PPP People: Plight, Purpose, Patience (PPP)?

So who are “PPP People” - mentioned in today’s lead caption? Two generations ago People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Oldsters would declare that they would “Vote Cup” or “Vote Cheddi”. Sometimes those old-time diehards supposedly recognising and knowing only one political institution, would announce voting for “de PPP.” DNA wasn’t spoken of in those fifties to seventies. But it was an automatic racial tribal loyalty-instinct. Safety in numbers after the fifties multi- racial PPP splits. Though rustic, Cheddi Jagan had his own charisma, charm and persuasion when the bulk of his support eschewed analyses, issues or open-mindedness. Those were “PPP People” then. Strictly Cup and Cheddi.

During and after Forbes Burnham’s Iron-Fist Electoral Rule (1964-1985) the PPP easily retained its majority base. Out of office, out of “power.” PPP people were now more “educated” - (UG, Trade unionism, Religious, Party Political Education and a Common Enemy - the PNC) - a powerful Party magnet ’til eventual electoral victory in 1992 - assisted by James Earl Carter - America’s most successful Ex- President.

Today’s “PPP People” were spawned before and during the 23-year-old PPP “reign” (1992-2015). On Thursday and Friday of last week, I saw, even interacted with “PPP people”. I followed the Pegasus protest against His Excellency. Then on Friday evening I was in an audience listening to Chris Ram and Anil Nandlall explain the consequences of the September 18 deadline. Both from their perspective and from their interpretation of the Constitution’s provisions. (Incidentally, I’m “hurt” that no photograph of me sitting snugly close to

Sam Hinds and Donald Ramotar has surfaced.)

Ram and Nandlall couldn’t be inaccurate on all counts. As they claimed that most acts of the Caretaker Government are now illegal, unconstitutional. Spending our money from the Consolidated and Contingency Funds is now left to be “unmonitored” and exploited by the Finance Ministry for example. I was very impressed and somewhat confused. Because the business of the state still has to be managed and administered by some authority daily. And if his Excellency is now actually

illegal how is it that he must still announce a Polling Date that has status and recognition?

The PPP people at the Red House Forum were more of the academic, “intellectual” and Private Sector business categories. They and the PPP working-class were barely “beaten” at the 2015 Polls. Together they still constitute about half of the electorate. Further, they are our fellow-citizens even as we may support robustly some other political “tribe” vying for electoral “power.” Pity there will be little or no coming together on this score.

But last weekend made me consider the plight of the outof-government PPP folks.

What are their options? How should they behave under the aegis of their Party’s tactics? Well Frankly Speaking, this in part is what PPP people must face: His Excellency’s people will never relinquish governmental/political power easily. If at all! You can’t blame/them. Too much to lose. Now and beyond 2020;

should you – PPP followers - still follow Bharrat’s Strategies?; for example, protest robustly publicly and risk police brutality for the cameras and international publicity? Or protest silently like Gandhi and King? Or go underground?

Dr Jagdeo says the PPP will be “patient” ’til voting day to prepare with purpose. But I hold out little hope for the PPP right now. As His Excellency holds many more political aces.

The External Forces will come around. I Fenty will not vote Irfaan. So shouldn’t I spend His Excellency’s Election Day at home? I’m thinking…

******* His Excellency’s Development Decade

After the Pegasus Protesters left the room His Excellency outlined his projected Decade of Development. If his Excellency stays on fit, proper and healthy, “Winning” all polls, He’ll be 84/85 when his Development Decade ends.

You can’t be against his Development Projects - like education reform, ending extreme poverty/homelessness; value-added manufacturing and food security, energy security, infrastructural expansion in 4 hinterland regions, etc, etc, etc.

So should you salute the Brigadier President’s absolute optimism and confidence? Many would! The man - His Excellency - plans to be in place - the place of power - ’til 2030! Ho–ho.

*****

Far be it from me to recount the electricity woes faced by the last two generations of Guyanese from around the dawn of Republicanism (1970) to the evening of the present (2019.)

Under Samuel A.A Hinds, Prime Minister, I participated in PR work assuring that that PPP would ensure us civilized continuous electric power. I think the British helped with Irish Management. Canadians and Koreans came. A Jamaican - poor gentleman - is now at the helm. From Burnham to Granger GPL has defied all post-independence governments.

I’ve seen (sometimes) and heard it all: price of fuel, transmission and distribution woes, theft of available power, grids tripping - the works. The “current” minister reminds - last week - about “old decrepit infrastructural power framework” - four years, after the fact. So, way into this 21st century are we forever destined for darkness? Oh? Oil and Gas cometh?

Ponder seriously…

1) Hello Mr Jonas (of ANUG). Thank you for your responsive thoughts - on Tuesday. But just clarifying that I stopped “being PNC” since 1997. I’m too old to be duped into recognising any amorphous “APNU”. So was never “long-standing” nor committed” to that front entity.

2) My oh my! How the campaign brooks no criticism or opposing views whatsoever. From the foreigners, the Commonwealth, the local Bar association, the business dudes - even poor Wesley! A comrade!

3) Stand by for pro-government counter-demonstrations of solidarity and support. No Hooligans, vulgarians or thugs welcome!

3b) It’s going to be fun. And development goodies His Excellency’s Republican Jubilee Anniversary next

February. All welcome! (Funding already budgeted).

4) So what does the Election Date mean to you? Preservation? Accession?

5) Name 5 Associates - Mr Shaheed Khan.

’Til next week! (allanafenty@yahoo.com) past/present of the Ex- convict