Dear Editor,
GUYANA and all Guyanese living at home and abroad began the week on a high note as the country prepared to celebrate “Emancipation Day,”2022 and the return of ACDA’s Emancipation Festival to the National Park.
President Ali could not resist showing his foot and waist “shots” and his singing quality as he hosted the Emancipation Dinner and Cultural Presentation at State House on Sunday. President Ali, UK High Commissioner Jane Miller and others turned the sod for construction of a €149 million (G$31.9 billion) Paediatric and Maternal Hospital at Goedverwagting, ECD.
The week marked two years since President Ali and the PPP/C party were duly elected and legally sworn into power after the infamous attempted rigging of the elections in March, 2020, by the known suspects.
Some $5.8 billion will be distributed from this week in keeping with the “Because We Care” programme. Further, $80 million is no pigeon peas for the residents of their namesake island. The Black Belly Sheep are trim. They shed some fat during the walk from Barbados to Guyana. The week was hectic as you can see while perusing with your feet up:
1) “What we are saying to you is no village, no community, no individual will be left out of our development plans for Guyana,” said the Prime Minister during an outreach at “Melanie.” Indeed, a government committed to the loyalty of a ‘One Guyana.’
2) “We are currently negotiating with the parent company for a US$2 billion coverage. So that is the framework that we currently have as per the licences,” Attorney General Mr Anil Nandlall disclosed. “It is always good to have insurance. In the event of something happening, insurance would be a great asset,” observed Paul Cheong. As the saying goes, the Devil is in the “unlimited liability.’
3) US Congressman Gregory Meeks, summed up: “He [President Ali], is an individual that has a vision of how to make sure that tomorrow is better than today, bringing all of the people of Guyana together and working together collectively with other countries in the forefront with reference to making sure that we deal with agriculture, so people are not starving or hungry and how the United States can work with them.” The coalition remains visionless, no wonder they hung their heads down in shame and disgrace and cannot shake the hand that shook the world!
4) US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee affirmed her meeting with President Ali as “mutual love for democracy and that he treats citizens with the highest level of dignity.” President Ali is recognised, acknowledged and appreciated as a President who will remain approachable, understanding and compassionate. That is why he always extends a hand shake to all, meets with everyone and embraces anyone, even those selfish, greedy and uncouth ones who want to rock Guyana’s boat.
5) President Ali was bestowed with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from the US Congressional Black Caucus. It indicates that the President: “You are going to help them overcome struggles that they may not foresee.” The President spends sleepless nights thinking about the people’s problems and solutions.
6) The certificate also indicates: “Your election was a triumph of democracy and a promise of hope for the Guyanese people.” A slap in the face of the coalition for their cheeky attempt to rig the election.
7) President Ali and his delegation were hosted to a dinner and US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee mentioned about him that: “Your light shines and hopefully, it can draw in other countries which you border, and we can find better ways to solve problems. I applaud you and I am delighted to be one of the hosts.” Livid, green with envy and confounded, the coalition must be kicking, swearing and dancing with fury among themselves.
8) The unpleasant, uncomfortable and unprofessional absence of US Congressman Hakeem Jeffries was inexcusable, inappropriate and immature. Again, US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee’s embarrassment showed when she said: “Your eagerness to speak with one of our members who was not able to come, to be able to show him the new Guyana is a very important position to take Mr President. I am very proud to have the opportunity to meet with you.”
9) In the yard it was overheard, “political machinations are afoot to destabilise the public service.” Sleeping Beauty just woke up from slumbering through 2015 to 2020.
10) The indomitable Minister Susan Rodrigues reminded Guyanese what a trail blazer and trend setter the PPP/C Government is when she said at the recently concluded International Building Expo: “Silica City will have beautifully aesthetic building designs, and most of all, the creation of a modern, new, smart city that will create the nurturing of lifestyles that balance culture, climate change risks, and economic viability.” The former administrator destroyed, diluted and denied Guyanese 33 years of their precious lives!
11) Secretary of State Blinken called for “inclusive growth.” Come on coalition, join the band- wagon and be happy that your electoral constituent is on board with the government’s policies.
12) Mr Blinken also referred to “strengthen transparency.” Stop issuing threats PNC and working in the dark to insinuate Guyanese with propaganda.
13) Vice-President Harris talked about “inclusive democracy.” The PNC has a heavy conscience and they need to liberate themselves from a state of denial.
14) VP Harris also mentioned about “economic development.” All destabilisers need to desist from creating roadblocks and contribute towards the progress of the nation, positively and not negatively.
15) The US Vice-President couldn’t help remarking about, “security for all Guyanese.” With the restructuring of the police force and the army, all the bad elements are slowly but surely being weeded out. The days of dictatorship are over, the days of controlling the police force, the army, the Guyana People’s Militia and Guyana National Service for illegal activities are buried, and, the PPP/C Government is not one to derail or undermine the law, but to guide, encourage and advise all law-enforcement officers to dedicate their loyalty towards their legal duties. In so doing, all will feel safe and secure if law enforcement officers function justifiably.
16) President Ali remarked at the sod-turning event for the new Hospital on the East Coast: “It is building out a health care model that is not only focusing locally, but focusing on the region, focusing on the diaspora.” This is what inclusive democracy and growth is about, catering locally, regionally and internationally to people’s needs.
