We have a problem: the current Covid situation is a clear and present danger

Dear Editor,

We have a problem situation on our hands with these COVID-19 surges. Relative to our prior circumstances, I would have to say we are in some part of local super surge equivalents. I regret to share that it could be early days yet, given our traditional behaviours, because the willful ignorance displayed at many levels will cost us severely. How could we be carrying on like this at a time like this is baffling to me? For too long the powers have gone it alone and got by. What happened with our sense of decency, some regard for honesty? We don’t have any situation under control and nothing is further

The NRF bill was a step in the correct direction, but it is far from complete. Many are calling for safeguards and penalties that directly deal with any misuse of funds. Although the current laws do address this issue indirectly, putting in place laws specifically to address this issue would help calm concerns, and also ensure there is the level of accountability expected around the management of the from the truth, and with that comes the wisdom to appreciate the power of our present danger. Let better sense prevail, and I think we may have some of it still left. It must be none other than this: Heads put together, arms linked, shoulders at the wheel. To all I say, get off the election horse, even as it continues to trample us, even when we delight in reassuring ourselves that we have beaten it to death.

I emphasize that we must have the common sense to recognize that what is in the midst of us could be the death of us. I go somewhere else to remind us all of something else from a matter of mere months ago. We had what was then declared to be our worst natural disaster. But I stand here with this: what we have right now before us is worst; it is not by inches since there is no comparison. This is clear and present danger; and anybody who cannot discern that is beyond remedy. Why is our curfew still at the comical level that it is, given what rages with increasing intensity? This should not be, not when I heard a man of relevant learning appealing to citizens in the midst of

NRF. The current administration should also consider whether the management and selection process they have outlined, will be one that they can comfortably live with, if they were in the opposition. The President does continue to hold the final say as to who will lead the decision making on the funds. After witnessing the recent chaos in Parliament, many of us would be more comfortable if a more neutral and objective decision making process was used. On a more fundamental note, today’s (Thursday) spike to stay indoors. We had better get this thing right, and I caution that the window of opportunity is narrow to the point of being tight.

On another note, with early reports of 65 teachers and 44 students stricken, our schools should not remain open. Anybody who thinks otherwise leaves me no option but to think the absolute worst of him or her. I would make an allowance for Forms 5 and 6 students only due to the proximity of examinations. Besides those children, the others should be in the protection of their homes; if only to afford us time and space to collect our senses, gather the facts, and weigh our options. As I consider all this, I have to ask myself who is protecting whom and why? The bottom line is this: in the center of what amounts to a national hour of challenge, there must be a national response. Any other way would be representative of the worst failure, the most denounceable dereliction of responsibility, of abandonment of duty. I close: we have a problem, failure is not an option. Going it alone will hurt.

Sincerely, GHK Lall the funds in the NRF should have a minimum amount held in place to cover the expenses of decommissioning wells, the cleanup of a major oil spill and or cyanide spill. Omai does have a history with Guyana and their record is concerning. It wasn’t too long ago that there was dead fish floating along the river near their mining operations. In my younger days, you could go fishing in front of your home without a worry of contamination. There was a story that our elders use to tell us that is important to remember. A foreigner came to visit and saw a Guyanese fishing in his hammock. The foreigner told him to build a large boat so he could catch a lot of fish and sell them for money, which he could then use to build all sorts of things and then he would have enough left over to have fun. The Guyanese asked the foreigner what kind of fun would he be able to have; the foreigner told him that he could go fishing without a worry in the world. The Guyanese told him that he is already fishing without a worry in the world. Given the current developments in the country, the fish may become contaminated with oil and cyanide by the time it reaches the dinner table. We may end up having to buy it from the fish farms.

Editor, it is good to have progress, but we must remember to eat a little and live long. The current approach by the EPA, the ongoing questionable performance of the airport improvement project, and the need for thorough fiscal audits across a number of sectors does not leave that sense of safety and trust that would say we have nothing to worry about. Ongoing flooding is getting worse and handouts/hampers are a band aid that will not fix the major problems coming on the horizon. If our country is going to survive major climate change, and preserve the pristine and healthy environment we are all used to, then the investments planned to be made with the NRF must clearly eliminate the perils before us. Thus far, the planned investments do not clearly do this, and the current administration must take a brave step forward towards clearly addressing the flooding, the risks the country will face in the resource extraction sectors, and the significant increase seen in COVID 19 cases. Define what is the minimum needed to cover the critical expenses in the event of an emergency, and ensure those funds are always available. This is much more important than using the available funds to build a pipeline during a period in our country’s history when project overages are becoming a norm. If the current forecasted earnings for the country is true then every household will be that much closer to being millionaires. This should be enough motivation to those who have been given an opportunity to lead, to make the best long term decisions in the best interest of all Guyanese. There is no need for greed, theft and irresponsible decision making. Ensure that when you have your share that you can enjoy it in an environment where your health is not compromised. Unfortunately, man has a tendency to be self-destructive if left to do as he pleases. More reason to ensure, that as a society we not only self-regulate, but also hold those given an opportunity to lead accountable for his/her actions with clear policies and laws that ensure transparency and good long term decision making.

Sincerely,

Jamil Changlee

Chairman

The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana