WELL, well, well, the familiar questioner always asks, “Is this the beginning of the end, or the end of the beginning?” Patient Guyanese are being provocatively privy to a mysterious oil saga, passionately dramatised in a long-drawn-out literature, painfully written by the astute pens of exponents with expert knowledge, sought out by sharp eyes with inquisitive minds and disgusted readers willing to digest a tale of venom and vinegar, while anxiously awaiting more telling rumours to make juicy gossips.  This (flawless or faultless) piece of adumbration portrays James Bond acting the role of Perry Mason, after being edified by Sherlock Holmes in a movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock, and a story written by Allister Maclean! It unfolds a romance gone sour as revealed by Jane Austen in the usual Agatha Christie-like suspense manner, hanging on the thread of a JK Rowling horror. Herein lies the evil of Fu Manchu, striking with the deadly fangs of Dracula, dancing away with the prank of the Joker to hide in the shadow of Jack the Ripper. But, did the scent of blood attract Jaws, or did the taste of blood leave the vampire unsatisfied? The Skull will certainly accompany the Zombie to enjoy another night of Walking with the Dead. The band, “Blood, Sweat and Tears” in their song, “Spinning Wheel”, rightly said, “What goes up, must come down,” and we certainly know what goes around, comes around!

Ole people say, “Mouth open, story jump out”. There is a “Towering Inferno” which is slowly but surely burning away after being lit with the spark of dissatisfaction and now blazing “In the Heat of the Night”. A “Love Story” that went separate route is certainly heading towards the path of “Romeo and Juliet”. Is Julius Caesar being left to the mercy of Brutus, or is “The Tale of The Hidden Treasure” now being exposed by the awakening of “Rip Van Winkle?” Is there a Mark Anthony to assume the role of “The Avengers”, or will there be a need for “Dr. Zhivago” to round up “The Mercenaries” and create a “ Revolution”, as adumbrated by a jockey without a horse? The radio announcer is playing “Killing me softly with your song”, and the select audience is facing a choice of “The Day of the Jackal” and a “Two-Minute Warning.”

Guyanese proverb, “Moon a run till day ketch am,” is never too comforting and leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. When the “Iron Curtain” unfrocks itself, it is no longer meant “For Your Eyes Only,” and, behind closed door, conversations can reverberate a loud silence or can resonate a quiet uproar. Controlled feelings can lay quiet, submerged in a fatigued solitariness that can out last a life time or has a shelf life of tempered cognisance. We know when an animal is being led to the slaughter house, it becomes carefree and it defecates anywhere and everywhere, maybe out of fear, or, simply because it becomes carefree, or perhaps, it alludes to a degree of vengeance . Nothing remains a secret forever and the truth always flourishes. There can be many seasons in a year and the temperature always fluctuates, not due to excuses but practical reasons. A change of heart is welcoming in some areas while, an uncomfortable seat is laid in the direction of any recalcitrant. Is there consideration for motive, or does good always triumph over evil? To search for a possible explanation for our everyday doings will not be an exercise in futility but a time consuming programme.

“The Invisible Man” no longer remains “The Invincible Man”, but will “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” be on trial on “The Burning Cross?” How better off do we become with knowledge gained? What does it really mean? Is the essence of it good or bad? Will it have any effect on us, society or the environment? Will it affect us inwardly and outwardly? What is our reaction? Anger, surprise, shocked, dismayed, dejected, ashamed, unforgivable, unbelievable, unacceptable, unmoved or unconcerned? Is it time to start or stop worrying? What does this latest information translate into? Will it lead to the unveiling of more hidden secrets? Time will tell, for Mankind is only human, and the tolerance level does have a ceiling. This year, many families will be “Home Alone” but “Grincher” will not be able to steal Christmas again like he did for the past two years. A new “Father Christmas” is in town to ring the bells with a big bag full of gifts.

Respectfully,
Jai Lall