Politics under the monument
Frankly Speaking...
It was business as usual last Thursday evening. Politics under the 1763 Monument in Georgetown - again. Starring Past President Hugh Desmond Hoyte. At his now familiar best. (Bet President Jagdeo, the Maha Sabha or the WPA can't use that Square again.) Without permission from Sophia, or the MEE, led by former YSM Cadre, Roy Alexander (now Kamau) Cush. Ok, Ok, Ok. I'm not going to bore you with the goings-on of the PNC's "inter-racial cast" at its latest meeting/rally under "Cuffy's" outstretched hands. But since I've been asked by a few, I'll highlight my own observations and concerns. Yes, the PNC, on behalf of its hyped-up supporters, do have grave cause for concern and complaints. Like the rest of the nation! From Sheila Holder to the Amerindian marchers thru the CCWU and the President who lost his shoe - the grouses are there. Sometimes tailor-made and handed to all the opposition on a platter. But surely there are still some rules left - even during the conduct of a political meeting (where children might be too). I submit humbly that at Mr Hoyte's meetings these days, the vulgarities that pass for "robust down-to-earth politics", ostensibly because "people are angry" diminish him daily in right-thinking people's minds. And don't think I'm referring to the now normal and expected reactions from the professional front-of-the crowd hecklers. No. The post-December `97 protester-type behaviour is now a hallmark characteristic of "politics" under the Monument. It's the tension-building, divisive mouthings from the speakers that scare the political coward in me. With grim menacing demeanour the leader declares that it is "the government's reign of terror against some villages" that is partly "pushing the country towards a precipice". And it is the PPP that has "turned this country into a nation of hustlers". Hoyte even employed a Rodney method last Thursday evening. "Everything they touch is destroyed", he bellowed. My Lord, I thought. No matter how partisan one can be, can any sane citizen over thirty swallow all that? Then there is the now-normal call-and-response type of personalised hostile heckling from the faithful. Should "leaders" pander to such political lewdness? To sustain a blind loyalty because all else is failing? And what do outsiders - including would-be investors - think when they watch or hear the fanning of these flames? Oh well, I promised not to bore you. Sharief's best friend Just a relevant snippet from under the Monument again. My Editors should be interested in this one - if they missed it. My own fearful respect for Mr Hoyte is now well-known. Timidly but publicly, I've revealed my fear whenever Mr Hoyte mobilises on the Square or along Regent street. Or anywhere he chooses to - with or without any authority's permission. Never mind he is judged and remembered, I'm scared. But Stabroek's Editors are devotees of healing, reconciliation and dialogue. That is why I wondered at Mr Hoyte upbraiding his acquaintance, Editor-in-Chief de Caires for "taking the guts out the letter" he (Hoyte) wrote Stabroek on the issue of discrimination. Careful Mr de Caires! But it is the Chronicle's Editor-in-Chief Sharief Khan I'm praying for. Mr Hoyte was very upset with Khan's work and (alleged) "lies". After describing the distinctive and diminutive Khan in the choicest of descriptions, Mr Hoyte assured Khan that Khan should regard him as his "best friend". Because he (Mr Hoyte) had to "restrain the Young turks who wanted to deal with him condignly!" But don't feel secure yet Khan! Mr Hoyte also hinted that "the time is going to come when we're going to carry more pressure against that gentleman." Poor Sharief. He'd better seek instant dialogue, reconciliation and healing with Mr Hoyte. Or he might be needing real healing during Campaign time. Me? I'll forever be afraid of Mr Hoyte. In his present mode and current mood. The silent majority You won't see them under the 1763 Monument in Georgetown. They don't respond to Georgetown-based TV polls (as to which, who or what is "best"). They don't demonstrate or protest much - for you to see. Only a small segment of the group would listen to the programmes on particular TV "stations" knowing as they do, the single-minded intent of those programmes. They live in the wards and newer communities just on the edge of the old Georgetown. They are in Berbice and Barabina, Essequibo and Enmore. Thousands of them are young and witnessed Georgetown in 1998 - January to July. They gladly register to vote. And though it is known that elections can't solve the problems created here, they do vote! Solidly! They are the silent majority. (And they will be there in January 2001. Making their presence felt. If not seen or heard). But just imagine... 1) When Mr Andy Goveia, Member of Parliament, Central Exec. Member (PNC) and a former renowned ball-player of national repute, was addressing his PNC audience last Thursday evening, front-line hecklers were hurling unsavoury remarks about the country's Head-of-State. Naughty and disrespectful. And why didn't Mr Goveia caution them? Naughty again. 2) After calling the young President names and questioning his legitimacy, you really expect Mr Hoyte to sit with a leader half his age? Ow people. Leave Mr Hoyte alone. 3) Remember the names Kalika Rajmohan and David Gutrie. They were recently blacklisted by SIMAP for sub-standard work contracted to them. 4) Last week/this week in "politics": - the Thursday evening PNC Rally; ROAR and Ravi in Canada; and young Jagan's GAP appeared. 5) Oh, careful Dr Jagan. They'll invite and accommodate you now. But careful later. You'll learn a lot about your character and relationships as things heat up. 6) And only now I've actually heard it: C.N. Sharma has revealed that due to rigging, the J.F.A Party, he and his Prime Minister lost three (3) seats!! 7) Remember CARICOM, whatever the learned judge finds, Guyana will need assistance training its electoral officers. Ask Stanley Singh! Please assist now. Then remain to observe. 8) As the vulgarisation of Christmas began earlier this year, I heard the Bombs and Pistols on Saturday last. Help again Commissioner Lewis. 9) Sad but true! Our young cricketers, foot-ballers, basket-ballers leaving to represent us can't "beat" the Immigration Forms! (We know why?) 10) The Guyana Cook-up Show will ask: What's happening to Mashramani 2000? Saw the Diwali Motorcade Floats?
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