THE DREAMER and THE DREAM

THE DREAMER and THE DREAM:

Shackled by a heavy burden. Instinctively I knew.

Growing up in the home of Peoples Progressive Party activist, I was drawn to the Independence struggle at a very young age. The political campaign of 1953 energized a rhythm. Since then, it has been a drum beat that continued for the last 65 years.

Always the desire of all Guyanese. For many generations. That we should live in harmony.

I am always fond of the fifties-its music- its idyllic way of life-its movies. The freedom of living safe and sound.

I was young then. However, keen on the changes that was taking place in British Guiana and other countries far away. In 1947, I witnessed the celebration of India’s independence at Albion Front. In 1957, I witnessed Ghana Independence celebrations in Rosignol.

When our independence came in 1966. As the Union Jack was gradually lowered. The Golden Arrow hoisted. Simultaneously. At the midnight hour, we were a country shackled to distrust, racial strife and multitudes of false ideologies-alien to the Guyanese way of life. Unintentionally, made us poor and poorer by each passing day.

There were no celebrations in many villages for the birth of a country that nourished us- The Amerinds, The Mixed Races, The Europeans, The Africans and The East Indians. Many went to bed. Like any other day in their lives.

Not so long ago, I watched Jamaicans sang their National Anthem at a Stadium in Jamaica. Such sincerity, conviction and pride. Tears ran down their cheeks. My eyes welled up. Not for them but for my country-Guyana. And I reflected and wished.

May 11, 2015. We woke up from a long slumber of nightmares and dreams. Close to one year from now, we will truly celebrate our independence. In villages, towns and city. We would be 50 years old as an independent nation. A momentous time in our destiny. A government chosen by the people. What a reward to embrace our fiftieth year.    

We have matured. I trust respective political parties will do likewise.

The 28 years of PNC governance had given many citizens much to complain about. Likewise the 23 years of PPP governance. I will not be kind to Forbes or Cheddie.  Forbes set the trend of intimidation of citizens. Cheddie complained vehemently. Yet, in 1992 when Cheddie came to power, he did absolutely nothing for inclusive government. Shackled by burdens they nurtured, we remained divided.

And Cheddie would leave the PPP into the hands of terrible people, who did not spare the abuses of every race of citizens.

The first prayer for Guyana had to be spoken in 1950. It was the emergence of the ungodly in our midst.  Shackled by this heavy burden. For 65 years the faithful prayed. Over generations.

I find the 33 seats of great significance. It continued to stun the Peoples Progressive Party. Victory was so close yet untenable. Pride goeth before the fall.

That is God for you.

For the 2011 election, I wrote a prayer on social media beseeching an AFC victory. Soon after, so much scorn was heaped upon the words. I could only imagine how Enoch and Noah must have felt. These are truly the days of Noah. I kept on Praising God for the victory.  For days the results were withheld. Yet I kept on Praising God. Finally, the Combined Opposition had 33 seats and the Peoples Progressive Party 32 seat. Strangely, in my mind that was a victory for the People of Guyana. Perhaps, not for the political parties.

Proud were the men and women of the PPP-their stupidity got the better of them. Prorogue Parliament and be pompous about it. Bully in their attitude of not deciding on the future of the Parliament and the country. They slapped citizens, threatened to kill citizens, want to strip citizens, use their mouths to abuse Foreign Dignitaries and further disrespected the people of the country with racist comments.  

The words of a Presidential Candidate from Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.”

The ungodly.

And the 33 seats returned to haunt the PPP. The same 33 seats which was disrespected, now has honour.

And the Living God answered after 65 years. But the devil is never too far away

President David Arthur Granger, a man who openly profess his faith in the living God. Quamina comes to mind.  A man who also openly professed his faith in the living God. Perhaps the first Christian on the soil of the colony.

Arise, shine for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1. That is for my country. My hope in this President. May he have the Wisdom of Solomon to rule justly over the citizens of Guyana-we are troubled people. May he forever seek excellent Counsel? May the Lord God favour him with East Indians of keen minds in his inner circle?

Shepherd of the flock.

