Dear Editor

SO Mr. Charrandas Persaud turned against the AFC as part of the collation, causing the collapse of the new government in Guyana.

On sober reflection, MP and Attorney at Law Charrandas Persaud has the right to be wrong now and then. This, we have noticed in all human history- individuals presenting sometimes plausible reasons for breaking ranks with their tribe, organizations or held beliefs. We have examples of good and acceptable reasons, but also instances of bad, misguided, selfish and oft times personal reasons for breaking away.

Yes, we have had both conditions over time.

Mohammed (to whom be peace), Confucious, Budha and Martin Luther the German theologian, who inveighed against the established Christian church and led them to the establishment of protestant Christianity,

We in this part of the world understand the vile state of the Sanhedrin’s, Roman bureaucracy. Mr. Charrandas Persaud is a classic example of either an MP’s misguided pursuit or the action of a person for purely selfish reasons. One of the reasons Mr. Persaud gave for supporting the no-confidence motion was the pension and benefits the parliament gave to former Prime Minister Hamilton Green. This honorable gentleman, attorney at law is obviously unaware of the global and universal practice in every civilized society of awarding its former presidents, prime ministers etc. the benefits and pensions that should allow them to maintain a lifestyle consistent with that high office achieved.

This honourable gentleman seems blissfully unaware that the PPP in Parliament did not vote against the provisions for a former Prime Minister. Dr. Jadgeo and the PPP MPs must be given credit for this show of decency and an appreciation of what is internationally acceptable. So, Mr Persaud’s post-vote statements are no more than a (red herring) and unworthy of a sitting Parliamentarian.

So, Mr Editor and people of Guyana – why not Mr. Persaud tell us the real story. Note the bravado in his post-press statements, yet within hours he was on a plane outward bound. Now what was his fee, was it $7.5 million US or seven hundred Guyana dollars. (or enough to buy a portion of chicken fried rice). What is the connection with those billionaires in neighboring countries whose eyes are on our newfound oil and gas.
Earlier, I noted that people who break ranks could be for either good or improper reasons. The public must judge. Jesus of Nazareth had twelve disciples –
25% wilted at the crucial moment, one doubted him, one denied him and one betrayed him. C’est la vie.

Come on Mr. Persaud, as you sever your present joy, know that only the truth will make you a free man. Let me say, as part of the political events for over three generations, crossing the floor is not new; we have had the Teekas, Chandisinghs, Carter, Kendall and others. These sometimes can energise our political landscape. The AFC need to improve its intelligence, sit down with its partners in the collation and work with securing a government to take us forward and give our people a good life. And learn from the old masters as the PPP seems to be doing.

Beyond this, we need to persuade the PNC and the PPP to talk and find a modus vivendi so that all Guyana, I repeat all, can have a good life and a stress-free environment. After all, with timber, gold, diamonds, manganese, agricultural and marine resources and now oil and gas, 83 thousand square miles and less than a million people, Mr. Granger and Jagdeo, what are we waiting for? A friend of mine, at a function in Campbellville last night, proposed that both parties consider the establishment of a council of elders to provide guidance to those who now hold office. We have the likes of Sase Narine, Ashton Chase, Rex Mc Kay, Hamilton Green, Rashleigh Jackson, all residents, I am sure available here who can serve and help. In addition, a panel of young people to be a parallel body to the council of elders; Life is not worth living unless we can work to make life worthwhile.

Finally, as one who has shared our Halcyon hours and hours of horror in Guyana, it is my hope that the leaders of the PNC and the PPP will sit down and cast aside personal preferences, selfishness and talk to find the modus vivendi to make unity with peace a reality – that will be the best Christmas gift to our people.

Regards

Hamilton Green