DO we really have to live in logies or fetch water from standpipes to show that we are simple, frugal, principled and modest? I would readily give you an emphatic no! Because lifestyle is but a miniature view of someone’s integrity. Another searching factor is that lifestyles are not always what they appear to be; there are very many more important and searching facts to consider when such statements are made.If you say one’s opulent lifestyle is an indication of corrupt practices, then I might be tempted to engage in a discussion and my first question would be show me the evidence to back-up your claim. We can go about a serious discussion when facts can be tabled.

Now this is the nonsensical argument the Opposition is bringing to the public, and a few charlatans in the PPP/C realm have been dragged into this foolishness. At the centre of discussions is the comparison of former President Bharrat Jagdeo and Dr. and Mrs. Jagan. A comparison of lifestyles that just isn’t there. There is no comparison of the two, because they are from different backgrounds with different experiences and people of a totally different era.
One writer, Ms. Sadie Amin, even made the horrific comment that Dr. Jagan died rather than taking from the national treasury for his medical expenses. Outrageous! I rebuke that lady forever saying that of the Honourable Father of The Nation. Dr. Jagan might have been a little stubborn and maybe, just maybe, be guilty of a hint of eccentricity; those of us who are dear to old people know the way they behave at times. But to say he wanted to die rather than taking from the national treasury (which he is entitled to) is sad. I am absolutely sure Dr. Jagan would have liked to live a few more years to continue the good work. He lived for this country.
I used raw coconut oil as skin lotion and went to school bare-footed until such time when my parents could have afforded a flip-flop and later a pair of “Buckman Clarks.” There were other pupils at school who could have gone to school with a nice pair of shoes; should they be called “corrupt” because of the way they lived? They lived a life to their estate and I to mine; there should be no ill will on either part. I look back at those days with nostalgia. Now, should I demand that my nephew dress the same frugal way I did? The answer is so obvious. However, I would advise him of matters of frugality and modesty even in better times.
Then I am prompted to ask the question, should all members of the PPP/C Party go to work with bicycles? Must they live in hovels or in logies as the former President suggested? Or further still, should Minister Manickchand dress in sari only? She might occasionally dress in such garb on Indian Arrival Day or at Hindu festivities but to tell a pretty upscale lady of the 21st century this is your mode of dress is quite jocular. Lest I forget, Mrs. Jagan did dress like this because it was appropriate to do so, for a period at least, to show that she identified with the Indian ladies of the day. But this was discontinued when the time was right.

Former President Jagdeo merited every cent earned during and after his time in office; it goes with the office. After all the guy is single, was never married and has no kids, so why can’t he put his well-earned cash to good use?
Then we must study the word modest and see if the use of the word matches the action on the ground. Modesty does not always turn out to be what it is; the word might well be used as a facade. Take for example Burnham; he was modest, Castellani House is a modest dwelling, yet we know of the treasure he amassed in Swiss Bank accounts.
Hitler and Idi Amin were vegetarians and could be considered deeply religious people; yet the atrocities they committed pale in comparison to their apparent modesty.
The real problem with some Opposition forces is that they would like to get back into power and commit those same crimes they are accusing Dr. Jagdeo of.
I can tell you many true stories of persons who squandered their ill-gotten wealth under the PNC rule because of their corrupt practices. A former minister of mobilisation readily comes to mind. Yet others, two regional ministers of Region 6 that I can remember never owned property because they were too busy running after women, a characteristic signature of the PNC. In fact what is revealing is that the two former ministers only acquired property during the PPP/C Administration. Talk about corruption, that was corruption; and yet for all they could not show anything tangible for it. This is really their gripe, try to raise suspicion in the minds of people with the legitimate gains of the present politicians and cry corruption.
Is it corrupt practice to invest one’s legal emoluments? Jagdeo did that, so what’s the charge?
I close by saying stop comparing the lifestyles of the revered statesman and his wife to those of our modern era; there is no comparison; and that is as it should be. Leave it there.
Once we cannot prove that what they acquired was ill-gotten gains or misappropriation of funds while in political office, then we must refrain from making these outrageous statements.

NEIL ADAMS