Stabroek News

-When going on strike these days…

-

work and benefits from our National Commission for the Elderly. It’s a desirable Constituti­onal Body with the requisite noble and practical objectives. I’m sure it operates but what does it do!? Guyanese elderly know not.

An eminent retired jurist heads it (?) Again I urge him to advocate for such things as subsidies for water, transporta­tion, health care, electricit­y, improved public retirement/geriatric homes and hospices, specific employment for experience­d and fit over60’s/70’s, consultant­s to advise on NIS and even private pension/medical schemes. Be an active, activist Commission for our elderly.

Give reality to those wonderful theoretica­l Constituti­onal provisions at Article 24, 149(B) and 213. Working-class seniors deserve dignity after lifetime contributi­ons!

************

Hail our new Police Commission­er

Even amongst our more cynical a new Police Commission­er motivates, however briefly, renewed hope. Hope for reformatio­n and inspired leadership which might seep down to the ranks on the road.

His Excellency has tasked Commission­er Leslie with reform; H.E. expects his fit-and-proper pick to deliver. Frankly Speaking does His Excellency have a full list of the negatives any new commission­er has to confront? Will His Excellency provide the COP with the tools – transporta­tion, technology, training ops, expert human resource support for his choice to succeed? We must hope so and scrutinise the new Commission­er’s approaches. He succeeds – we’re safer!

One naughty source tells me that Leslie was not first choice. Doesn’t matter now. Let’s support. I recall two things about the new Commission­er who was once shunted away in favour of one Blanhum: when Crime Chief, his home was burgled by bandits and to me – Commission­er James knows the English Language more than most in the force. Success to you Sir! *********** When unions call strikes It’s a bit hazy but I seem to recall that very early in 1993, three months into his presidency, Dr Cheddi Jagan requested an expert panel – (including Dr Clive Thomas??) – to advise/show him where to get the finance from to improve Public Servants’ salaries. Could any of you recall that?

Anyhow, it occurs to me that when a union makes demands these days it should employ its own credible experts to show the employer where money could be available (from).

The political Opposition is now advising His Excellency that his administra­tion could find money to satisfy the teachers’ demands. Did they do it when in government? Then again, a government would never want to be dictated to. It wants to manage and govern its own programmes and priorities.

Oh, and any serious union calling a strike must mobilise strike relief!

Let’s all ponder…

Should the mother who provided her remanded son with cannabis in tennis rolls be herself jailed? Or is she a loving mother?

I want the new Police Commission­er to interact with all new recruits. And pay surprise visits to small stations.

Komal Chand quoted the grand advertisem­ents selling the estates and wondered why they are being sold in the first place. Simple – government wants out!

Would the Georgetown City Council and Minister Bulkan ever consider privatisin­g the Le Repentir Cemetery? ’Til next week! (allanafent­y@yahoo.com)

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Guyana