Dear Editor,
AS the week began, Guyana’s health system received a booster shot from New York-based Mount Sinai Health System and Hess Corporation for a world-class healthcare system for Guyanese and the Caribbean. Guyana’s immune system got stronger also with 40,800 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, compliments of the Republic of South Korea, and, a mid-week prop up of 12,000 doses of Pfizer from the US.
The true interpretation of 50 per cent means that the toshaos will see their stipends increase from $30,000 to $45,000 and their deputies, from $20,000 to $30,000. Housing got another lift with the Ashmins Group launching a $2.5 billion Madewini villas project, and Guyana struck gold in the Junior CASA. The Amerindians are smiling with the following events as they received a further boost of $3 billion towards their development:
1. “Please forgive me and I’m asking the court to be very lenient with me….” the convicted killer pleaded with the judge. The judge was lenient, granted his wish and sentenced him to life for killing a pensioner by saying: “I wish you well.” It could have been worse!
2. “You are not to fabricate and concoct,” advised the Attorney-General. Do you think the PNC will ever listen, adhere and comply?
3. “May this occasion inspire all Guyanese to recommit to the ideals of unity, selflessness, shared sacrifices and a shared destiny,” the Opposition Leader submitted. Thank God, all Guyanese will finally travel the road of righteousness together!
4. “Although we are not responsible for the bulk of the problems that have led to this crisis, we will bear the brunt of it,” declared a Caribbean Youth Leader. Indeed, the youths of Guyana are suffering from the bitter weeds planted by the 33 years of the PNC’s rule.
5. An AFC leader confessed that: “The AFC will focus on getting back on the ground over the next two years by rebuilding and walking on its own feet.” Good idea, they certainly were nowhere near earth!
6. “Sugar is scarce and short in the supermarket,” said the staff. Who is hoarding? This is Guyana. Let’s start the blame game.
7. “I also recall the then Minister of Public Security, Minister Ramjattan, opted to go to a cricket game instead of engaging with the Indigenous leaders(Toshaos), no doubt a clear demonstration of where his priorities then lied [sic],” reported Honourable Shuman. Definitely, Ramjattan did not receive complimentary tickets from the Russians!
8. “Either they have the same arithmetic challenge that the APNU+AFC has, that is, they count or do not know numbers or they are intent on misrepresenting the facts,” Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, was saying. The culprits accused of attempting to rig the elections will remain the laughing stock forever!
9. Guyanese are marvellous innovators, inventors, initiators and imitators. “Flying money” has borne wings since the days of Burnham and his currency restrictions and scarcity!
10. Is Guyana a great country or what? Saudi Arabia chooses to come to visit Guyana, while, US President, Joe Biden, decides to visit Saudi Arabia!
11. The cool cat Djokovic, tamed the flame of fire, Kyrgios, to win Wimbledon, and, the under-stated Elena Rybakina also shared the platform when she harnessed the wily Ons Jabeur.
12. Guyana will miss the bright bulbs’ anticipation of having its cost of living doubling by year end. Chief Statistician Errol la Cruz explained: “Inflation will increase from two per cent earlier this year to four per cent by year-end.” He gave an example: “If something costs $100 last year and there is an inflation of four per cent, then it would cost $104.” This is pure math and not applied math. Sorry for the disappointment.
13. Wrong can never be right and so, President Ali assured the National Toshaos Council that, “Your rights must and will always be respected by this government.”
14. EU Director, Brian Glynn observed: “With what the government is proposing to do, Guyana is selling itself as a good international citizen, and we’d very much like to help support Guyana as that.” Digging holes for the pessimists?
15. “I am very keen we get this concluded as smoothly, cleanly, and rapidly as possible.” No, Graham Brady wasn’t referring to the appointment of LOO, but, to the replacement of Boris Johnson in the UK.
16. Glorious cricket played out in the game of uncertainties as Sri Lanka pressed home their advantage to whip Australia, and, India lost its firm footing to play second fiddle to England.