Lord Jesus, You who have charge over the Ministering Angels. Dispatch around the Shepherd thousands of angels. For the battle is the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.

We are still divided on ethnicity, but free for a while to build on trust.

The dreamer had worked for the 1953 PPP campaign. For 2015 campaign, social media was the choice.

The dream-unshackle the burdens of L.F.S Burnham and C.B Jagan.

God be praised.

 E-mail:   timehri@golden.net

www.timehritoday.blogspot.com

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS:

It is said, if one’s house is set in order, then there can be innumerable personal successes[MP1] .

We have many very small businesses in Guyana. If guided by responsible government agencies, they can grow and contribute to society. Perhaps, each creating employment for one or two individuals.

These types of ventures can create substantial employment opportunities for young people.

If we create an environment of proper business systems, we will demonstrate our abilities of producing quality products with credibility. We would have then developed a climate, manufacturing to meet our consumer demands.  Developing what we already have in the country. In controlled fashion.

We can then attract Foreign Investments in manufacturing.

It is a proven fact, those economies with a great emphasis in the manufacturing sector are wealthy nations.  But there are so many things to be ironed out before we can be competitive foreign suppliers. Container costs are sometimes prohibitive for the export of some of our agricultural commodities.

See “JOB CREATION” on www.timehritoday.blogspot.com 

SETTING THE TREND:

Previous governments have put in place the basics for a manufacturing sector. But, they did not follow through with the commitment of getting it on track.    

It is important to stream line products that are manufactured in Guyana at the present-be it arts and craft with fabric and wood or metal fabrication. The possibility exists that entrepreneurs are operating their businesses in archaic conditions, thereby missing out on much needed technical support. They are small, not needing large spaces for their businesses, the lack of finances to purchase or rent adequate spaces in an appropriate environment are hindrance to their growth.

At all costs, emphasis and effort must be made to create sustainable employment. At the onset the costs would be great, but it is setting the groundwork of the acceptable trends. 

SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS:

The Industrial Estates managed by NICIL are under-utilized.  These Industrial Estates must be enhanced to encourage growth and employment.

1)      Industrial Malls should constructed with spaces of 1000 sqft.

2)      There must frequent surveillance (day and night) to ensure the security of investments. Guyana has developed a culture of complete disrespect for the properties of others. It is important the State be involved in the policing until the lawlessness achieves a level of acceptance. This is crucial in the campaign for Foreign Investments.

3)      Waste Disposal. Currently that is a major problem at Industrial Sites.

4)      Power Generation at Industrial Estates to meet the necessary needs. A combination of Wind, Solar and Fuel power generation must be implemented. This method will control maintenance and power generation for prescribed needs of each of the Industrial Estates throughout the country. Lower usage and costs for transmission lines.  A  Co-operative Body manages the day to day operations of the Power Generation Facilities.  Manufacturing needs sustainable electricity at a reasonable costs.

5)      A Council set up to monitor and provide support to entrepreneurs on the manufacture of their products. This approach will ensure productivity, safe working environment for employees and the assurances that employee are sustainable employed with decent wages to provide for good and meaningful lives for their families.

6)      Taxation and NIS are better monitored with this system-better for the government, employers and employees.

7)      Progress can be measured easily.

8)      Reviews, Revisions and Implementations are less cumbersome.

www.timehritoday.blogspot.com

timehri@golden.net

---

 [MP1]

LEST WE FORGET

LEST WE FORGET:

Remember our history and our roots.

Doan get too uppity.

In this crucial time of Guyana’s history, nothing stops the desperate with their racist rhetoric. They have categorised this country as EAST INDIANS and OTHERS-creating subservient levels.

On a day like today (May 5), one hundred and seventy seven years ago a people came to this colony. The Indian Arrival Committee celebrates this day with the East Indians of the country. Perhaps the day was the same. As when the Whitby sailed into the Demerara River.

