Dear Editor,

GUYANA has had its fair share of stigmatisation during the election period and its consequential dogma continues. Vice-President Dr, Bharrat Jagdeo had forewarned before the election recount result was declared that all those involved in contributing to hindering the smooth electoral process will have to face the necessary penalties. At that time, a number of guilty parties did not pay attention, ignored his advice and continued to be puppets dancing to the whims and fancies of the PNCR political masters. Intelligent people have allowed themselves to be used and abused; act against their better judgement; make irrational decisions; failed to accept right over wrong; condone unrighteous actions over righteous actions; deny truth and embrace lies; support evil doings above virtuous tidings and castigated morality to be shaded by an umbrella of immorality. A sense of false security had prevailed and yet naïve candidates became vulnerable to inauspiciousness and fell prey to manipulation. When confronted by national and international communities that were determined to uphold free and fair elections and defend the CARICOM recount election result in order to protect the will of the people, how did anyone in a right frame of mind expect to escape by aiding and abetting, rigging and defrauding the system? But the strong influence of devious, devilish and diabolical persuasions created an ambience of corruption to which the gullible readily succumbed, aware of the costly repercussions, yet dazed by the false promises of future gains and the immediate, short-lived, frivolous perks. In hindsight, was the reckless risk worthy of the unrealistic mirage? So foolish is this sad state of unpleasantness that now has to remain a permanent part of an embodiment and now has to suffer the dehumanising result! It was not a case of miscalculation or faith and belief in the destabilisers, but simply, the green of greed and the callous disrespect for integrity that influenced a regrettable and disastrous behaviour. Now, this sad state of affairs is dragging all those who are ashamed and want to hide from the long arm of the law, but sadly, they all have to face the legal penalties.

Do not think for a second that this is “witch-hunting” or being spiteful or it’s pay-back time or a combination of retributions. This award is the reward for the sterling efforts that went astray. Is there a bitter lesson learnt? Are there Guyanese who will once again try to repeat such a horrendous ordeal? For sure, there will be reformation before the next elections are held. It is unfortunate that there are still many who feel aghast at this outcome and are bitter with pent-up feelings. There are many who harbour no remorse and many who feel betrayed. Are they now willing and capable of experiencing a change of heart? It was the U.S. Secretary of State who had also cautioned that all those who were complicit in undermining democracy in any form or shape and by any degree, will certainly feel the wrath of the law. The U.S. sanction by way of visa restrictions was certainly welcomed as proof of that promise. Now we have many of the accused facing criminal charges and others who are wary and worried, watching the clock and the front door, fearful of that long awaited, dreadful knock. Sleepless and troublesome nights are not a thing of the past. But then, they told you not to do it but you insist. So? Ole people say, “now face the music.” Will they see clearly now that the rain has gone? Goodbye Johnny Nash, you have left indelible memories. You did help to revolutionise the rhythm of reggae in the Caribbean.

Music lovers have also lost another musical icon, guitarist Eddie Van Halen. His memorable performance with Michael Jackson’s “ Beat It” from the album “Thriller,” that held the #1 top spot on the musical hit chart for three weeks, will long be remembered. Eddie Halen was specifically chosen by Quincy Jones to assist in its recording and playing the guitar. Unknown by Jackson, Eddie Halen changed a number of chords to enhance that song and when Michael Jackson heard it afterwards, he was overjoyed with exuberance and Michael asked Eddie to perform live on stage with him at concerts. Tonight, the U.S. Vice-Presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence, takes place. A pensive Mike Pence will have to downplay a tenacious Donald Trump but not offend him and, a raving Kamala Harris will be only too eager to defend and support a determined Joe Biden. Meanwhile, in the NY court, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals broadly rejected Trump’s arguments that the subpoena for records was overly broad and issued in bad faith. The Manhattan district attorney can obtain President Donald Trump’s tax returns, a federal appeals court ruled on Wednesday, dealing the President another setback in his effort to shield his tax returns from investigators, but the case is likely to head to the Supreme Court. His high-handed attitude in dealing with COVID-19 and personally endangering those surrounding him, plus, his perpetual refusal to declare his tax returns to the public, does not sit well with Americans. He is also being accused of preaching and practising racial discrimination. Three strikes and you’re out. The election is a few weeks away and his rating is falling rapidly behind Joe Biden. Will the royalists and loyalists in Guyana come forward finally and present their statement of assets and liabilities? Perhaps the time is ripe for some more court action. There is only one way to deal with those who are “hard-ears.”

Respectfully,
Jai Lall