-Free education very expensive!
I am saddened on two fronts by their cases every May. On the one hand I am persuaded by some of the arguments of the two Rights Protagonists- not about Mashramani, Carnival, the colours of our flag or those invited by Burnham to his Writers and Artists conferences in ’66 and ’70. (These latter are “low blows”.) On the other hand, their not so subtle attacks on Burnham, Hoyte? Granger? are over- emphasized to mislead that Indian Marginalisation is still some work in progress. Naughty!
Every government since Independence recognized and encouraged the brains and abilities of the sons and daughters of the Indentured. In Guyana “Indians” rose to the summits of its government, parliament, judiciary, police, army, and national service, commercial, industrial and manufacturing enterprises. In sport, culture, the arts, entertainment “Indian” identity and contributions are self-evident to the Guyanese fabric.
Of course when Indo-Guyanese constituted the significant majority of the population, I argued that there were more poor Indian Guyanese than others- except Amerindians perhaps. Indo- Guyanese, Frankly Speaking, mastered sacrifice and self-help, creativity and innovation to succeed. They loved the land before the (urban) professions.
I wish Ryhaan and Ravi would sometimes return to the “history” of Dr Jagdeo who “enriched” a few “Indians” as their working- class majority joined other groups in the level below the poverty-line. I recall their valid tirades through the GIFT and the ROAR. Still I value their contributions as they’ll keep their eyes on how His Excellency seeks to empower his own moresupportive communities yes, May fifth still “rocks!”
***** Prior consent, a necessity?
I am appealing to some younger, brighter journalistor an older, knowledgeable commentator- to assist me to understand the concept of “Free, Prior and Informed Consent” (FPIC). I recall in my early days at the then Information Ministry there was Development Support Communication (DSC). Information/Public Relations folks and economic development planners dwelt amongst communities earmarked for some project. They consulted to forecast and understand impact and consequences for those who would be beneficiaries.
Consultative Democracy, I suppose, attracts meaningful consultations- for planning and implementing anything significant. But FPIC? Does it mean that a community has to agree, to consent, prior to getting things done? What is “Informed”? Assist me, please
***** Parents and “free” education
I don’t appreciate what material things are truly free of any cost. Anyhow the taxi-driver who picked up his daughter from the Middle Street secondary school was quietly, decisively adamant: the five hours daily his daughter spent at that Public School could not prepare her adequately for her upcoming exams. Extra lessons were therefore an unavoidable cost on his monthly budgeting.
The popular Private School is also adamant: it needs to raise its fees. And last August single-parent mothers besieged me for assistance to access books. My senior years give me one “comfort” – I have neither children nor grands to enjoy our “free education.”
***** Please ponder well…
Interesting observation by the Kaieteur columnist: “…the State does not have to find billions to maintain those who will always vote PPP”. True but it’s so much more than politics. It’s sustainable survival
1b) So how many additional sympathy votes do you think the published images of the handcuffed two in court would accrue to the PPP?
The Communities Ministry, the new Local Government Commission- how much local authority, really?
How is Commissioner of Information Ramson along these days?
When will the old Stabroek Co-op Bank Building be pulled down
When will Paul Williams Police? (Or David???)
Til next week! (allanafenty@yahoo.com) getting become Commissioner of