To talk about the sanctity of contract is absolute nonsense, puerile and pure poppycock

Feb 07, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor,

Kaieteur News – We live in a world where we assume that those persons who have been elevated to positions of decision-making on matters affecting the lives of citizens are possessed of a level of acumen and a knowledge of history to allow them to make decisions in the interest and welfare of the people they represent.

For now, I refer to three matters which suggest that good old common sense is not common and has taken flight into the unknown. One, we have a trillion-dollar Budget and no vision for the acquisition of metres and supporting accoutrements, human and material, to check and ascertain with some degree and accuracy the amount of oil being harvested daily from our property.

Two, no provision to give a substantial increase, and I repeat substantial, to workers in the Public Sector, Teachers, Nurses, Security Personnel and others, and third, we still hear the moaning and groaning about contracts signed being sacrosanct and that cannot be re-negotiated. Contracts and Agreements universally can be re-negotiated, the driving force being a change in circumstances.

To talk about the sanctity of contract is absolute nonsense., puerile and pure poppycock.

In mid February 1945, the ‘Big Three,’ Joseph Stalin – Soviet Union, Winston Churchill- UK, and Franklin D. Roosevelt- US met at Yalta. They attempted to sing from the same song sheet. A year later on the 5th of March, 1946 at a powerfully delivered speech, titled ‘Sinew of Peace,’ Churchill was introduced by President Truman to the fraternity of Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri. He talked about the Temple of Peace and referred to Marshal Stalin as a friend. He nevertheless asserted that an iron curtain has descended across the continent. A reference to the Soviet Union led by Stalin expanding its sphere of influence in parts of Europe.

We’ve had Versailles, North Atlantic Treaty, Post World War I and Post World War II Agreements, Agreements made during and after the Cold War. At a personal level, to those who shout about Agreements being sacrosanct, at their marriage ceremonies, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, or at the registrar, they declare before Man and God that for better or worse, in sickness and in health, they’ll remain together until death do they part. Yet, sometimes within a few months or a year, they line up seeking a divorce. So much for a sacrosanct and the inability to renegotiate a contract. Why Guyanese are being stressed out with this nonsense is beyond belief.

Barbara Tuchman in her Book The March of Folly observes and I quote “A phenomenon noticeable throughout history regardless of place or period is the pursuit by governments of policies contrary to their own interests.”

This profunct statement fits precisely into events unfolding in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana today. May the Almighty save us from the stupidity of our leaders in Government. Albeit in different circumstances an illustrious and respected Elder, now in his 100th year Eusi Kawyana said “This confounded nonsense must stop.” With humility I recite those words to our leaders on all sides of the political divide. Let us work together to get much, much more for our bauxite, diamonds, manganese, gold, marine resources and oil.

Regards,

Hamilton Green

Elder

Hamilton Green, Letters, Public Sector, sanctity of contract

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