PPP Has Strayed from Its Founding Ideals

Dear Editor,

I listened to excerpts from the exchanges at the BBC World Questions forum, in which the panellist Ms Sarabo-Halley acquitted herself admirably in presenting the truth about the situation in Guyana. On the other hand, we had Dr Ashni Singh’s apparent prevarications on issues of concern to the average Guyanese, a complete somersault from the ideals and philosophical underpinnings of the founders of the People’s Progressive Party. A party from its inception in the early 50s, was for the working class and to reduce the gap between the “haves and the have nots”.

Of course, even to the casual observer, the pro-government statements were loudly applauded by minions led by well-trained cheerleaders, who must be complimented for doing a good job on behalf of their sponsors. I select one example, that is Dr Ashni Singh’s puerile attempt to deny, or was it to diminish, the statement made about Cuba by his President a few days earlier.

I dictate this letter on the day, Friday 13, which for earlier generations had its own superstitions. On this weekend we also should not ignore the Soothsayer warning to “Beware of the Ides of March” in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. But Ceasar’s reply is significant in the circumstances of our present leadership, when Caesar said “Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste death but once”. Mr. President, take heed of this universal truth: cowards die before their death, but they ultimately die and oft times are forgotten or disregarded in human history.

I end with this other universal truth; “victory favours the brave”, an ancient Roman proverb, that indicates that those who take risk, act decisively and confront challenges head-on are more likely to achieve success. Guyana be brave and let our children judge us kindly.

Yours truly,

Elder Hamilton Green