Sometime in December 1837, the Whitby sailed up the Hooghly River in West Bengal. As with every ship to the Port of Calcutta, it moored at the Landing –a site chosen and developed by Job Charnok, an Englishman in 1690. Nearby, the compound of Garden Reach Depot with several thatched roof, mud-walled structures. On the earthen floors, about half a foot higher than the surrounding compound, piled a layer of grass. The last monsoon rains made mud of the soil. And the cold weather had arrived. The human cargo of 249 secured under the watchful eyes of men armed with laths. Some freely choose, some tricked by false promises and some kidnapped.

The letter from John Gladstone had requested that number from Messrs Gillanders, Arbuthnot & Co.

As the Hooghly River rose on January 13, 1838, the men along with the few women and children walked single-filed onto the plank gangway and boarded the Whitby. Each carried a small bundle of their meagre belongings. Frail looking. Closely watched and guarded by the armed men. For they were paid on the numbers that boarded the ship. Receiving a small commission from Messrs  Gillanders, Arbuthnot & Co. for the recruiting service they performed. They had provided that service for many years, sending shiploads to Mauritius.

As with any seaport, smelly dead fish, crabs and weeds are part of the scenery. Seagulls flying overhead. Some perched on masts. Some scurrying along decks. All in quarrelsome shrilling sounds.

Calcutta, the city, not too distant, filled with activities as any city in the world. Busy. Musicians, singers and dancers. Over-crowded slums of Biharis escaping the burdens of Brahmin Zamindars. Famine never ceased since the Brahmins became civil servants to the East Indian Company.

With the tide of the river heading out to sea, the Bay of Bengal, that dusky evening. The moorings of the Whitby cast off. Stored in its cargo hold were barely enough provisions and water for the crossing. John Gladstone, an international trader of commodities owned the Whitby and many more ships. He was known to be a shrewd businessman, conscious of maximizing profits.

In the narrow spaces below deck, two hundred and forty nine passengers tightly packed.

Only four years previously, African slaves shipped in the similar manner. Rough sawn planks placed together in the hold. And as many levels to accommodate the number of human cargo. On deck, the crew cared less whether slavery was abolished. For the white men, it was just another group of dark-skinned slaves. “Instead from West Africa, it is now Calcutta”, they may have thought.

The Whitby manoeuvered away from shifting sandbanks of the Hooghly River passing barges of jute and coal commodore by Bengali men singing their river songs.

Below deck, the indentured would hear the passing voices.

During the crossing, they reflected many times on Pinjre ke panji re. A bhajan.

Lest We Forget.

Now all was not well as the tale spun by Governor Light, for the courage of a Negro schoolmaster living in Belle Vue Estate would urge him to hint at the cruelties meted out to the coolies. Berkley was an exceptional man. In 1838, such a man was not easily found in the colony-to sacrifice his well-being for the cause of humanity. Banished from the estate and forced to watch the slaughter of his live stock. Denied his salary and persecuted by every plantation owner in the district. His punishment for revealing the evil acts of, “when the portion of coolies arrived at Plantation Belle Vue, there were no building prepared for their reception. The four room sick-house was emptied of the sick Negro workers. And the eighty emigrants herded in-men and women, all together. For three months, they were kept in that loathsome den without regard to decency. The whip, the bamboo and involuntary confinement were regularly used on the coolies to compel labour or fulfill the vindictive habits of the estate’s manager.”   

Those on the Whitby and Hesperus were the first foot prints of East Indians in the Crown Colony of British Guiana. Men, women and children whose names did not matter, only numbers identified them. A system used to identify West Africans on slave ships ferrying the Middle Passage.  Sharks followed the ships between West African and the Caribbean. A feeding frenzy of the human remains cast over board due to their death.

Some fifteen years earlier, 1823, the Demerara Slave Rebellion occurred. Plantation Success, the estate on which Quamina was a slave. And owned by John Gladstone. The son of Quamina was one of the organizers of the revolt.

Reverend John Smith posted to the colony by the London Missionary Society, a replacement to Reverend John Wray who went to Berbice rather than Demerara on his return. John Smith came to the colony intent on teaching the slaves of Demerara to read and write. He challenge the Colonial Governor on the law passed in the British Parliament spearheaded by William Wilberforce.

