been, I think the words from Richard III have relevance: “My conscience hath a thousand several tongues…and every tale condemns me for a villain.”

Whether so or not, Guyana is in for a rough ride, rougher landings, and I don’t mean at the hands of the Venezuelans. And I am not talking about oil plunders either, since that is a foregone conclusion. My concern is of when and how the lid will blow. I remind everyone that the Americans, no saints themselves, supported LFS Burnham for a while, and then they turned their backs. Something tells me that they will cut their losses with their latest miscalculations and misplaced confidences. Meanwhile, I invite fellow Guyanese to fasten their seatbelts securely; looks like some national turbulence ahead. How severe and enduring the reality is anyone’s guess. Me, I am following Manchester United, the Super Bowl, and subcontinent cricket.

Sincerely,
GHK Lall

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