People in the news for good and lesser reasons

Apr 23, 2022 Letters

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Dear Editor,

I scan the Guyana landscape and evade getting bogged down in the brightness and grimness of our times. Indeed, we are a tale of more than two cities. We are the saga of two countries, two standards, two truths (if they could be called that), and two realities. I randomly select three recent issues to voice a quick word in passing.

First, His Excellency, President Ali, is reported to have invited the Opposition Leader for consultation on appointments. I applaud the President for taking this vital first step; it is what a national leader does, any leader possessing a wholeness of sound vision. I note that the Hon. Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Norton, responded early, but with a list that is sure to cause some serious concerns in PPP Government circles. Police misconduct, discrimination, and oil fund are not areas the President or his people wish to go near. Too much pimpla bush, too many ants nests.

Nonetheless, I humbly submit to both of them that they don’t start sparring, but work diligently for a meeting of the minds for a compromise agenda that leads to a quality conversation; one that is civilized and constructive one, and what is the first of many. I respectfully recommend that both agree to include oil, cost-of-living relief, the border controversy, and political relations between the two sides. It cannot be just about appointments. But meet they must, and with a view to laying the table for ongoing discussions on a scheduled basis. They both need it, if only for level sets and temperature checks. Guyana needs it, too.

Second, what Guyana needs urgently, almost desperately, is a Guyana Police Force (GPF) that is a presence recognized and hailed for legitimate efforts at being balanced, consistent, and fair, among many other reasonable and positive elements. I came across the caption of the connected and highly pedigreed attorney charged in the matter involving the unconnected and possibly grassroots pedigreed female officer of the law. I will not ask today why it took the GPF so long, why such a tortured travel to this point for the GPF, and why this same painstaking devotion to hesitation by the GPF is not administered by the Force, and experienced by Guyanese of a perceived lesser citizenship. Instead of so inquiring, the preference is that the first infant steps to the full term of justice be done, and be seen to be done, with energy, doggedness, and unattached and untouched professionalism. To elaborate, the tentative steps towards justice’s resolution must be observed to be executed not belatedly, and under heavy public duress, but with zeal and zest. In brief, the system employed by the GPF must neither be interpreted nor concluded to be selective, serving the capriciousness of others, succumbing to the circumstances of our age, and paying homage to local gods best not worshipped. I deliberately refrained today from using such sullying words as political, or influential, or racial, or even class, as in social. I think the mellow serves us better presently.

Third, I saw that the Natural Resources Fund has a new board chair. I tender congratulations, despite having misgivings, better left unexpressed today. The new chair is a Guyanese who has been around, knows how to get around, and has manifested that he has what it takes to stay around. The Army, GECOM, and telecommunications are not small fry, but sharks of the biggest poundage. On the basis of those alone, I would say well done. But there are other matters that speak a different language, now unsaid until later. One I would touch, though, is age, with both the newly christened chair and another of those presences on the weather-beaten side. I seem to recall the prior partisan theatrics about geriatrics, psychotics, and eccentrics. Since some of these appointments reek of those, I limit myself to saying, different times, very different rhymes

Another place I go to is politics, which the fairness of gender prevents me from going deeper. The political has never really served the national interest in this society, which I am absolutely positive that all Guyanese would agree with me on this one. So, when I heard that name, I recognize a political figure, no matter where located. As I ponder the Britisher, the PPPC Government must be complimented on its ability to pull rabbits out of hats. Perhaps, that is exactly what it desires on that NRF board. Guyanese could learn from me, since neither the House of Commons nor even the White House fazes me, and rabbits are what we have re the NRF board. To all, I say tally ho, cheerio, and good show, though there is some reluctance to extend the same to the GPF, given its uncertainties that lead to contradictions. The spirits of Lent and Easter prompt the better instincts in me, so I extend. There may be others (spirits that is) at work.

Sincerely,
GHK Lall

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