Between a network of educated house and field slaves, they communicated information. Read from their Masters correspondences from England. Misinformed, the slaves concluded slavery was abolished but the Baccra refused to free them. And they revolted.

The Rebellion was planned at a Church gathering. Quamina was not present. When informed, he extracted a promise that no Plantation owner must be killed.

The revolt was put down quickly. Slaves loyal to their Masters, informed of the plans of the revolt. And the leaders of the rebellion was decapitated and displayed for all to see at the Parade Grounds.

The barbarism sent to shock waves back in Britain. Ordinary citizens boycotted West Indian made products. A campaign of signatures demanded the British Parliament put an end to slave practices in all British Colonies.

The Demerara Revolt brought the end of slavery.

Also, it created the opportunity for East Indian foot prints upon this land of which we have nourished ourselves.

This election day, I ask you to vote for civil liberties, justice for the impoverished and everything that sets us on the path of excellent governance.

Vote APNU+AFC.

www.timehritoday.blogspot.com      

Velutha Kuttapen

 e-mail:   timehri@golden.net

Twitter:   Velutha Kuttapen@VeluthaK 

First CONVERSATION

CONVERSATION:

This commentary is for every Guyanese.

But, written to sway the minds of the East Indian voters on the Corentyne.

Vote APNU+AFC.

An amazing power, the single vote.

In the case of my country, it is easily bought and lied for. Also, intimidation and cuss-out is hurled for it. And, character assassination has become part and parcel of the process.

When everything is said and done. All of Guyana awaits. The powerful are humbled.

For the voters on the Corentyne. That much might your single vote has. Only until you have cast it. Then, it is no longer yours. You have given it to one another in confidence.

Hoping for a better way of life. 

This election, please choose the APNU+AFC.

Give them your confidence.

You have been constantly reminded of the PNC, its policy of banned food items, the rigged elections and the criminality of that time.

Yes, it was a terrible time. But, the PPP has done much worse in their 23 years of government.

Please consider.

Control of the PPP under the Jagans, witnessed two democratically elected leaders of the PNC. Each have tried in small ways to recognize the East Indian community.  Forbes legislated religious days as public holidays. And Desmond Hoyte, he removed restrictions on banned food items. You on the Corentyne were amazed as to how the bandits were chased and hunted down during the time of Hoyte.

And the rigged elections-can you imagine how much Hoyte must have been hated in PNC by the members. To give up their power. Knowing free and fair elections could remove the PNC from a government. The PNC could have said no to free and fair elections as demanded by the American Government. Face the consequences as Cuba and endure hardships-everyone, East Indians, Afro, Amerinds and all the other citizens.

But, Desmond Hoyte choose to seek a new path. He hoped, you would give him your vote. You did not.

Now, today. Another democratically elected leader of the PNC has stretched out his hand in peace. He has given 12 seats of his supporters to the AFC. That might not have been easy for Mr. Granger to convince the PNC to do. But, he did. Our country still needed that new path.   

I ask you to vote for the coalition of the APNU+AFC.

The PPP on the other hand has never had a peaceful transfer of leadership. You judge for yourself. Do you think Ramotar is the leader of the PPP? If you vote PPP, YOU ARE VOTING FOR AN UNCERTAINTY.

The coalition APNU+AFC has a Three Person Committee to investigate all problems that may arise in their administration of a government. That agreement is there for all Guyanese.

In the political life of this country, I have never heard so much racist remarks made by a politician. I am amazed at the words of Bharrat Jagdeo. Not even in the days of the race riots did Forbes Burnham went to such depths. Whether he spared us because of Cheddie Jagan or the confidence of being installed as the Prime Minister of Guyana by the CIA.

With the racist remarks of Bharrat Jagdeo, you should understand why there were rigged elections in Guyana. And for 28years. If the mind of the East Indian is racist, then what are the chances of the Blacks ever getting a fair deal to form a government? Today, you know of the corrupt ways of Bharrat Jagdeo, yet you cling to words of divisions. No one in that cabal would object to his abuses.

You will breathe the air, used the same transportation, bear the brunt of the criminals as the citizens of the country. Jagdeo/Ramotar Clique will never endure those things because your votes would have provided well for them. Armed guards from bandits and private transportation. The charmed life.

