I am somewhat puzzled at the number of varying reactions, involving the incident of the ‘middle finger pointing by a 17 year old, to a presidential convoy in a lewd gesture.’ To me, it seems a simple matter, yet it has become the stimulant for all kinds of comments, even to the point of ‘making some political mileage.’ I do have my bit to add, and my hope is that this matter will quickly be seen for what it is, and be dealt with condignly. First, President Bharrat Jagdeo has said that the teen, who allegedly showed his middle finger to a presidential convoy, should not be charged, but instead, it is the driver of this vehicle who should be prosecuted for having failed to adhere to the police sirens. I agree with this but with a note of explanation. Indeed, the driver erred, and I think that his being neglected in this scenario shows that the local lawmen really do not know the ‘finer points’ of the law. They missed an egregious act, and picked on a peccadillo. This is ludicrous. So yes, the President is absolutely right, but the officers who issued the charge should be censured as well.
As regards the President’s intimating that the young man, Kevin Simon, not being actually seen by him (the President) in the act, is a most pertinent point. I may even assume that he never did so, but the accusation is suggestive of something quite decadent in today’s Guyana. This kind of behaviour is just one manifestation of a sickening culture that is threatening to cover all Guyana. Other examples are swearing, uttering lewd comments on the road to passing young ladies, listening to loud music saturated with all kinds of expletives, and I can just about go on and on. So even if, the already unfortunate young Kevin is exonerated, his present plight should be seen as a potential admonition, for most of the young men in Guyana. These all need some remonstrations in this area.
Now I like what President Jagdeo said regarding the driver. His folly is outrageous, and he should be hauled in. I am elated because this is a bona fide example of what obtains in Guyana with irresponsible vehicular behaviour. Only recently the President himself declared that there can be no value attached to a human life. Lives are immeasurable, and this driver just did not evince any regard for human life, and hence he should be made an example.
So yes, the call by the President is most prudent: the youth is misguided, and so he needs guidance, while the driver is perpetuating a horrible driving practice. This practice must stop.