Hypocrisy is a  well known trait in many politicians, particularly that category

that professes so many lofty ideals for the  well-being of their country and its peoples.
They promise so much, but fail whenever the moment of truth arrives. At this revealing cross road they are found wanting; for their practical doings never match what flow from their mouths.
This has been a common denominator of parliamentary Opposition politics in Guyana and  the experience of the 10th Parliament, with another perfect example of the recent attempt by A Partnership For National Unity (APNU), to cut the allocation detail for the functions of the Office of the  First Lady. What a shame!
For those old enough to remember, the Peoples National Congress, during their sojourn in government, championed the cause of women’s rights, advocating primarily  that their role must change in the daily affairs of the nation’s political, social and economic affairs. To their credit there were some advances in this sphere, as a number of women were appointed to senior-level positions in the security forces, the public service, and in the then  cabinets.
Therefore, the revelation that this very political  party, now a part of the APNU constellation, intended to deny the nation’s First Lady’s Office the budgetary allocation for its daily functions, is not only one of  its greatest   manifestations of  hypocrisy to date, but  also a grave act of disrespect to the nation’s women, principally the First Lady.
It is now universal for most First Ladies in their respective countries, to be actively involved in especially promoting social projects, apart from being alongside their chief executive husbands at social events pertaining to matters of state. For example, Mary Lincoln championed the cause of an organisation that provided  housing, employment and education for freed African-American slaves. But more modern American First Ladies have focused on specific issues, beginning with Jackie Kennedy who supported historic preservation; Lady Bird Johnson who promoted environmental protection, through to Hillary Clinton who championed health care; and current First Lady Michelle Obama, who has been advancing the cause of public service, women’s rights, and arts and education.
It is an established fact, that since Mrs. Deolatchmee Ramotar became the nation’s First  Lady, she has been promoting projects and causes. One can recall her garden project, that commenced in a section of the grounds of  the State House residence, that she explained is to encourage the cultivation of kitchen gardens. She is also a passionate promoter of women’s causes, and has been very outspoken against domestic violence.
A most touching occasion was when she visited female inmates at the New Amsterdam  prison, during the period that celebrated International Women’s Day. It was the first occasion of its kind ever undertaken by any First Lady in Guyana’s history. It was a visit that was very warm and emotional, for the sincere advice and encouragement that she offered to the women there. And to underline her care, she distributed gifts to all the females, who expressed their delight at such a humane gesture.
Thus, it is indeed  welcome  that for the first time, there is an established Office for the First Lady of Guyana, whose first occupant will be First Lady Mrs. Ramotar. There is no doubt she will be promoting  issues, that will  greatly add to the socio-economic improvement, particularly of women and children. Hence, the nation is surely blessed to have someone as compassionate as the First Lady.
But  one must commend the AFC for refusing to support its  sister opposition party APNU, in such a hypocritical  and mean measure as attempting to deny funding for the Office of the First Lady.