And you, will have to manage your sufferings just as other Guyanese-Blacks and Amerinds alike.

Give your situation some serious thinking.

There was a time, when your votes counted as the majority. Since 1992, your numbers have been getting smaller and smaller. And less and less of you vote at each of the elections held so far.  

The time is upon you. Use your God given senses and examine the role you should be playing in the society of Guyanese. Let your votes be for Freedom, Honesty and Justice.

This election vote APNU+AFC.

Free yourselves from Ramotar/Jagdeo Clique and re-take the Peoples Progressive Party. Rid the party of the devious. Throw them out by voting APNU+AFC.

You are no longer the majority in the electorate, so position your votes that gives you a participating edge.

Back in 1953, the East Indian vote went to the Jagans. And they pursued Communism with your confidence. It brought the wrought of the Americans-their disapproval of Communism in this hemisphere. Even though Janet Jagan was an American Citizen that did not spare us. The alternative was 28 years of PNC rule, which Bharrat Jagdeo keeps reminding you.

Even though the Americans did that, it is America and Canada the East Indians of that generation desperately sought to send their children. And those children made the years under Forbes light by sending barrels and money back home.

When the Russians were no longer a threat, the Americans returned to Guyana with fair and free elections. President Carter and conscientious Guyanese were the advocators.

For 28 years, the Jagans maintained their communist links. Giving life to 28 years of PNC rule.

President Carter will once again return to Guyana to oversee fair and free election.

Your voting rights is once again under threat. This time from the Cabal of Jagdeo.   

Today, your vote is canvassed to give confidence to the corrupt administration of the Ramotar/Jagdeo Clique. That is dangerous. He incites you to follow his racist attack on Afro-Guyanese. There were only a limited number of Afro associated with the PNC. But, he tells you that all Black people are PNC.

Are those citizen wrong to support the PNC?

Do you not support the PPP and not the PNC?

Your vote must be canvassed for.

It must not be demanded for by fear mongering.

Vote APNU+AFC.

Remove Jagdeo from the Peoples Progressive Party.

www.timehritoday.blogspot.com

  

Velutha Kuttapen

 e-mail:   timehri@golden.net

Twitter:   Velutha Kuttapen@VeluthaK 

www.timehritoday.blogspot.com

JOB CREATION

JOB CREATION:

The internet, perhaps the greatest technology in all of man’s inventions. You-tube makes us aware, instantly.

I was watching a programme on the rice industry. Dr. Doerga made the comment, “I meet Guyanese wherever I travel, very capable of moving Guyana forward.” Something to that effect.

I am reminded of the capabilities of some of the Guyanese that I know. In 1960, I was fortunate to gain a place at the Bookers Apprentice Training Centre. The centre was established in 1957.  Boasted the best in the British Commonwealth. Each year, twenty students are accepted for the training. To date, there, might be 1200 graduates. Many have migrated to Canada and United States. A few went off to England. We have all done well. Many have further their education in Engineering. We provide valuable services to hi-tech industries in North America. We are businessmen and women in North America. We are employers in the Manufacturing Sector. Our Skill and Confidence gives us that competitive edge.

During the mid-60’s, when the sugar factories were modernizing. It was the trainees of the Centre who were forefront in the implementation of the expansion Facilities, Power House and Sugar Making Machinery. It is unbelievable, the Minister of Agriculture would sought the world at large for solutions to the Skeldon Factory. And there it is all along, Guyanese who were trained in the Sugar Industry weren’t even considered. Ignored at all level of the Government of Guyana.

Ramotar/Jagdeo Clique are out of touch with Guyanese. Perhaps, they think, we are all dumb. Thank goodness, they will be no more after May11, 2015.

The SUGAR INDUSTRY has the potential of spin off jobs for at least 300 sustainable high priced employment. The Material Control Department is rift with malpractices.

We must develop our economy to produce-it is the only way forward.

And whatever we already have, must be fine-tuned to create employment for Guyanese.

Guysuco’s Materials Control Department have too many overseas suppliers. Many of the purchased items can be quality produced in Guyana. Reduced cost is one factor in consideration. Guysuco does not have competitive bidding systems. They have a buddy system.  In 1992, Guysuco was saddled with Cronyism-incompetence has brought the company to the brink of disaster to the detriment of thousands of its employees on the Corentyne.

Boasted, as being the only English speaking country in South America, could be an opportunity for Guyana.

There isn’t a nation in the world that does want to buy Chinese products-cheaply made. It seems, consumers do not mind buying the same product over and over again. Because it is cheap. The Chinese re-cycled the waste of Western Countries. Remanufacturing materials for foreign based products.  

The Industrialized World has always sought cheap labour to MANUFACTURE cheap commodities. I am impressed with the Asian countries. As the Western World moved their sourcing from countries to countries. Seeking a cheaper labour force. The Asian countries that lost that business quickly adapted to manufacturing value added products. They built on their experiences. And they sought after the markets in the West.

There was a time, the West thought, the Chinese could only manufacture cheap products. That was proven wrong. The Chinese had built their economy on simply selling to the West. Today, they manufacture just about anything. A country just fifty years ago virtually had no metal making industry. Now has sophisticated systems in place making steel of all sorts and other materials. Unethical practices most times. But they have the materials, skills and the political culture that instill growth.

Those MANUFACTURING Businesses owned by Guyanese in North America are competing everyday against the Chinese. It is not easy. ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING purchases goes to China, mainly because buyers are driven by prices.

We could tap into that market. We are close to the market. We have trade agreements that seeks to encourage Guyana to grow, economically.

However, ignorance prevails with the people that govern this nation and makes its policies. They doan know, and the people that elects them, doan care to know. They would rather have a lil raise from their families abroad to exist day to day. Believe me, I have tried-humbled by the stupidity I have ran into.

Guyana has a trainable labour force. The opportunities exist. The will to do MANUFACTURING in Guyana is possessed by Guyanese Manufacturers in North America. What is needed, Is a corrupt free import and export system. Because raw materials that comes into the country needs to be processed and sent back out of the country. There has to be a review of taxes, duties and tariffs to facilitate this type of industry. I briefly touched on it. A country that has a great many of its citizen working in the manufacturing sector is a wealthy nation. An example, look at China’s growth since the time of Bill Clinton. Clinton gave China most favoured nation trading status. American businesses went with purchase orders in droves. And never stopped. Eventually China became extremely wealthy and American workers reduced to the poverty level.

Even with China’s success there is dissent in the labour force. China has a large consumer base. And very soon China would service its own markets.

Guyana is strategically placed to benefit. Ramotar/Jagdeo Clique doan have the capacity to take this nation to its HIGHER CALLING.

We are a country full of enthusiasm-thank God for the men and women who really toil to provide for their children. The sectors of farming-rice, vegetable, fruits and other commodities can be enhanced. A Canning Facility on the Corentyne would create employment for the young people. Like Mr.Granger has said, “Happy people don’t commit suicides.” The people on the Corentyne must have a purpose to live and a future to look towards.  Farmers would be guaranteed a peaceful happy demeanor. Because they will not be faced with frustrations by the Cabal of Ramotar/Jagdeo. Drainage and Irrigation you will have. Good roads you will have to transport your yields. A better quality of life you will have. And the success on the Corentyne will be carried to every region in the country. Corentyne will be the Pilot Project.

Research, Development and Marketing will be the focus of this nation. We cannot afford to be complacent. We will die if we do. Since 1950, our life and success were sucked out of us-saddled with vampires who robbed us of vision. Those days are now replaced with dishonesty. Bold and barefaced are the Ramotar, Jagdeo and the adopted children of the Jagans.

THROW DEM OUT.

East Indians assert your rights. Take advantage of the opportunity to vote APNU+AFC. Re-build the Peoples Progressive Party. Rid yourself of the corrupt. They give a bad name to true politicians-these opportunists. They use Cheddie’s name only to favour themselves. Such despicable acts.  

Sugar and Rice will survive as separate products. Combined, to make consumer products aimed at global markets. Everything is possible. It takes the will and know-how to do it.

