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Power corrupts and compromises also Sep 24, 2024 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom Kaieteur News – The old adage that “power corrupts” finds no greater affirmation than in the existence of political sycophants—those spineless creatures who prop up their masters, against their better judgment, and sometimes, even against their own conscience. The fawning, groveling, and rhetorical contortions performed by these political footstools defy not only the standards of human dignity but also the core of democratic ethics. They smile, nod, and parrot every line dictated by their political overlords, playing the dangerous game of proximity to power. It is a game with high stakes, but one with a fatal outcome, for these sycophants inevitably become the collateral damage of the very power structures they help sustain. Governments of all ilk and ideological orientation are home to such figures—men and women who have sacrificed principle, integrity, and honour at the altar of political expediency. In so doing, they have not only forfeited their own respectability but ensured their obsolescence. They are dangerous, but mainly to themselves. Sycophants, whether in Guyana or elsewhere, operate under the illusion that loyalty to political power will shield them from the fallout of bad governance. They believe, mistakenly, that by aligning themselves with power and defending the indefensible, they secure their own advancement, perhaps even wealth or status. In reality, however, they are but temporary fixtures, expendable once their usefulness runs out. A cruel irony pervades the lives of such individuals: the very system they uphold with such unbridled enthusiasm will eventually discard them, just as easily as one discards a worn-out tool. Their shelf life, in political terms, is limited, for power is fickle, and loyalty, when bought, is never valued. Look at the parade of these individuals. These men and women, once hailed, now find themselves reduced to mere mouthpieces—hollow shells echoing the whims of their political masters. With every utterance that betrays their former ideals, they lose a little more of their soul. Principles, once firm and resolute, are now bendable, adjustable, discarded entirely if need be. They are no longer their own men and women; they have become extensions of the political machinery they serve. There is a special tragedy in the lives of these sycophants, for many of them know better. Deep down, they are aware that the policies they defend, the rhetoric they spew, and the actions they justify are indefensible. Some may even struggle, in the quiet moments of their conscience, with the moral contradictions of their public stances. Yet, they press on, clinging to the fleeting rewards of their political loyalty. Perhaps they convince themselves that they are playing the long game, and that their compromises today will somehow lead to greater gains tomorrow. Or perhaps they tell themselves that their loyalty will be rewarded with power, influence, or wealth. They are mistaken. In truth, these sycophants are dangerous people, though not in the way they imagine. Their danger lies in their complicity, in their willingness to enable the worst instincts of those in power. They embolden the very corruption they claim to oppose, lending legitimacy to the most undemocratic practices and allowing themselves to be used as shields for wrongdoing. Their very existence erodes the democratic process, for how can there be accountability when those tasked with upholding it are in the pockets of the powerful? But more than being dangerous to others, these sycophants are ultimately dangerous to themselves. For in abandoning principle, they abandon the very thing that gives them standing in the first place. A politician without integrity is like a house built on sand—it may stand for a while, but it is only a matter of time before it crumbles. These individuals may enjoy the temporary rewards of their political loyalty—the accolades, the perks, the proximity to power—but in the end, they will lose the one thing that truly matters: respect. For no matter how skillfully they play the game, no matter how many lines they toe or lies they tell, the people will see them for what they are: doormats. The greatest tragedy of all is that these individuals are not merely victims of circumstance, but willing participants in their own degradation. They choose, consciously, to set aside their better judgment in favor of expedience. They make the choice, day after day, to suppress their conscience, to silence their inner voice, and to serve a master who will eventually discard them. This is the defining feature of the political sycophant: the willingness to be used and abused, all in the hope of securing some fleeting reward. But the reward never comes, or if it does, it is never enough to justify the cost. Political sycophants are tragic figures, not because of what they lose, but because of what they could have been. Had they chosen principle over expedience, integrity over opportunism, they might have become true leaders, individuals capable of effecting real change. Instead, they chose the easy path, the path of least resistance, and in doing so, they sealed their own fate. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) Related Similar Articles

