Dear Editor,
One can only assume that we have in place a government that is so stubborn, so silly, that they can not, or will not understand the difference between excellence, mediocrity, and extremely poor performance.
Briefly I refer to a situation in region ten, and one in Georgetown, as glaring examples of the irresponsible behaviour of government, and citizens must consider whether corruption and nepotism are not underlying causes.
The Bamia school in region ten came to attention over a year ago, and as I write today, the school promised to be ready and in use for the September term, is not yet in a state of readiness, the contractor well known PPP supporter.
Next the Bayrock synthetic track started eight years ago and since after 2020 awarded to a PPP darling contractor, this week we are insulted by a statement from the PPP propaganda outfit, that the synthetic track is in use.
You can have a house that can collapse with the slightest of vibration, because it has three pillars instead of four, but it is in use. This track and field stadium, according to government that is in use, the roof is leaking and the track is already showing signs of decay.
Then there is the Bayrock digital recording studio, same story, contractor an apparent PPP acolyte with no known track record in that type of construction, shoddy work, failed deadlines, same old story.
Then, there is in Georgetown the Princess Street Road project, a non-descript contractor with the correct connections, shoddy work, millions from the people’s purse.
Where did these many contractors hitherto unknown and untried come from, the few who have been allegedly blacklisted, it appears by a slide of hand, of name and address change, are still being awarded contracts, is this true?
I am not speaking blissfully, I speak ex cathedra, when I held the portfolio of works, hydraulics and supply I had engineers of substance, such as the late Philip Allsopp, Lawrence Charles, Steve Narine, Sam Ramsahoye, B M Thomas and the likes of Gordon Marshall, Permanent Secretary, whose professional advice I relied on. They always cautioned against proceeding with any project, roads, buildings, canals, bridges, etc. unless we had in place qualified and competent persons to supervise such undertakings the likes of the late Walter Willis.
Today it is clear that we have embarked with this oil and gold bonanza on a wild wasteful, wanton, spending spree, an injustice to all of us.
Today I had occasion to travel along the East Bank of Demerara it was for the greater part of the journey a bumpy ride on road recently completed and paid for, is this stupidity or part of a cycle of corruption.
Even if the powers that be are not listening or do not care, those of us who believe we have a scared duty, must continue to write and speak.
I urge all citizens to note the events taking place in our Guyana and the massive, massive disinformation and propaganda machinery that exist, let us lean on the words of Swiss Philosopher Henri Frederic Amiel who said: “Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence.”
Yours truly,
Elder Hamilton Green
