I promise you a very brief brief today. Since the beginning of March this year, when the COVID-19 Pandemic landed our own Corona epidemic here, I easily adjusted my post-75 social outings. “Daily drinks” became more weekly. And there was no choice; no escaping “hand washing” and wearing that silly face mask every day.
So here I am at this moment – a senior home scholar ever more immersed in American politics and the consequences of COVID. Between March and the end of July, of course, our own local politics were characterized by prolonged political claws of litigation that helped the international community survive. (I will always repeat: if the holdings of the Brigadier-President power had succeeded, no vote – PNC or PPP – would have guaranteed any status or legitimacy in future elections here.)
My personal opinion is, bluntly speaking, if the pandemic had not eroded Trump’s buoyant economy from March; if there were no George Floyd race riots; and had the Pandemic not been influenced by hundreds of thousands of mail-in votes, Trump would have easily won in early November. He probably has some right to be a sore loser. Just as some cynics and local skeptics have the right to compare it to our own Brigadier-President loser. What a world! From politics!
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Not even anti-pandemic partners?
Between March and August and early November the entire world – with the exception of parts of Africa and Asia (??) – especially Guyana and the USA, had to face a pandemic and politics that divided constituents and countries to down the party center. And one result especially in America was that even the greatest threat to public health in decades could not attract full national unity.
Trump’s relatively unkempt attitude to the scientists’ recommendations provides no example. His insistence on strengthening the economy did not win him opposition even as he and his Task Force and medical manufacturers offered vaccines this week in record-breaking time. He is to be commended for this achievement. Whether or not politics should endorse the world. The pity of his control of the pandemic contributed little to his loss.
Over in our small Green Country in Guyana – of rice, sugar, bauxite, gold, diamond, oil and gas, we have never established health facilities throughout our land that can overcome pests like the current pandemic. Our rich and political leaders routinely travel abroad to repair themselves. We could never get the epidemiologists, immunologists, virologists and public health experts, who have timely resources, to fight COVID. Instead of prevention is a matter for the population itself.
And have you noticed? Unlike a mighty divided USA, never hear the local opposition offer the government’s sincere support four months into the COVID conflict.
Can’t there be political partners against the pandemic?
It is not discriminatory or partisan like our leaders do. Criticism against the government’s control of the plague could be potentially constructive. Here however, it is usually political, unhelpful.
So, as when appropriate therapeutics and vaccines arrive, expect negative scrutiny as is allegedly happening with COVID Cash Grants at present. Poor us.
Christmas prevails
In the midst of all of the above, the Christmas spirit, culture and commerce refuse to be compromised. The “season” is upon us in big towns, small communities. As always if any component is to be compromised or drowned, it is the religious foundation that should be fundamentally central.
But then we have those hymns at Christmas called carols don’t we? And managers? And scenes of the natives. No big physical assemblies? Not here at Christmas. There will be “services” – real and virtual. “Christmas” wins! But take care!
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What unity? Co-exist in tolerance
The poor Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is planning “talks” to promote ethnic understanding and national cohesion. After some leading politicians created a permanent split after the March elections.
The current President of His Excellency I. Ali goes on about “uniting” us all. Our wonderful national songs also preach unity, cohesion, comity, civility, working together – as “one people”, “one nation”. Poor ERC. Don’t you see how phony most leaders are on this vital issue? Can’t you notice how sharing is constantly promoted – whether deliberately or subtlely – when leaders in public life perform certain actions?
Perhaps just after the age of seven, then throughout their teens to become statutory adults, race and class division invade our young. To Fenty preaching again: first striving for productive peaceful coexistence among all. Everyone must experience resource development. Young relationships can be spawned, ignoring differences. Who knows? Later it can bring “unity”, even love. The birth of the stereotypes is not even aspirational. False and artificial are easy to detect.
Dealing with…
● 1) Even Sunday’s SN editorial referred to one “unity” challenge here: “From a religious perspective, for example, abortion, divorce, heterosexual relations or even marriage do not have a moral unity as it relates to Muslims, but we still are. he managed to implement some kind of modus vivendi over the years. This was made possible by the fact that the state framework is secular, and all religions must be shaded in it, with the result that some have had to surrender their beliefs from a particular perspective. What makes the system work in a larger sense is a measure of tolerance. “
● 2) And yes, there can be unity of purpose! Build a new stelling for the community; to win some competition right?
● 3) Forget that a new GPL CEO has been identified. Or that the broadcasting authority has just been activated. Bets are sticking out of me: That the new Director of Sport, the Director of Culture, the Director of Youth, the new Head of the EPA and the Director of Energy will all be competent Afro-Guyanese!
And a new entrepreneur here: most ambassadors and high commissioners next year will also be Afro-Guyanese!
Y’all bet nuh!
‘Till next week