This is not about what Norton or Hughes want Sep 24, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, As the nation prepares for the 2025 General and Regional Elections the Opposition not only need to ponder but be guided by the historical development and activities of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and the Alliance for Change (AFC). The formation of both the AFC and PNC resulted from the merging of diverse groups and individuals who recognised they would be more likely to take the reins of government as a coalition, than as individual forces. It is not too long in our history for us to forget, not be able to educate our younger generations that the original formation of the PNC included the Forbes Burnham-faction of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) merging with other interest groups; and the PNC in 1964 took the government through a coalition formation with Peter D’Aguiar of the United Force (UF). The AFC was formed with the coming together of the representatives of the PNC (Raphael Trotman), PPP (Khemraj Ramjattan) and Sheila Holder of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA).  David Granger was also able to take the reins of power in 2015 with a big tent approach comprising the PNC/ APNU which formed a coalition with the AFC . It appears that in our most challenging and darkest years politically the new leadership of both the PNC and the AFC without offering a better alternative where voters can believe, and see victory have lost sight of history and an understanding of the political climate and culture that produces leaders and victory at the polls. It should cause these two leaders and the voting public much concern about the growing perception that even in the presence of recent history and widely available information, there is competing alarming naivety and self-centeredness on display.  No doubt such perceptions if real   places the Opposition at risk for 2025 with much foreboding regarding a possible return of the PPP to power. The act by David Hinds of the WPA, on Emancipation Eve, joining hands with Norton and Hughes, as a sign of unity though well intended, in less than a month appears meaningless in light of the political narcissism on display. Both leaders need each other and must therefore not jeopardise the opportunity given them by their constituency to deliver a win for the collective opposition and Guyana.  Where does Hughes and Norton get their understanding that they can go separately and unseat the PPP? They seem to have forgotten how their parties were able to secure the Executive reins in 2015, less than ten short years ago. To take a contrarian approach would reinforce to many in the electorate these leaders are driven by self-interest, i.e. their desire to enter the National Assembly by any means necessary, not to win an election to acquire executive power and deliver as expected  for the nation at large. The Opposition’s priority, Norton, Hughes, et al, if they are seriously thinking of changing Guyana for the better, must be about winning the General and Regional elections not about their individual desire or super ego.   This is not about what Norton or Hughes want and it is hoped both men understand this. They are placed there to represent the interest of the people. If their ears are not to the ground listening to the voices of the people; if they are not prepared to be good students of what history has taught Guyana, and the history of both political parties, then any expectation of genuine servant leadership and chances of  rescuing Guyana from the clutches of the PPP  becomes more of a pipe dream . They would have missed the learning opportunity from 2020 when the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) organised its pathway to victory in the biggest political scam and undermining of the Representation of the Peoples Act this country has ever witnessed.  Not only did they use a number of paper parties to siphon off votes from the Opposition, pick up the disaffected from the PPP, these also served the purpose of providing multiple and diverse voices to support carefully planted PPP misinformation re statement of polls and so forth. Collectively these small parties added validity by raising their voices to support PPP claims of ” electoral rigging.” PPP deep pockets, level of political aggression and electoral corruption  makes this again possible in 2025. The Opposition must strategise to prevent this happening, starting first and now with facing the reality that on every occasion the PNC and AFC were able to take the reins of the Executive, it was through coalition politics.  It’s time these two gentlemen act in the best interest of the people and at least live up to the expectations of those who vested them their vote. A fragmented Opposition serves only the PPP’s purpose. Sincerely, Lincoln Lewis Related Similar Articles

