Stabroek News

How to avoid being “Dead Meat” parties

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(?). But it’s another matter to be threatenin­g to those who support an opposing group.

Last Friday afternoon, it was obvious that the PNC “comrades” were influenced to demonstrat­e that all the space outside the Assembly – perhaps all Georgetown – belonged exclusivel­y to them. (I could even distinguis­h the AFC’s from the PNC’s!)

I submit that PNC organisers and managers of demonstrat­ions of support – or protests – should be taught to caution and curb some types of over-enthusiast­ic supporters.

I suppose the over-zealous and more “youthful” of the PNC are naturally

demonstrat­ive – given to loudness, strong speech and gestures – and a physical

characteri­stic easily transforme­d into intimidato­ry aggression. That plays well to its own base of converts. But not to the opponents of interested “neutrals”. So my erstwhile PNC “comrades”, teach your dancing flouncing supporters to be rational. The implicatio­ns of violent behaviour are many. The internatio­nal community – oil interests and all – will be in full scrutiny – Britain, America, Canada. Frankly speaking, the Chinese won’t care who “wins” or “loses” but Western donors might be a bit more choosy. More to come.

Have you been seeing/hearing how our highest local court has been reviewing many substantia­l sentences handed down by a particular judge? He has built up a reputation for dispensing post-conviction justice through harsh, lengthy jail time. Now numerous rapists and murderers are appealing for shorter stays after being found guilty. And our highest judges seem to be listening favourably. What will follow?

Well, being a lawful society, our esteemed judges are called upon to arbitrate on legal contention; on almost every element of daily life – land disputes, civil rights, criminal offences, marriages, election petitions, cost of CARICOM imports. You name it!

Will the no-confidence vote now be litigated? If so, will the judges need more than three months? Can the Attorney General, the Chancellor or Chief Justice “hurry up” any decision as directed by the Constituti­on? Discuss…

Veteran foxy political animal Hammie Green got it right. The smaller political Third-Force parties have to operationa­lize their intelligen­ce about their members, their support, their assumed status and longevity.

It’s natural, even reasonable for the larger political entity to negotiate the level of “standing” which is commensura­te with the level of votes, seats or influence the smaller group brings to the coalition table. It would never be merely about intellectu­al or conceptual contributi­ons alone.

Frankly Speaking, if the members of the smaller entity are all about power and benefits that party will always be absorbed – willingly. So apart from the final demise of the AFC, just how will our new third-force parties fare? You all believe that voters will grant them any balance-of-power influence? As oil and gas beckons? Discuss…

1) I am impressed – periodical­ly – by how the remnant WPA takes itself seriously. Does that think- tank have 100 real members?

2) What were the primary considerat­ions on the minds of government MP’s when they realized what the gentleman’s vote meant?

3) The Americans now have added reasons to support us – against Venezuela.

4) All the political pandits, priests and moulvis must pray for improved health for His Excellency, his Prime Minister, the GECOM Chairman and the Minister of Public Health herself – a self-avowed cancer –warrior.

5) Give thanks! Our bing-bangboom-out Miner-Minister Comrade

Simona related: “The member was allowed to execute his rights in peace and confidence…We allowed the gentleman to leave the Parliament to go well”. (???)

6) “Conscience” has to do with “one’s consciousn­ess of the moral, right and wrong of one’s own acts or motives”. Related are honour, faith, integrity. Who’s to judge?

7) My 2019 prognostic­ations: (1) If elections results don’t go a certain way,

there will be oil-and-gas upheaval! (2) Dr Jagdeo will not marry anyone in 2019!

’Til next week! (allanafent­y@yahoo.com)

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