Episode 18-De Hypocrites now vocal
Uncle Benji felt he was dreaming as he took a while to feast his eyes on the majestic Berbice River Bridge. This has to be the pinnacle of Guyana’s development to date, he thought. At that point the convenience of the bridge overwhelmed him. He eventually made his way back to the vehicle to savour the short journey across the now famous bridge. His excitement while crossing exceeded the Morris Oxford he saw earlier. It was like a child with mountains of candy at an amusement park. Ryan clearly understood how his Uncle felt. As they drove, Ryan explained the invaluable conveniences the bridge provides. The “real-time” crossing by commuters resulting in many hours saved and frustrations curtailed and the almost immediate delivery of perishables to and from that county, topped the list. He related how a few detractors had sought to create controversy and discontent over the tolls. They unsuccessfully tried to convince commuters that the present rates are high. However, commuters ignored the naysayers’ unpatriotic calls.

For those who use the bridge, saving time and money, which would have been lost due to spoilage, are more important. The service provided by the bridge was once inconceivable. Uncle Benji couldn’t understand why some would seek to undermine such massive investments which bring relief and numerous benefits to all. He found it ridiculous that the naysayers would even contemplate the thought that the cost of crossing was high. Immediately he questioned their value for time and comfort.

He was quick to add that the naysayers who visit the United States would not hesitate to pay or have their family pay for the many mandatory tolls for roads and bridges in New York. He realised that the US$11 that cars pay to cross the Berbice River Bridge is almost similar to the cost of tolls in New York. He pointed out that, while taking some journeys in parts of New York, more than one toll has to be paid which would exceed the US$11 required here. Also, he noted that the toll here is one way!

He asked his nephew to excuse him as he spewed some expletives to describe the naysayers. For him, they should be banished. A surprised Ryan reminded him that Guyana is now a democracy and that all, including the naysayers, are free to express themselves. He pointed out that he had been brought up in democratic Guyana under the current Administration of which freedom of expression has been the hallmark. Uncle Benji chimed in by asking why the naysayers didn’t express themselves during the regime when the main Opposition was in Office.

He went on to explain how the consequences were brutal for those who risked speaking out against the PNC Administration. He was getting worked up. He did not miss the opportunity to ask why the naysayers didn’t seek to condemn the Canje and Demerara Bridges which were built by the last Administration. For him, to classify the detractors as hypocrites was, in many ways, defiling such unenviable categorisation. Once again the thought of banishing them resurfaced. Once again Ryan emphasised the democratic norms that now obtain.
As they chit chat, time moved. Uncle Benji seemed in a state of shock. He had only visited this area twice before, that was a few decades ago. The transformation in the landscape was unbelievable. During the journey, he was not oblivious to the numerous modern cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) that traversed the roadways. Equally, the modern architecture that seems to be replacing and erasing the colonial past, jumped out at him. Guyanese have built “fancy” houses, he said aloud.

Ryan’s response was, “that’s normal”. He explained to his Uncle that thousands of modern houses have been constructed over the years. This is being fuelled by the housing programme of the Ministry of Housing. He explained that thousands of ordinary Guyanese, who once could have only dreamt of being the owner of a property, are now proud proprietors as a result of the housing programme. This has empowered them to access low income loans for construction and the acquisition of other assets.

The more Ryan spoke, the more Uncle Benji believed that the naysayers should be banished. Who would be so unpatriotic and uncaring in regurgitating negative sentiments at such development, he asked. As he continued to bash the naysayers, Ryan asked if he wanted something to drink. Uncle Benji said no and reminded his nephew that you don’t let an elderly person drink unnecessary liquids whilst out in public.

Having said Ok to that, Ryan indicated that they will drive all the way to Moleson Creek where commuters can join the ferry to cross to Suriname. A ferry to get to Suriname? Uncle Benji was ecstatic. What next? It seemed that it took him a long time to realise that ‘dis time nah lang time’.

To be continued.