Santokhi Impresses Surinamese & Guyanese Audience with hard facts that Guyana once had to face Sep 24, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, At two separate diaspora and business engagement events Saturday and Sunday evenings at different locations held for visiting Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad (Chan) Santokhi, the audience was most impressed with his rattling off numbers about the country’s economy, claiming he has turned it reminiscent of how Jagan and Jagdeo turned around Guyana’s. Saturday night event was held in Hicksville, Long Island and the other was held in Little Guyana Sunday evening. President Santokhi is in New York for the Summit of the Future being held under the auspices of the United Nations. The annual UN General Assembly opened last week but the speeches of the leader of the major countries were slated for Monday, Tuesday and later this week.  Santokhi, and President Ali attended every annual summit since coming into office in 2020; in person session was cancelled in September 2020 but resumed in 2021. At both Santokhi events, the audiences comprised of Surinamese, Guyanese, Trinidadians, and nationals of India. Guyanese, Trinidadians, and Surinamese tend to be supportive of each other’s programs for visiting leaders. The Guyanese were always there for Basdeo Panday and Kamla Persad Bissessar and the Trinidadians were there for the Jagan’s, Jagdeo, Ramotar, and now Irfaan Ali. Santokhi talked about the important role Guyanese played and still playing in Suriname’s economy and thank them for coming out to support Surnamese in the New York diaspora. Santokhi is not known for soaring speeches like those of Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Basdeo Panday or Narendra Modi who also addressed the diaspora on Sunday morning where several Guyanese, including this writer, were in attendance. But Santokhi did offer some wise cracks that evoked laughter at his two events.  He was charming and displayed Jagan-like charisma winning over his listeners who interrupted his remarks with loud cheers. He sounded like Jagdeo and Jagan, rattling off numbers about his country’s economy when they all first came to power. He spoke self-assured and with confidence reminiscent of Jagan and Jagdeo who gave numbers at the top of their fingers on various indicators. Both Guyana and Suriname faced similar problems after a period of authoritarian rule. Suriname’s economy was in shambles and went through a tough program three years and has been on the mend. However, Santokhi faces a tough re-election next year and appealed for support for investment as well as for assistance in the campaign. Speaking without prepared notes at the Long Island event, and with notes in Richmond Hill, Santokhi said his government went through a second review of IMF structural adjustment team and received a positive outlook.  The country is under a three years loan program with an extended facility. When Santokhi became President in 2020, the country was bankrupt similar to Guyana. Some 85% of income were needed to pay interests on the loans very similar to Guyana in 1992 when some 94% revenues were needed just to service the debt. As Jagan and Finance Ministers Asgar Ali and Bharrat Jagdeo did for Guyana, Santokhi has done for Suriname, reducing the debt burden and turned around the economy. As the Paris Club did for Guyana in cancelling some foreign debts, Suriname experienced some debt cancellations by commercial and institutional banks. The $4 B debt in 2020 has been reduced to a quarter now. Suriname followed a similar structural adjustment prescribed by IMF. Jagdeo implemented the adjustment and turned around the economy and Santokhi has met similar successes. He said inflation was 60% in 2020, not different from Guyana’s in 1980s. “Now inflation is 12 and we expect it to be single digit by year end”. He added: “Our Suriname dollar currency is stable; my government has stabilised it. Debt to GDP ratio is 150%. The norm is 60%. Now it is 85%. Budget deficit was 18% in 2020; the norm is 3%. Our deficit is now 3%. Economic growth was 16% in 2021. After three years, it is now, according to IMF, 3.5%. We had negative international reserve when I became President. Right now, we are bankrupt, no money.  From minus reserve, we now have $1.3 B reserves to support imports”. He continued: “We have stabilized the economy at the macro level. We paid a very high social price as people were not pleased and it required a lot of sacrifices. But we got support from various sections of the society. The union leaders, business people, and the population at large were patient with us and I thank them for their indulgence. We did have a major strike in 2023 that led to arson, destruction of property, looting, robbery; calls for the President to go, murder in the interior, among other problem. It was a strong signal to me and the government. Then there was dialogue”. He said: “We have implemented social program and have a safety net for the poor and pensioners. We reduce taxes. Anyone earning SRD 9,400 (US$320) monthly are not paying taxes and that is over fifty percent of state employees. The government is paying electricity and water to protect poor people. We have increased salary by 20%.” Santokhi said: “We are not allowed to borrow much. We are working and cooperating with the international community. Our government is one for next generation.” He said the life of a politician is to support the people who support you and don’t be distracted by negativities. “You do your job in spite of negativity. I maintain a positive frame of mind. You pay attention to what people say and do your best for everyone, those who support you and those don’t”. His remarks were well accepted by a packed house at the City Palace catering hall. They expressed words of praise for being able to turn around the economy similar to Jagdeo and Jagan in Guyana. The President went around chatting with the gathering at their desk and posing for pix. He was sought after for pix. Yours Truly, Vishnu Bisram Related Similar Articles

