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The best recommendation, a sure meal ticket Sep 21, 2024 Features / Columnists, The GHK Lall Column Hard Truths by GHK Lall Kaieteur News – I ask pardon for any occasional reference to myself in the third person.  Given the context and objectives of today’s contribution, it is unavoidable. GHK Lall Somebody, anybody, scouting around for a way on how to get ahead in this country, and I am the best endorsement for them.  Attack scathingly, work to bring down by any means, and it is a good first step.  The right people in the right places take note: good job!  Keep going.  The old-timers are already well-steeped in what is required.  They know that they raise the bar on themselves, and they could be in even better standing with their masters.  I begin with the foreign contingent present. It is worth going after me by drilling holes, trying to slow down.  He is anti-foreign, Guyana’s Mr. Jingoist.  The speakers/writers/hustlers remind us of Indians and Africans who stooped low to sell their own so that they could be favored by the exploiters of our forefathers.  History has a peculiar unchanging melody about it: even when it appears to change, it is the same old story.  Who knows, to label me as anti-Exxon could prove to be beneficial because there are those who take notice and mentally file for later use.  Keep up a drumbeat against Lall for his so-called anti-Exxon postures, and rewards could come; some lucrative opportunity could be found for someone who is a defender of Exxon’s cause.  What is there to lose?  There are two things (only two) said for the record. First, if any Guyanese, or anybody living anywhere, feel that it enhances their interests by bashing me, or pulling me down, then I urge them to do so.  If some are so starved for bread from any source, then have it.  And if it means that I am the best recommendation by attacking me to look good, then so be it.  Nobody should be hungry or unfulfilled if I can help.  Whatever the services that could be utilized by Exxon, I urge the Exxon Guyana Country Head, Mr. Alistair Routledge to help the situation by awarding a contract, and establishing some sort of relationship.  Give some people something to keep them happy for all the pro bono legwork (dirty work?) that they do for Exxon. The second point is an old one, a tiring one because it is a repetition of earlier position.  If there is one oil company that I would vote for every day to lead oil operations here, it is America’s ExxonMobil.  Not Total of France.  Not ENI of Italy.  Not any of the others from the old Seven Sisters of oil.  Not any of the new ones, whatever they are called.  It is Exxon, Exxon, Exxon notwithstanding all its mischiefs and its deplorable dreadfulness to my fellow Guyanese.  To cut to the chase, I recognize in Mr. Routledge, an Exxon warrior.  Frankly, that makes him my adversary.  He holds onto what prospers his company; I pursue what could benefit Guyanese.  Nothing anti-Exxon, anti-America. How can I?  Similarly, I am not too enamored of the Chinese around that oil but must deal with that, anyhow.  This is how capitalism and corporate affairs work.  Now if charges of Sinophobia flare, then I take them in stride: on the chin, shrug, and move on.  I thought I should record how much I detest commies and their fellow travelers, local or otherwise.  That’s all, folks. Similarly, some market themselves as defenders of the PPP.  I encourage that right, defend it. Defenders market themselves by targeting me.  As a selling point, there are few better locally.  It could yield a job, a contract, or an old one extended, richened. Goods sold; services bought.  Leading PPP Government lights (not the president busily cavorting in his own world), may sit up, and recognize a new friend of robust proportions.  The PPP does right by Guyanese with this oil, and no force can stop me from heralding it.  Ditto the PNC or AFC.  But the PPP revels in sticking it to those upsetting its three-card conman cart.  Those harboring visions of getting in the PPP’s good books, know what the territory demands.  Decapitate Lall and suddenly one can claim to be a true PPP friend.  Translation: bash me and the cash could come in a flash.  Confession: it is surprising that I have now come to represent so much, and attract so much interest.  I am humbled.  What it confirms to me is the lengths to which some would go to give themselves an opening to enrich themselves.  At my expense.  By attaching what agenda or motive (never honorable, patriotic) that suits their purposes.  This is not so well-received, but accepted as how craven Guyanese are, and what they will do to boost themselves in the eyes of the powerbrokers and decision-makers. Now I have a recommendation of my own to make.  Since I am such a drawing card, a surefire bet, I urge fellow citizens to denounce me publicly as anti-American because it may be worth a bar of gold.  A coveted US visa could be the reward.  My word! Look at what we (yes, we) have become, the things we will do to get ahead. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) Related Similar Articles

FREE SPEECH Sep 21, 2024 Editorial Kaieteur News – The PPP/C Government gets a thrill from talking about how much it is for the law.  Senior government leaders have reinforced their longstanding respect for the rule of law and how order carries the day.  Talk is cheap, and there is none better than the PPP/C Government at cheapening through the disconnect between what it says and what is reality. This publication and others in this country have heard how much freedom is cherished, from individual freedom of speech to freedom of the press.  Embarrassing reality makes a mockery of those claims and postures from a government now committed to lip service only on important obligations and standards in Guyana.  When hypocrisy and leadership deception are sought after as proof, Guyana offers a treasure trove of both.  The PPP/C Government stands as the major contributor. This publication has a history of speaking frankly and powerfully on the issues that different governments prefer to remain untouched and unaddressed.  One recent example is the APNU Coalition’s efforts at undermining the democratic process during the 2020 elections, which were hammered at and the party’s leadership put in an ugly light.  Two others were the incompetence and mismanagement that plagued the last government and its unpardonable mishandling of the nation’s oil wealth.  None of the coverage from this publication was met with the regard that was due.  As an independent media house, and a voice for and of the people, we were fulfilling our duty.  When they are in opposition, politicians delight in the exposures of their opponents.  But when they have the reins of power in their hands, their tune and their outlook change.  They are still for press freedom and free expression, but as they decide what those should be. On the PPP/C Government’s part, there is simmering anger when contract award discrepancies and skullduggeries are presented to citizens.  Corruption is at such rampant levels in Guyana that it would be a black mark on any neutral, unattached, and professional media entity to look the other way and fail the people.  But leading lights in the PPP/C Government are outraged when the almost daily reports are published for the public’s benefit.  The gripe is that what about all the progress that is being made, the good being done.  It seems that somebody forgot that doing things of that nature are why a government is put into power in the first place.  Doing what is positive does not mean that all the incompetence and shenanigans of any government should be ignored.  When official wrongdoing is on an express track, when government leadership is highly questionable, then that is when press freedom is priceless.  Free speech does not and cannot coexist with willful blindness, nor does it surrender to the dictates of any corrupt government, the whims of any political leader looking to cover his or her bottom.  Free speech expressed responsibly is to the benefit of any government, helps it to identify the loopholes, guides it to make the appropriate corrections, even when it means handing alleged criminal colleagues over to the law.  Free speech is a vital check and balance on the apparatus of governance.  It has its role in ensuring that that machinery is working as it should. Regarding Guyana’s oil patrimony, there is so much that is deficient, so much PPP/C Government cowardice.  When we point to the gaps and failures in oversight, the government and its people turn into a mindless mob.  Press freedom is assailed and savaged.  But these are the same people speaking so sweetly about democracy and freedom of expression.  Our staff have been repeatedly poached not by private media competition, but by the government.  Frequent leadership disparagement and social media revilements are now regular features in the life of the independent and outspoken media in Guyana.  But the PPP/C Government is shameless enough to insist about how much it is for free speech.  The government’s management of the oil wealth has so many secrets, so much corruption, that it fears the truth being presented, so its senior people lash out blindly.  The press is allowed to operate freely and responsibly, or the PPP/C Government’s freedom to behave unconstitutionally and lawlessly.  Free thinking Guyanese must decide. Related Similar Articles

Blackouts are Guyana’s unwanted national institution Sep 21, 2024 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom Kaieteur News – It’s an ordinary day in Georgetown, Guyana. The heat wave is oppressive. People go about their day, working, shopping, socializing, and skylarking. Suddenly, the hum of daily life is abruptly interrupted—lights flicker, and then darkness envelops offices. The fans stop spinning, computers crash, refrigerators hum their last breath, and businesses come to a halt. Once again, there was a blackout. In Guyana, these blackouts have become so frequent, that they feel like an unwelcome but permanent feature of national life. For almost four decades, Guyanese have been forced to endure the problems of a dysfunctional electricity grid. The problems with power supply have transcended generations, administrations, and political ideologies. From the streets of Georgetown to the interior regions, unreliable electricity has remained a frustrating constant in the lives of citizens. And while the excuses have changed with each successive government, the underlying issue remains—power outages in Guyana are no longer just a technical failure; they are a national institution. The roots of Guyana’s electricity woes date back to the 1980s, a period of economic stagnation and infrastructural neglect. At the time, the country’s power grid was already showing signs of wear, and by the mid-1980s blackouts became a regular occurrence. Successive governments made promises to address the issue, but improvements have been incremental at best, leaving much of the nation in the dark—both literally and figuratively. What is perhaps most shocking is that in the almost 40 years since these problems first surfaced, the situation remains largely unchanged. Despite billions being funneled into energy projects, grid upgrades, and new generating sets, Guyana’s electrical infrastructure is as fragile as