BY now, it has become extremely difficult to fathom the reason, much less understanding, as to the continued hostility, of particularly some sections of the private media, to the presidential initiative of the One Lap Top Per Family plan.
This is a visionary programme that holds great promise in equipping the nation’s underprivileged  with ownership of a lap top hardware and the concomitant skills of Information Technology, a major plank on which the nation’s development as a modern society is premised.

It is truly amazing that after so many explanations by the government as to how the tendering process and other related matters are to be carried out, that this programme is still assailed, with broad hints of shady conduct, by the Stabroek News, which from all appearances has now taken over the criticisms of this project from the Kaieteur News, that had initiated the unbridled hostilities.

The Stabroek editorial of 4.3.11, displays not only a profound ignorance on the part of their editors as to the dynamics of governance, but that of a disrespect for government’s right to choose who is best able to discharge its development priorities.

So, what if the Chinese company donates a gift to the Government for purchasing computers, a gesture that can only be seen as worthwhile? This media had better research the manner in which  United States’ defence contractors  conduct  business around the world.

Further, the editorial alludes to the “utter confusion” that the project has been left in.

It must be pointed out that this project, a national one of pivotal importance, was carefully crafted by government, with the intention of  attracting  the best possible expertise available for guiding policies to the ultimate conclusion of executing  the project.

The fact that Mr. Jod Lohmeyer had been hired at such a rate of salary, underlined the resolve of the executive for the best possible competence. Unfortunately, the consultant’s tenure had to be terminated for reasons which Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon has already explained. But such a setback has not, in any way, hindered the advancement of the strategy.

To ask the question as to how government will select needy families from Charity to Paramakatoi, and “why there are so many families in desperate straits” is indeed either a case of great amnesia or wickedness on the part of Stabroek News.

It is well known, that the Amerindian communities are daily recipients of the bountiful benefits of the national transformation drive now in progress under the PPP/C administration. No one, not even the perennial detractors, will dare dispute the fact that the Amerindians are being gradually integrated into the mainstream of society and national development; and that for the first time in this nation’s history, their future as a people in this republic is very much assured.

As is well documented, President Jagdeo is quite clear as to the methodology for determining which family will receive a lap top, thus without any doubt the Amerindian segment will be inclusive of this national project.

No one must ever be surprised of Stabroek News’ latest attacks on this initiative, since this is reflective of its anti-people culture, and class bias. This is a print, whose well known forte it is to write lofty editorials, positing virtuous remedies for perceived ills of society; but is known not to practise many of those, particularly with regard their staff welfare.

This editorial, rightfully described as “Reckless hostility” by Dr. Roger Luncheon, is indeed indicative of the colonial proprietorship culture that is the hallmark of its publishing tradition.