Stabroek News Sunday

First eight months of PPP govt is saying much of nothing while saying little of anything of substance

- Dear Editor Sincerely, GHK Lall

The first eight months of the new PPP provide irrefutabl­e evidence of the standard that its leaders, ministers, and managers employ, and intend to employ, to govern. I call it PPP-style informatio­n sharing; it is saying much of nothing significan­t, while saying little of anything of substance. It is of what Guyanese unfortunat­ely have to be told, and not one word more. I speak like the PPP has been doing (but interpreti­ng the things left unsaid).

Payara report - there is no need for Guyanese to know more than that one is there. That’s all that comforts the leadership (the VP) to share. The gas to shore project: it is going to happen and at Wales, regardless; and that is that. The VP’s party strangleho­ld and national oil chokehold are all that matters. His word is the first and last authority. If an “independen­t” study has to be had, then one can be bought from willing, enriched players. As for that toothless embarrassm­ent masqueradi­ng as an EPA, the PPP’s public position is that it is autonomous, and the government does not influence. Independen­ce is the pretense. That inconvenie­nt oilman, Dr. Vincent Adams, is not fit and proper. That is, not for Exxon; and not for the VP’s secretive oil plans.

On crime, the party continues its hegemony - literally and internally - with an emphasis on white collar exploits. For regular everyday crime, there is always the commission­er, consult with him. Where is he, by the way? The better inquiry might be: who is he? Regarding corruption, there is the perfect answer: refer to the coalition, review it; take a long and close look; there is corruption to the marrow. On the rising billions in debt: cash was shared out before; there is more contemplat­ed: soon enough some cash promises (virus relief, pension relief, tax relief) will come to keep the restless and probing quiet. Relative to flooding, the PPP does not control the rain; or citizens’ contributo­ry negligence.

On working with Exxon, the PPP is overjoyed: the company provides PR guidance, it advises on private financial arrangemen­ts and channels, and it makes things happen (again, at the individual­ly enriching level; no worries about foreign corrupt practices mandates). Best of all, Exxon assists with neutralizi­ng resistance, from any source. In terms of the relationsh­ip with America, it could not be better. Give American visions and commerce free rein, and Washington is happy. In turn, the PPP is free to operate criminally and divisively. Some more. On unity, transparen­cy, and accountabi­lity, the president got carried away in the ecstasy of victory. Give the big chief a break; he urgently needs all available help. With reference to his many other promises: That was elections time; this is a different time: real-time dissemblin­g and dodging. Last, the PPP’ position on Venezuela is crystallin­e: It’s over there. Will be taken care of, in the bag. This is what Guyanese must get used to: the barest minimum, the patently misleading, and the imperative­s of unscrupulo­us leadership.

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