ever. It’s not just the occasional blackout that plagues the country; it’s the total unpredictability of when and for how long power outages will last. Aging infrastructure, poor maintenance, and increased demand have only worsened the situation. From transformers blowing to inadequate generation capacity, the challenges are immense and seemingly never-ending. Each administration, be it the People’s National Congress (PNC) or the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), has grappled with the electricity problem, yet none have managed to fix it. During the 2015–2020 period, under the APNU+AFC coalition government, there seemed to be a slight reprieve from the endless blackouts. The government focused on improving grid reliability and ensuring that electricity generation was more stable. Power outages, while still a reality, were not as frequent or as long-lasting as in previous years. This relative stability was notable, considering that the coalition inherited an already fragile grid. However, the current PPP/C administration has been quick to place the blame squarely on the previous government for not doing enough to modernize the system or invest in new generation capacity. Allegations abound that the APNU+AFC failed to inject the necessary funds into maintaining and upgrading the grid. While there may be some truth to these claims, they do not tell the whole story. The APNU+AFC government managed to provide relatively stable electricity during its tenure. They did manage to stave off the worst effects of an aging system. Since 2020, however, the situation has deteriorated once more, and blackouts have once again become the norm. They had grand plans to move towards greener energy. Since taking office, the PPP/C government has been busy planning ambitious energy projects, most notably the much-touted gas-to-energy plant, which is expected to bring an additional 300 megawatts of electricity to the grid by 2025. The project is part of a larger strategy to meet the country’s growing energy demand, which has surged in recent years due to rapid economic growth, largely fueled by Guyana’s burgeoning oil industry. On paper, the gas-to-energy project looks like a panacea for Guyana’s electricity woes. It promises cleaner energy, increased generation capacity, and a more reliable grid. But for many Guyanese, this grand plan seems like a distant dream. After all, they have heard similar promises before—each new administration brings new energy projects and lofty ambitions, but the results have remained the same: sporadic electricity supply, equipment failures, and insufficient generation capacity. In the meantime, as the government focuses on these large-scale projects, little attention has been given to the immediate issue—keeping the lights on today. Citizens and businesses continue to suffer from frequent outages, while the larger plans remain years away from fruition. The privatization of the power utility company in 1999 – through a 50/50 equity partnership –  was supposed to inject much-needed capital and efficiency into the system. Instead, the situation worsened. The privatization experiment failed to deliver the promised improvements, and the utility was eventually re-nationalized. Since then, the management of the grid has been a perennial issue, with successive governments struggling to maintain oversight and ensure accountability. The PPP/C government has now expressed concerns over the management of the state-owned utility, hinting at potential restructuring. However, these concerns are not new, and simply changing management will not address the underlying problems of a poorly maintained and outdated grid. What Guyana needs is a comprehensive, long-term plan that not only looks at increasing generation capacity but also addresses the systemic issues that have plagued the grid for decades. Electricity generation and distribution have been the Achilles heel of successive governments, both PNC and PPP/C alike. Despite their differences, neither party has been able to solve the electricity crisis that has plagued the country for almost four decades. The grid remains fragile, the generation capacity inadequate, and the management inefficient. The future does not look particularly promising. While there is hope that the gas-to-energy project will bring relief, it is not a guaranteed solution, and it is not even certain if this project will materialize any time soon. In the meantime, plans for a major hydroelectric power plant, which could provide a fast track to renewable energy and help Guyana achieve its Net Zero goals, have been sidetracked and accorded low attention. Is it truly wise for Guyana to rush ahead with plans to construct nine internationally-branded hotels when the country’s electricity generation remains insufficient to meet current demand, let alone the surge that these new developments will create? With persistent blackouts and a fragile grid, the addition of massive energy consumers raises serious concerns about the sustainability of such expansion. Without a reliable and increased power supply, these hotels may struggle to operate efficiently, and the very image of Guyana as an emerging destination could be tarnished by the inability to provide something as fundamental as steady electricity. Shouldn’t the focus first be on securing energy stability before racing to add more strain to an already overburdened system? Without significant investment in both new generation and grid modernization, Guyana’s electricity crisis will continue to be a national institution—a constant reminder of how infrastructure failures can hold back even the most promising of nations. For now, Guyanese must continue to endure the darkness, both in their homes and in their hopes for a brighter future. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) Related Similar Articles

Support for greater Civic Involvement in Policy Making  Sep 21, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, Guyanese from both sides of the political aisle, including those who were involved in the struggle to deter electoral fraud in the 2020 elections, express scathing critique or criticism of the government for its limited or non-engagement of the public and particularly civic groups in policy making and decision making. Many among those involved in the anti-rigging struggle express disappointment in aspects of contemporary governance. The government is lauded for its outreaches and taking government (governance) to the public, the far corners of the country, but is criticized for not ‘listening’ to the people, for not adopting the views of the public and for ignoring civic groups. This is not new. Successive governments have not been keen to consult civic society or the public and adopt their advice on matters.  There has been a history of ignoring civic groups and dismissing their views on policies. Guyanese, at home and in the diaspora, believe that civic associations and community NGOs, aside from direct outreaches, are the most effective means for the government to determine the views of the public on proposed policies and decisions. They are also the most effective entities to communicate the public’s position on varied matters and to influence government policy and decision making. Since the government does not listen or pay heed to views of opposition parties, it is more likely that the government may pay attention to views of community groups or civic associations. And with voting institutionalized by ethnicity, it is extremely unlikely that voters will be wooed by a party with a leadership that does not look like or represent them as a race. Thus, engaging civic groups are a better option through which to reach all sections of society, regardless of class, gender, ethnicity. The public urges community associations and other civic groups to become more active in evaluating governance and in educating or enlightening the public on government policies. And they also beseech the government to engage civic groups. Civic participation (discussion, lobbying, social movements, volunteering, supporting a just cause, protests, etc.) all over the world is a fundamental pillar of democracy. Civic involvement speaks to the welfare of the public, representing their interests. Civic groups communicate people’s views on policies to the government. They allow people to express views through the organizations bypassing direct conversation with (criticism of) government and avoiding fearful consequences of free political speech. Civic Groups with a large following and or engaged in vigorous activism could influence policy and decision making that advances the welfare of the collective. Robust civic engagement in many countries, not the least being USA, Canada, UK, India, is positively associated with improvements in governance and in the well-being of the public. The US Congress and parliaments of many countries consult the public before policymaking. Lobbyists influence policymaking as well. Conversations with adults all over Guyana reveal that people believe that some type of civic participation is influential for positive change nationally, better governance, and taming of corruption. The public has cultivated a growing confidence in civic society’s ability to influence change. Government should have greater engagement with civic groups. Yours sincerely, Vishnu Bisram Related Similar Articles

Woeful waste of money in circumstances where democratic norms are ignored Sep 21, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, When will this madness, this wasteful spending spree come to an end? Instead, we have the top brass of the PPP Government talking about democracy in their speeches to the local and international communities, reminding them through their well-oiled and funded propaganda outfit about the coalition’s misdeeds, with respect to the conduct of regional and general elections. Whatever may or may not be the justification for this constant and unrelenting assault against the coalition government, what is perhaps of equal importance, is the conduct by an administration between elections. Briefly, the Government had embarked upon the spending spree that constitutes a woeful waste of money in circumstances where democratic norms are ignored. You boast of building roads, schools, hospitals, bridges, dams etc. knowing fully well you lack the capacity to monitor these works – the results, poor quality work. And there is not a single instance of any construction undertaken since August 2020, that has been satisfactorily completed on time. I challenge the appropriate Ministries and Ministers to give one, only one example that satisfied this criterion of satisfactory work, being completed on time within the tendered price awarded. Note for example, the Bamia School Contract is yet to be completed, in spite of earlier completion dates announced earlier. I had at one time, the Ministerial responsibility for Agriculture, but I listened with amazement to the statement made by the Minister of Agriculture as reported in the media which stated that at a recent Meeting hosted by him, and I quote a senior GuySuCo official met with some five interested bidders. They had a discussion which lasted for about fifteen minutes. The Report noted that “they had started to mechanise 5,000 hectares of land at the Skeldon Estate with replanting of canes already started. “We are hoping that by the end of this year, we can plant a substantial amount of canes in that 5,000 hectares and also the intention is to complete an additional 5,000 hectares from Skeldon that we will crush at Albion and Rose Hall factories that have a capacity to crush more canes.” Interestingly, several of his sentences began with the words ‘it is hoped.’ I am not an expert, and I know that those with knowledge of the sugar industry and GuySuCo will comment on the further mis-steps by this Government and the woeful waste of billions every month to keep the sugar industry, a failed enterprise limping along. The Minister’s statement talks about mechanisation of the industry. It is no secret that some of their friends are getting concessions to import equipment for the industry, but instead much of the machinery is better suited to road construction. The irony for all of this is that when the PPP took office three decades ago, they had been talking about mechanisation and modernization of the sugar industry.  An industry where many of our ancestors, before and after 1838 gave their sweat, blood and tears. The time has come when the Government should stop making sugar a political football. Looking at this absurdity, the Minister postulated the moving of canes from Skeldon (the showpiece, now white elephant of the PPP Administration) to Albion for crushing.  Those of us who know the Corentyne would realise we are talking of moving cane from one location to a next over a distance of thirty-six (36) miles on the public road, and you have to pass through markets and busy communities between Skeldon and Albion. Only someone who is idiotic, these days will embark on such steps of sheer stupidity. In all this, we hear our top brass talk about transparency, using gleefully that chameleon word, democracy, even as the Government continues to miniaturise those local government’s organs – Georgetown, Linden and New Amsterdam, where they do not command a political majority. So using massive funds available, to set out to emasculate those local authorities by using state funds and state power to do things, which are the responsibility of the local authorities. Three cheers for democracy. Facing us today is a replay with the Minister of Local Government controlling who is employed in the absence of the Local Government Commission.  The Commission expired this year, and it seems there is no anxiety by the Government to have it reconstituted which ought to be a standard operational procedure. It would be unnecessary to burden this letter of the rape of our democracy taking place before our very eyes on a daily basis. You have the gas-shore project, everything clouded in secrecy. You have a tender for additional electricity for the Grid, forgetting that earlier this year, the powers that be boasted that with the Turkish Ship and acquisition of several generators, cost not known to the public, black-outs would end. Today while preparing this letter, there was a black-out at about 2:45 pm in my area followed by two outages yesterday. Speaking to a friend on the East Bank of Demerara, he said that this has been a pattern, since this Turkish Ship et al is in operation. Yet another secret transaction. We pleaded before, that our democracy as defined by the Government has massive monies available to it but for reasons which are not obscured, they fail with a few exceptions to put in place, persons who are patriots and competent to manage the various sectors and therefore would continue this spending spree and the ordinary people, regardless of political affiliation or belief, except for the few who are getting the big bucks, the people are the victims.  One man said to me, two weeks ago, a failed State, all because our Government failed to understand the unhappy consequences of Peter principle. So you take people who may be excellent canecutters or excellent policemen and because of their loyalty, you put them in higher positions where they become a dismal failure. With this fastest growing economy in the world, Editor, I ask you and all Believers to pray and pray unceasingly, so that the benefit from the billions and billions we now harvest in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, will benefit this and succeeding generations. Hamilton Green Elder Related Similar Articles

Public Reflections on Fourth Anniversary  Sep 21, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, Last August 2nd the fourth anniversary of the current administration was observed without much of the fanfare and spirit of jubilation and hype that was present after the first anniversary. Traveling around the country and engaging the public late July and early August, except for a few political activists, people hardly seemed to take note of the fourth anniversary since the declaration of official results that propelled Irfaan Ali to the Presidency and PPP to government. The excitement and brouhaha of August 2, 2020 as well as the varied programs that marked the first and second anniversaries were not felt last month. Also, the President’s popularity seems on a wane after ascending during the first half of his term. The government has lost its sheen for various reasons not the least being varied allegations, none of which proven in a court. The Vice President remains popular and a draw at the ballot box; the public have faith in him to get things done, and take their complaints and grouse to him for solution. The public wants to see most Ministers gone; they are most unpopular giving the government bad ratings. A few MPs and Ministers have retained the peoples’ trust, respect, and adulation. Expectations from the government have not been according to many. Disappointment in