IN Wednesday’s April 11th edition of the Guyana Chronicle, I almost laughed my head off, after reading that Moses Nagamootoo, a self-righteous, self-proclaimed man of high morals, actually admitted to verbally abusing his grandson. I am appalled at this man’s behaviour towards a child. The problem is, we hear a lot about abuse towards women and children, committed by citizens of lower stature, but the fact is that many of those well to do in powerful positions, be it the private sector, opposition parties or government, are just as guilty, but feel they are above the law, and in so doing simply get away with ‘murder’.
Their stories are covered in ‘sheep’s clothing’ and hidden from the public and the relevant authorities.

I feel ashamed to know that such an intelligent person, who is a lawyer, journalist, poet and politician, Member of Parliament; and former Minister of Information, with the PPP/C government, could actually do that to a child, who is a part of his own bloodline.

New Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, from what I read, expressed her surprise, disapproval and disgust, at hearing this live admission from the horse’s mouth, in the prestigious halls of parliament, the very House the government pursued and passed laws against those who perpetrate such acts against women and children.

It makes one shudder to think that being an educated person, like Nagamootoo, who knows too well, that the implications of abuse of any kind towards children or women, is now taboo.

In a way, I now understand why the Opposition leader, David Granger, opposed the likes of Nagamootoo taking the Speaker’s chair, and according to the APNU leader, it had little to do with the fact that he was an ‘insider’ of the PPP/C, Granger’s worst nightmare.

Maybe he saw something else in Nagamootoo that did not augur well with him, like trust, honesty and as upright a public figure as he claims to be.

Maybe Nagamootoo never fought as hard as he thought he did for unity, democracy and press freedom and of course, good governance.

Maybe he was disgruntled, not being picked as president, instead of both Presidents Jagdeo and Ramotar and left the PPP/C party, he joined in October of 1964.

This is a bitter man with issues, that perhaps he’s not quite aware of, like a tendency to be verbally and possibly, physically abusive.

But of these two gentlemen the younger one was hand-picked by the Jagans; and did a great job. The late presidents Cheddi and Janet Jagan were proud of his abilities, and the other, the trusted General Secretary who would become President, in November 2011, are men whom the party, at all levels, chose to hold that Executive seat.

Of course, in light of the given facts, even by his own admission, more than likely he would not even be slapped on the wrist.
I wonder what he actually says to clients charged with any such offence; and how does he defend such acts of cruelty in court, as a man of high moral standing.

So now he’s lost, can’t find his way back and blames anyone and the PPP/C, but Moses Nagamootoo.
APNU too, and the AFC will one day realise, that there is a snake, actually two snakes in their grass.
In the end, Nagamootoo did the right thing – leave the PPP/C to join his buddy pal.