THERE is this ongoing argument on whether Indians or Africans suffered more during the food crisis, which was brought about by the PNC government. I remember a saying as a young kid, “Roti and dhal mek coolie man strong; plantain and duff mek blackman tuff.”  This explains who were the roti eaters. I also remember that we had dhal for breakfast and lunch every day.  Dhal was necessary to supplement the little curry that my parents afforded.  I think that the question should not be which race suffered more, but, should be, ‘do we want a repeat of those days?’  When parents cannot put food on the table for children is sad and heart breaking.  Indians and Africans suffered unbearable hardships during the colonial days, but, my parents always had dhal and roti for us.  We lived in poverty, but, we were always happy and never slept hungry.  During the food shortage, my wife and I joined the lines on a daily basis to get food on the table for our children.  The food centres were controlled by the PNC, and only Indians were in the long lines.  After several hours, we may get a quarter pint of cooking oil and a pound of margarine.  I remember when I took my grocery list at Imam Bacchus at Affiance, I only had to list the items, and the clerk would put in the amount that I can get.  I can go on and on. But, those days are gone.
Today, the PPP government has turned things around. When I was in Guyana, I saw Canter trucks selling groceries, propane gas, soft drinks, bread, ground provisions and dry goods to every street in the housing areas, with door to door deliveries.  We do not get this service in America.  Nothing brings more joy and satisfaction to parents than when they have enough food on the table for their children.  I returned to Imam Bacchus during my last visit, and now, you can buy any amount of grocery items.  I know for sure that this is how it is all over Guyana now.  During the food shortage, the Amerindian communities were on the brink of starvation. Not anymore.
All Guyanese, Indians, Africans and Amerindians, should always remember the many years of starvation and hardships, brought about by the PNC regime. The PNC failed miserably to properly govern Guyana, a task it took upon itself.  It should not be trusted with this responsibility ever again. If there is one good thing that the PPP government has done, it is to bring abundant food for the people. Food keeps us healthy and strong, and nothing is more valuable than our health.  Life may be tough, but, when you cannot get something to eat, it is a sad day.