When destabilisers meet
-Fiction based on "actual events"
Frankly Speaking...
By A.A Fenty
Stabroek News
July 12, 2002
I am acutely aware that, at this time there are hundreds of constructive critics and responsible citizens - so many of whom are battle-weary, concerned and justifiably plain scared - who would advise that I stick to issues and styles positive and reconciliatory. They would argue that I shouldn't use this medium to perpetuate the wrong-doings, the negatives, the political evil.
At my age and stage, I quite appreciate those sentiments but just as I am impatient with those reluctant to "apportion blame", I'll share with you a likely scenario enacted when anti-government de-stabilisers convene in wicked caucus to plan for implementation, a week's activities based on their agenda and objectives, some previously explicitly stated.
Take it as lightly, good-humouredly (?)- or seriously - as you like. I suspect, however, that some of you, unfortunately "in the know", will appreciate that not all of my account is just creative.
The theme for the evening's meeting was already known but not repeated aloud. It was actually the context within which the destabilisation techniques, tactics and specific activities would be implemented towards the grand objective of coup, overthrow or just plain anarchy. The theme? Well it was/is: promoting national chaos. (And don't you-all dare abbreviate it!)
The surrogate leader/director of the campaign calls the meeting to order, receives reports and updates on previous activities of the programme. He has reason to be pleased as, in all categories of the campaign, great success was achieved recently. Categories include dirty tricks, propaganda, demonstrations, international support, economic sabotage and psychological warfare, to mention just six sub-heads. Because of people's preference that I shy away from all that is terrible, I shall not mention the categories of "riotous behaviour", "arson" or "criminal assistance". No. I'll exclude those.
One report at this meeting, which was enthusiastically received by the Caucus Leadership, was dirty tricks. The co-ordinator gleefully reported the confusion created by rumours, bomb scares, reports of deaths, gossip about everything and the collaboration with the propaganda department aided and abetted by teleactivists mis-information and print-media operatives' support with leaks and predictions. All in all, 95% success this past week!
Some specifics of the particular meeting concentrated on current techniques that were to be continued in the climate and environment extant. Samplings: whenever a politically-motivated robbery, act of arson or beating took place, spread the "fact" that they were executed by persons "paid" - by pro-government sources - to do so. Whenever any high-profile robbery took place, under cover of the present circumstances now created, claim that it was/is "drug-related". Keep up the campaign to discredit the whole Target Squad because some of its members might have actually transgressed.
Remember to award and reward, with cash donations, garnered from any source, by any means necessary, the teleactivists. When final victory is achieved theirs will be positions in government and gilded plaques for meritorious service and sacrifice rendered now.
So how much of the foregoing is plausible? How much is based on fact? What is levity? Humour. Judge for yourself! Don't dismiss completely after all, I couldn't/can't divulge more herein. That's for eyes-only confidential files! OK?
The PNC...
Far be it from me to advise my former party, the PNC, anything. I know the choice terms that would be used to describe me. And scores of letters everyday are actually profound and more constructive than I can ever claim to be.
I guess the PNC would have realised that they lost heavily from last week Wednesday's OP operation. I know them still. The numerous talk-show explanations, the legal technicalities the damage control wouldn't help Congress Place where more intelligent people are concerned. My PNC will come again. After Sunday.
I didn't find Joe Singh's lament and plea more profound than say, Stabroek Editorials. But besides Godwin McPherson, the Major-General is the PNC's favourite old soldier. That is why, for those who missed them, I repeat my own chosen excerpts from first (1) the Stabroek of this past Wednesday and (2) Joe Singh's appeal. Please Sophia, take some note.
(1) "The government has been quick to see in it confirmation that the violent overthrow of the government is planned, a conviction which will now inevitably shape and harden attitudes. But government should also be pondering how easy it is for extremists to ignite uprisings and the incapacity of the disciplined forces in coping with them.
"For the opposition the incident should have brought home forcibly the risks of association with extremists capable of sidelining the official leadership. Riding a tiger now as always remains a hazardous exercise. The disorders have brought upon the opposition national and regional censure and the real possibility if not threat that there could be international remedial intervention"
(2) "The worst sin that leaders can commit is to manipulate innocents and the marginalised in our society to be cut down by bullets while they fiddle the same old tunes in the safe havens of their political lairs, while their puppeteers, across the entire spectrum of our political landscape, use their access to the media houses and their mobile loud speakers to manipulate others, but then beat a cowardly and hasty retreat when the going gets tough...."
July-August
1) All I'm saying is that of all the manifestations of foreign cultural infiltration into some people's psyche, I get most crotchety over the current use of the term/description summer.
For consistency, you see, those who insist on our local July/ August "summer", must call the December Holidays winter!
2) When, in my next life I study law, I'll appreciate why no one involved in the Office of the President assault was charged with robbery under arms - jewels were taken - or wounding with intent - a Police Sergeant nearly lost an eye! Poor me.
(2b) Who's "missing" a bomb scare today?
3) I have to admit to a perverse sense of humour - and appreciation - when Mr. Desmond Hoyte 'buses the Stabroek. Last year it was, "You overestimate your importance." This week it was "I can afford to ignore you and your nonsense" 'buse desi, 'buse!
'Til next week!