Guyana is on the right track; we’re not going back! Sep 24, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, As another election year approaches, there is increased activity from all the political entities to convince the electorate that they are the best choice. The choice in my humble opinion is simple. I will present my case. The current government, which continues to tirelessly trumpet its virtues and is not taking anything for granted, has very little to prove. It is as clear as day. There is unparalleled vision in its ranks. A higher percentage of us are existing in greater comfort than under the previous administration. The accelerated pace of development at present is staggering, particularly when juxtaposed with the exasperating days of indecision, incompetence, instability and inertia under A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC). A sense of purpose now pervades our society. There is positivity, because the promises of hope are being presented in realistic fashion by the leaders of the incumbent administration. Unlike the fanciful thinking and inauthentic assurances of the David Granger-led coalition. There aren’t the repeated cries of the unemployed these days. Opportunities are at literally at every corner. The pursuit of success is more spirited. Even the immigrants who are flocking our land have seamlessly fit into the plotted course and adopted the mindset that hope springs eternal in such environments. Of course, I speak not of a utopian existence, but the core of our society has gained a stability that needs not be unnecessarily tampered with, particularly by those whose only interests are selfish. How else can one describe the shameless race-baiting that serves as the Opposition’s solitary method of attracting support? There is an absence of substance; no discernible effort to provide the upliftment vital to inculcating the fundamental values of a 21st century society into our daily lives. There is unconcealed opportunism among their leaders. The two main protagonists – Messrs. Aubrey Norton and Nigel Hughes – are blinded by dreams of unimaginable perquisites and unbridled power. Neither will move aside, strategically, in order to present a formidable challenge to President Irfaan Ali. Thus, the road to a coalition is fraught with uncertainty. Guyana has no room for uncertainty anymore. That bus has left the station since August 2nd, 2020. And that date provides the perfect segue into the primary reason why the choice is simple. It was five months prior that premature celebration had erupted in the streets after Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo (who has since flamed out in infamy) declared the results for Region 4, a tabulation that placed incumbent President David Granger as the winner of the March 2 general election. The use of a bedsheet in place of a spreadsheet left the country at its lowest ebb. This abomination was succinctly described by former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Mr. Bruce Golding, who at the time was Head of the OAS observer mission to the election. He told the OAS Permanent Mission that: “Principal among these (issues that undermined the process) were the actions of the Returning Officer in abandoning the use of the statements of poll (SOPs) in the presence of the authorised party representatives, and to rely instead on a spreadsheet of unknown origin which provided results that were significantly different than on the SOPs…“I have never seen a more transparent effort to alter the result of an election…You know it takes an extraordinarily courageous mind to present fictitious numbers when such a sturdy paper trail exists. The subsequent five-month humiliation will never be erased from the memories of the decent and law-abiding citizens.  And we have faced immeasurable irresponsibility in equal measure to Mingo’s folly hand-eye antics, with the utterances of the Opposition’s main representatives, in relation to statements of poll. It isn’t rocket science for one to determine the victorious party if the SOPs are expertly scrutinized and the data tabulated. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic presented its 2,339 SOPs without an iota of drama. We are yet to lay eyes on any of APNU+AFC’s. Current Presidential aspirant, Mr. Norton, provided us with the precursor to this when he posited: “My party has its Statements of Poll. It is for its use, and it has to decide strategically and tactically when it releases it. And if we made a decision that we don’t want to release it, that’s our strategic position, and we have no apologies for it.” Well, Mr. Norton, you can keep your imaginary SOPs. The international community oversaw a lawful transition and set the wheels of progress in motion for a future Guyana. The Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led administration has grabbed the steering wheel and achieved unprecedented progress. The options before us are clear: new and improved highways, byways, and other infrastructure; affordable healthcare, housing, and state-of-the-art facilities; better-quality education for all, continued modernization of law enforcement and the disciplined services, freedom of speech and movement, among other tangible forms of progress…..or conversely, a return to 2a.m. curfews; immediate salary increases for government ministers; billion-dollar white elephants  such as Durban Park and Presidents’ Park; renting of private properties for exorbitant amounts; empty promises of “the better life for all” and “better must come”. There are stark differences between the two choices. Guyana is on the right track; we’re not going back! I rest my case. Yours Faithfully, Sherwin Crandon Related Similar Articles

