The WPA is gearing up to go to town. Across Guyana is the call. The issue is that rancid abomination: more freeness for former presidents. This is the fourth go at the unlimited benefits bill for former presidents introduced by the PPP Govt in parliament. Three pieces before should have conveyed subdued anger, stifled contempt. For anguished, dejected, Guyanese, I now let loose.
Can a government be so depraved, so unconscionable, to present such a Benefits Bill? If ever there was such a lunacy drive entity, the PPP Govt is it. Are there people in the PPP Govt so cunning that they concoct this revolting insult to the Guyanese people, then dump it into the house of the same people? If there’s government so common and coarse, it’s the PPP Gov hands down. This government has no equal when it comes to devouring Guyanese, drinking their blood. The PPP would consume the dead. Think nothing of dancing on the graves of ancestors who made such great sacrifices.
Who but the dregs of the earth would observe the wretched of Guyana toiling and fatigued, and still manufacture schemes that pick their pockets? The government can’t find money to help Guyana’s frail, poor and vulnerable. But it can table a bill to empower the taking of unlimited millions from the national coffers, when enshrined in law. And to benefit whom? I abhor my next words, but little choice has been left. To benefit well-set, contented cats; four aging cats, and another – a restless prowler and mouser. Indeed, there’s a hunter circling. Guyanese have a saying: who vex vex. i add: vex all ayuh want. To grasp the last vestiges of diminshing respect for former heads-of-state, the middle finger is still folded.
However, all should manage their expectations: No Mr. Nice Guy today. I challenge my elders, my official seniors. I identify them by name. Excellency Samuel A. A. Hinds (national accolades properly recognized). Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo (new national monument bearing the name hailed). Excellency Donald Ramotar (Custodian of the national memory). And Excellency David A. Granger (from national soldier to holder of two national records [2016 and 2020]). Gather together fine sons of this sacred soil sown by the blood, sweat, and tears of Guyana’s heroes and martyrs. Stand before the people of this nation and say one word, Excellencies to that Benefits Bill: NO! I expand and translate in Guyana’s creolese: we nah waan dah kine ah monee. And in the King’s English: we shall not take it, have no part of it. We are doing just fine as it is. Thanks, but no thanks.
Excellencies Hinds, Jagdeo, Ramotar, Granger: I put them all on the spot, shine a high-beam on their faces. Say the words: we will not be a party to taking advantage of fellow Guyanese when they are on their knees. When they can’t afford to buy a card of Tylenol. Or a couple of blood pressure tablets. Leave the other men with their endeavors at edgy eloquence. Show them, gentlemen, show the world, what is genuine erudition and character of an extraordinarily different kind. Do not let the Guyanese people hand fall. Let them down in any other way. I admit to adventurousness in including former President Jagdeo in my circle of nobility. It should say something. Therefore, it shouldn’t require much intelligence, and even less imagination, to appreciate how high my expectations are relative to the other three former leaders.
This is their moment to gleam. Stand before Guyana and say: this bill for unlimited benefits for us does not find favor with us. We will live, get by, with the law, as it stands right now. Not one cent made possible by the new bill/law will be accepted. Excellencies Hinds, Jagdeo, Ramotar, and Granger: the nation is watching. The Guyanese people are waiting, hoping. For that shimmering, inspiring, spark.