17) “You will be well taken care of in this system. We are going to deliver to you the best system and package for you to live a healthy life,” President Ali indicated. The PPP/C party is providing security for all Guyanese by fulfilling its election promises as per its manifesto.
18) Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony underlined the PPP/C Government’s commitment, saying: “The investment that we are making here is people-centric investment to ensure our people benefit from world-class health care in Guyana, free of cost.” The PPP/C party and the government is providing economic development and standing by the people and for the people with equitable distribution of services.
19) The Brooklynite who wants to burn Georgetown down is appalled. He claimed: “Apparently, the PPP Government and Ali are not interested in solutions. They are interested in public relations stunts. They want to meet Congressman Hakeem Jeffries personally and individually.” President Ali calmly advised: “Stop playing politics with the future of a country. This President will not allow it. I will speak about it and in stronger terms I’ll speak about it.” Forewarned is being forearmed.
20) Education Minister Priya Manickchand reflected: “Unfortunately, we left government and it stopped, it was abolished and the reason it was abolished was that they didn’t think it made sense. Up to now the opposition is saying it’s a foolish waste of money.” Today, the caring and concerned PPP/C Government is giving each child in the public and private school system $30,000. Again, this is what “inclusive growth” relates to.
21) President Ali stressed that: “We will do a great injustice to those who fought so hard for the freedom we enjoy, if we believe that we can work in an undemocratic environment and the rule of law does not exist.” For 33 years the PNC Government had disregard for the law with their modus operandi.
22) “It was evident that you could not tell Exxon how to prepare their accounts and in what format,” confessed The Former Finance Guru. Monster, mobster, gangster or hustler, the image or imaginary representation was manufactured by the PNC party, and now, out of hand, they want someone else to control their creation.
23) “As your chief servant, I continue to dedicate my energies and my life, in service to and for you. Indeed, I’m grateful for the supporters of the party, who took the step to vote for me in that 2020 elections,” President Ali reflected. Always, humble, humane and humorous, President Dr. Irfaan Ali does not turn his back on anyone and is always thankful to the nation for electing him.
24) What is disgraceful and unacceptable? The Eddy Grant $1.9 Billion 10-year rental contract and the one per cent royalty oil contract, signed, sealed and delivered by the coalition!
25) Who is incapable of managing our country’s affairs? Of course, the PNC Government was responsible for our devastating, disastrous and diminishing retrogression both times that party governed, resulting in bankrupting the economy of Guyana. Who had to clean up the mess, build and left a healthy and financial economy? The PPP/C Government did and returned to the same “six to nine” situation in 2020!
26) Tiger Woods observed: “I think that what they’ve done is, they’ve turned their back on what has allowed them to get to this position.” So true. Refusing to shake hands is so undiplomatic; resorting to cheap threats is so unprofessional and relying on tales is plying the trade of propaganda and promoting dishonesty. This is poor representation of those who voted for quality leadership and does not reflect the integrity expected from the electorate.
27) “I wanted to bring my dad back because he always makes me think outside the box,” confessed tennis pro, Naomi Osaka. Is it too late, or, there is still time for the coalition to get their act together and lean on the shoulders of Dr Martin Luther King Jr., the words of Nelson Mandela and the actions of Barack Obama?
28) “So, in and out of government, we have done more for Afro-Guyanese than they did in government…,” concluded the Attorney General. No arguments there, end of story. As the AG rests his case, LoO offers no objection!
29) “The Stabroek Block has been one of the most prolific exploration blocks of all time. And if measured on exploration success rate, it probably does not have an equivalent in the world,” surmised expert Parker. A gold mine in an oil field?
30) “Should a small group without any evidence of significant popular support be taken seriously?” asks the questioner. Many bakers’ dozens will pull the string…reluctantly!
31) “It is not that parliament is supreme; the constitution is supreme, but Parliament must function within the Constitution,” our learned friend indicated. Burnham flew the PNC flag where again?
32) Eight truants want to return to schoo, so that they can stay away from school. Makes a whole world of sense, but….in an alien world!
33) “We want power, economic power, political power,” the lost (last?) shepherd bemoaned in the land of wilderness! And the flock roared from the Promised Land, “Well earn it, but…..not by attempting to cheat at the elections!”
34) “We are calm and not impetuous, we are rational and not provocative, but we will also be firm and not shirk.” A sleeping giant awakes…disturbed. Any reason why Mr. Jeffburkhindton is cowering?
Award-winning auditor Lal Balkaran (the first Guyanese and West Indian) is all smiles as he received the prestigious award for excellence in auditing from The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). Lisaveta Ramotar is also smiling for being the first Guyanese to have completed all three levels of The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam. A smiling Pt Deodat Persaud is the first Guyanese to be selected for the US Community Solutions Programme. Guyana smilingly struck gold with its D’aguiar’s Moscato-flavoured wine. Chirag Chadwani is smiling with the President for placing number 11 globally and the top performer in the Caribbean in the Audit and Assurance examination from the ACCA. As we conclude the week as One Guyana, let us remember Mother Theresa, “Let us always meet each other with smiles, for the smile is the beginning of love.”

Yours respectfully,
Jai Lall