Foresight is indeed an essential characteristic Sep 24, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, “The one characteristic more essential than any other is foresight. It should be the growing nation with a future which takes the long look ahead.” Those words, attributed to the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, are applicable to Guyana’s desired trajectory. Prudent leadership is necessary to take the country to greater heights. There cannot be reluctance to act when action would be simple and effective. History has proven that leaders and their advisers who lack foresight invariably steer their nations into nothingness. I decline to suggest that Guyana was ever close to that state of oblivion, and I boldly predict that such a future would be inconceivable with our current fortunes and the relative practicality of our present leaders. Having said that, it is important to clearly delineate the distinction between leaders with awareness, and those who have aspirations, but lack perception and are inclined to act impetuously. In late August, President Irfaan Ali, while commissioning the new Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway, announced that commuters will not pay any tolls to cross the new Demerara River Crossing, the Berbice River Bridge (if acquired) or the new Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge. Predictably, a negative response emanated from Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton – the purveyor of all the pessimism that could impede progress. Fortunately, we are not dependent on his judgement. It is tunnel vision on steroids. There obviously would be differing opinions, but having had sufficient time to assess the pros and cons related to toll-free crossing, Mr. Norton’s interpretation was familiarly simplistic in my humble opinion. He chose to inanely speculate about what the PPP is attempting to achieve. This despite the fact that while in office, he and his cohorts were incapable of producing any evidence of the massive corruption they insisted was widespread. Here is how Mr. Norton judges the government’s decision:  “The PPP has two aims to achieve by suggesting toll-free crossing. First, it is an attempt to create the conditions to pay its friends and favourites large sums of money for their investment in the Berbice River Bridge. Second, it is an attempt to be vindictive against the Mayor and Town Council of Linden. It is well-known that the Wismar to Mackenzie Bridge in Linden earns the council the most revenue. The government is seeking to ensure the council is starved of resources, since the PPP does not give the council adequate subvention.” He is also a mind-reader. “I don’t think they did any study, and that is why we did not proceed to say that we would make it free. In principle, we have developed a people-centred development strategy, and we have agreed that we will aim to put resources into the hands of the Guyanese people directly and indirectly. Making these bridges and so inexpensive will help, but we do not want to — without a feasibility study, and without actually knowing the cost et cetera for maintenance — wildly just saying we will make it toll-free and it’s not based on any data that is useful.” Mind you, this is without having any knowledge of how the government reached its decision. Then came the expected promise that more than likely feature in his party’s “first 100-days plan” that very few will read, and rightly so. Mr. Norton pledges: “As the next PNCR/APNU government, we will make all travel in Guyana inexpensive as part of a comprehensive and integrated vision for transportation and movement of people, goods, services and data across the country. Guyanese must be able to travel conveniently and cheaply across the country by different modes of transportation. No one must be prevented from travelling because of inadequate transportation links, poor services, or the high cost of travel. We will also seek to minimize the cost of internal air flights without jeopardizing the profitability of private operators.” As I indicated, it’s more of the same from the old playbook. We must ensure that Guyana is a growing nation with a future which takes the long look ahead. There is no other way to maximize our bountiful resources. Decision-making at the highest levels will be critical. We can’t guess our way to prosperity. As a middle-aged female who has witnessed the country suffer from ill-advised policies in the past, I never cast a cursory glance on my choices. Today and beyond are crucial. The voting booth is a private place where one’s conscience is inclined to take precedence over all else. Quality of life is the primary consideration. What cannot be ignored is the importance of foresight. Yours Truly, Alicia Barrow Related Similar Articles