governance was expressed all around. Abusive words were used in response to the mention of some names tied to the administration. People are becoming increasingly uninterested in politics. They seem to want to carry on with their lives and not be bothered by politicians and broken promises. Voter apathy is also rising. Many said, “Me done with voting” and with volunteering for party activities and electoral campaigns. Many activists from 2020 and earlier elections said they will not volunteer for the party any more. Several ‘Guardians of democracy’ and ballot box watchers said they won’t come out again should another 2020 electoral situation arise. As the local media and commentators noted, democracy was saved on August 2, 2020 when the coalition government decided to concede defeat in the March 2 elections and GECOM made a declaration amidst pressure to do the right and honorable thing. International and local observers, opposition parties, and local and foreign NGOs condemned various attempts between March 3 and August 1 to declare fraudulent results not reflective of the will of the voters. The diaspora in the USA, Canada, UK, and elsewhere rallied to protect a critical aspect of democracy — the sanctity of the ballots. They lobbied politicians and governments to save democracy (respect for free and fair elections). But much has changed from those five months between March 2 and August 2, 2020.  The desire and commitment to fight for democracy and what is right and the excitement of victory and what it would usher in its wake has gone from the psyche of Guyanese. From August 2020 to now, many from Region 1 express feelings of disgust; they swear they will not respond to calls to save democracy again. People at home and in the diaspora have lost interest in politics amidst what they attribute to: alienation between themselves and politicians, rising cost-of-living, red tape in conducting business, decline in security, allegations of corruption, sanctions from foreign governments, and more. Ministers are not grounded as when they were mere opposition activists or MPs, making themselves available to all in order to get votes to win elections. The people complain that they are increasingly becoming alienated from their MPs, Ministers, and the government. Many of those who campaigned for the party claimed they have not received any benefits and Ministers don’t even take their calls, not even those they were close with. They complained that others who were with the coalition have been embraced and given massive contracts and high paying jobs while those loyal to the PPP have been marginalized. They note that phone calls to Ministers and other officials have gone unanswered.  Only a few Ministers and officials take their calls. Zulfi Mohammed, Bishop Juan Edghill, Anil Nandlall, Vickram Bharrat, and a few others are praised. The resignation of the Administrator of the E.R. Burrowes School of Arts Dear Editor, We are writing to express our deep concerns over an unfortunate incident that took place at the E.R. Burrowes school of Art involving the administrator, Mr. Ian Ivor Thom on the evening of Saturday, September 7, 2024 at around 4pm. The incident appears to reflect racism and the unjust favour given to those in our society who have status.  That incident led to Mr. Thom’s untimely resignation. By most reports, the incident appears to have been handled without proper justification or due process, and it sends a troubling message about how we treat those who dedicate their lives to the arts and education in this country. It has been disheartening for us students to witness the unfolding of such an unfortunate situation. The E.R. Burrowes school of Art is the only art school in Guyana, it is an institution vital to the country’s cultural and educational landscape. Mr. Thom is a renowned Guyanese sculptor and artist and he has made significant contributions to the development of the art school and has been instrumental in nurturing generations of artists who have gone on to represent Guyana both locally and internationally. Let us not forget dear editor, that Mr. Thom is responsible for some of the iconic monuments and sculptures in Guyana. Most notably, the Damion Monument, the Dr. Yesu Persaud Bust and the 1823 monument among others. The administrator’s tenure was marked by a passion for developing the arts, expanding the school’s programs and departments, and fostering a sense of community within the creative sector. Mr. Thom’s efforts helped to elevate the art school to become a respected institution, one that serves as a beacon of cultural expression and artistic growth in Guyana. To lose such a dedicated individual is not just a loss for the school but for the nation as a whole. They say art is crucial to the human existence it is all around us; from the architecture of buildings, the designs of the cars we drive, to our choice of clothing, even the manner in which we present and plate our food, in all these things there is art. Therefore, we must ensure that those who contribute so much to the growth of the Arts are treated with the utmost respect and fairness they deserve. Editor, it is within this context that the students would like to express their heartfelt appreciation and thanks to one of the greats. Mr. Thom, your dedication, creativity, and passion for the arts have made a lasting impact on us. The knowledge and inspiration you’ve shared will continue to influence the artistic journeys of countless students, many of whom have flourished under your mentorship. Your unique vision and expertise have truly enriched our school, and your absence will be deeply felt. Yours respectfully, Concerned students Related Similar Articles