17. Will the diaspora back off lest the nation be hurled into chaos because, there are more questions than answers over all being proud to have a President of such wisdom and perspicacity?
18. “The usual suspects” have a difficult problem to resolve and help is needed. To become a cardboard political party, a non-resurrection party or a party being manipulated by political extremists, that is the blunt question!
19. “There is a lot of wait and watch [for] and that is affecting the people.” Finally, Sri Lanka and England shake hands and wave goodbye to their departing Prime Ministers, Mahinda Rajapaksa and Boris Johnson.
20. Many mothers would prepare dhal and rice and wait for the fathers to come home with their catch, “sweet water fish,” hassa, huri or patwa!
21. “We have a government that wants to listen to us,” declared the newly elected Chairman of the National Toshaos Council. All Toshaos will be making maximum use of this PPP/C party partnership.
22. “The people who stayed silent on the no-confidence motion 2018 and attempted rigging of elections 2020, have been harassing an elected government,” summed up Guyana’s political analyst, Mr Freddy Kissoon. Shame, shame, we know your name. The movie “shame” was also credited with “rotten tomatoes!”
23. Romance is in the air, must be summer with a difference. Only this time, Romeos are scammers, out for money, not for love!
24. The Vice-President is not backing down and is supporting the President. “If people break our law and they admit to breaking our laws, they should face the consequences, that is all,” Mr. Jagdeo declared.
25. Guyana is left breathless when, inhaling once, the writer comes on board with: “Stop playing politics, let’s work together and govern this country in the best interest of all Guyanese,” and without refreshing, deviates with: “Now we have a One Guyana Policy, a policy that only one section of our population is likely to buy into.” Oxygen or Carbon Dioxide?
26. “The corporation therefore urges all employees of Uitvlugt Estate to work harmoniously and would also like to call on GAWU to provide the support needed at this time,” GuySuCo said. Which side of the fence does the coalition see the union?
27. “We are ready, we are serious,” the President stated. The President warned: “All those who are responsible for doing it must be brought to justice.” He added: “Not only those who did but those who instigated it.”
28. Dr. Tara Singh writes: “Had it not been for the CCJ which overruled the decision of the Guyana Court of Appeal in June 2019, Guyana would have fallen prey to another dictatorship.” He further asks: “When judges cannot determine that 33 is a majority of 65, don’t the public have a right to question their judgement, and demonstrate their disgust? His conclusion boomerangs over the troubled water which one party wants to dirty while the other party is cleaning, “judges’ decisions are not sacrosanct; their decisions can be criticized.” Even if you don’t want to be part of politics, politics is part of you!
29. Dr. Jerry proclaims: “A people united cannot be defeated.” No wonder the President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s theme of “One Guyana,” is answering that call.
30. Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken advises: “Indeed, no one is compelled to choose the profession of a police officer, but having chosen it, everyone is obliged to live up to its professional standards.” Sound advice and there are lots of incentives, such as $88.4 million in cash and kind for a start, not left or write!
31. The question was posed, frankly speaking: “Does Opposition Leader Comrade Norton and his senior specialist-colleagues have a “practical” mission to engage relevant skills to develop the oil-and-gas sector?” Guyana loves Fenty’s “Ho-Ho-Ho.”
32. Neglect of the people’s interests and greed for personal gains contributed to the PNC losing the plot completely. But they should have a heart and pay attention to Australian cricket captain, Pat Cummins’s summation from his dictum: “A good reality check comes from defeat,” not from a win!
There was nothing “little” about Guyana but all smiles when, Guyanese Albert Baldeo was elected District Leader for the 24th Assembly District in New York. Bringing sunshine and putting a smile on Guyana, Global Peace Ambassador and Humanitarian Leader, Sri Ravi Shankar, left a message of peace and love in his “I Stand For Peace” visit. Leonora is smiling, the West side finally lands banking facilities in the village with the sod-turning ceremony by the President for a new Demerara Bank. Not only does a smile cost less than electricity, it also brightens your face. Smile please.

Yours respectfully,
Jai Lall