Jagdeo is the only sailor who sailing and not seeing the corruption in Guysuco and the Ministry of Agriculture Sep 24, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, In one of the National Newspapers, it was reported that a senior Guysuco official met with some five interested bidders and they had discussion on the project to plant canes at Skeldon. Well, I rang up the folks at GuySuCo and asked what is this Project at Skeldon all about, since there is no factory to crush this cane.  I was told the officials at the Ministry of Agriculture at very high levels, have instructed the Guysuco Board to prepare and plant 1,500 hectares of land at Skeldon.  So I asked where is this cane being crushed. I was told that the plan was to transport it and crush it at Albion, some 30 miles away.  This is special situation since the last time GuySuCo did this around 2014, the records will show that it cost the people of Guyana some $29 million per day in losses then to transport this cane with heavy spillage on the roadways, a major traffic hazard in the Corentyne and the rapid deterioration in the canes leading to TCTS of over 25 at that time (meaning a wasting of the cane at great loss to the Corporation in 2014). But I suspect the Minister of Agriculture Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha got a PHD now in sugar agronomy and sugar cane logistics for him to allow such a hare brain and insane scheme to happen under his watch. Mr. Editor, the long and short of this story, it is insanity.  Guysuco did it before and failed and to conduct such an operations today in 2024 without any of the base conditions changing, makes it highly uneconomical at a huge loss to the people (does this explain by Guysuco has taken already $15 billion from the people in 2024).  In the past, this transporting of canes made it a money cow for the private sector contractors and the corrupt officers from Guysuco who ran Skeldon Estate at that time, one of whom built a mansion off the improper gains from transporting canes from Skeldon to Albion.  Maybe it is time for this corrupt official (known as the milkman and still with Guysuco today) and his supporters in the Ministry to build a few more mansions this time. I then asked a senior field man at one of the Berbice Estates, what are the processes they did in 2023 to prepare beds friendly to mechanized harvesting and how much it had cost last year.  They told me they cleared land, they graded and flattened the Dutch Bed (small beds), they then used the soil to create new Broad Beds to facilitate the mechanized operations and then they ploughed and planted those newly created Broad Beds.  But he did not tell me the cost, so I again ask what was the cost.  The gentleman started laughing and said “bannas, why you asking such a question and continued laughing”.  I said I am serious. But I never got an answer. I then asked another officer and he told me the board under the Chairmanship of Mr. Mandanlall Ramraj (PPP Central Committee Member) knows everything since the land conversion process rates was approved by the Board in 2023 but he was told that these are all political decisions and they are told to make it happen.  He then said the private contractors charged $1 million per hectare to complete these four processes done on the Berbice Estates by the private sector.  I ask, if Guysuco was to do these four operations, how much would it cost and he said about $900,000 per hectare.  That means the profit for the private man was $100,000 per hectare for the private man and in my opinion these 2023 prices were reasonable.  The private sector must make a 10% -15% profit. I then asked, what processes are happening at Skeldon.  He said they are clearing the land and then ploughing and planting the land since these beds are already Broad Beds ready for mechanized operations.  Mr. Editor, listen to the sequence of the operations – at Albion, Rose Hall, Blairmont and Uitvlugt in 2023 it cost $1 million to do four major operations and therefore it should not cost more than half a million to do two operations at Skeldon. But then he told me, boy, like you did not hear, “Jumbo done get the contract to do the two operations at Skeldon for $1.5 million a hectare, that is the instructions from the Ministry and a senior Agriculture Officer in GuySuCo who said the Minister made him the CEO of Skeldon”.  Mr. Editor, understand what I am saying here – four operations cost $1 million in 2023, and in 2024, two of the four operations which supposed to cost less, is costing the people of Guyana MORE; some 50% more ($1.4 million per hectare according to the NPTAB data). If you do not believe me, the table below is an NPTAB table and look at AJM Enterprises (No. 7), the perceived selected candidate to conduct these works.  The table shows AJM Enterprises is charging the taxpayers of Guyana some $2.1 billion to clear, tilling and plant 1,500 hectares of land (the maths tells me it is $1.4 million per hectares to do this task). Hon. Vice President Bharat Jagdeo keep saying every week at his press conference, show me the evidence of the corruption in Government.  Well can someone please ask Dr Jagdeo to visit the “Da Silva House of Optics” to change his glasses, because while this entire nation sees the corruption at Guysuco and the Agriculture Sector in September 2024, he is the only sailor who sailing and not seeing the corruption in Guysuco and the Ministry of Agriculture. Regards, Leroy Charles Related Similar Articles

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