Quite recently, Indonesia hosted a Furniture Exhibition. Its leader, once a furniture manufacturer himself, has targeted the US$2 billion market in the West. Guyanese logs are going to be sold by the Chinese to Indonesia. Because Indonesia has already depleted its forests.

For the current Government of Guyana, it is much simpler to sell the logs. Value added, is a government initiative. Implementation takes vision. So what the Ramotar/Jagdeo Clique did? They sent Ravi Dev to India. There he told the Hindu Forum, “Come to Guyana with your capital, make money by using the Caribbean Initiative Agreement and at the same time, the East Indians in Guyana will help you get rich.”

East Indians on the Corentyne need to ask themselves, and East Indians everywhere in Guyana, “Am I not capable to create wealth for my families.”

Why, would Ramotar and Jagdeo disrespect the free will of the East Indians of Guyana?

You are to be reminded. You are in this part of the world because of devious men back in India.  The Brahmins of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh created a society of greed for your fore-fathers. The lands they farmed for millions of years were seized from the villages-something like what the Ramotar/Jagdeo Clique done to the Local Government Elections. This clique deliberately permits hardships on the famers in Guyana. No drainage and Irrigation. No matter how hard you work, they rob you in their secret deals with their buddies. The middle-men.

Watch the movie, “Mother India”, you will see your future.

It is all happening again. After 177 years in Guyana.  You, the East Indians have empowered another set of Brahmins. They followed us to Guyana-Ramotar and his clan. Just as the children of the Brahmins in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh did not plough the land yet they extracted the fat of your fore-fathers labour, so also are the children of the PPP cabal waiting to seize your harvest.

Famine and Brahmin greed forced our fore-parents to flee Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. When they boarded those ships for British Guiana, they were walking skin and bones. Starvation had beaten them down. Escaped the clutches of a tyrannical caste of people, they boarded those ships. Never knowing the fate or where they were going.

The author of the West of Trial painted picture of the White man taking advantage of the indentured East Indians to Guyana. I say, it was an opportunity to escape ignorances of India.

In their loins they carried you to this land, we have settled in, Guyana. Free and healthy. Why do you wish to be in bondage again?

Please vote APNU+AFC.

Free yourself from the clutches of Bharrat Jagdeo who has elevated himself as the tyrannical Brahmin. Speaking to you as if you are a stupid people. He will not plough the land, but every month you have to give him lots of money. For doing nothing. A young man like that?              

I was part of an Investment Consortium trying to implement the European Union Funds allotted to LEAP. The money is finished. And our Project never received serious considerations. That was about ten years ago. It can still be implanted today. We were going to manufacture hard wood products for the Export Market. Something similar to, the approach IKEA has-on a smaller version. Lands and Buildings once used by Demba were going to be used as the Manufacturing Facilities.

This Project is still viable today. Creating at least 1000 full time sustainable jobs in Linden. This has to be a government initiative for the start. Then the company goes public-selling shares and recovering the government investments.     

In order to comply with promises made by the APNU+AFC. There should be a Short Term Plan and a Long Term Plan. The Short Term Plans will generate employment immediately. It is must be structured and wage conscious. All those Housing Schemes will need paved roads, efficient water systems and electricity. Those are huge employment opportunities.

We are told often by ordinary citizens of their water woes. There is neglect in that Corporation that needs addressing.

On Electricity, the Short-term plan will be Solar Power and Localized Power Generation. That is an area of huge employment opportunities.

After the APNU+AFC victory, the people will expect immediate changes.

It is possible.

Dr. Doerga words are correct. We have the people to bring about changes in our country.        

www.timehritoday.blogsopt.com

Velutha Kuttapen

 e-mail:   timehri@golden.net

Twitter:   Velutha Kuttapen@VeluthaK 

www.timehritoday.blogspot.com

DEMOCRACY DEMANDS WISDOM

This commentary was written before the coalition of APNU+AFC. Still relevant.

TIME.

Time has passages. It writes the story of a country, the passages of its sorrow, passages of its pain, passages of its suffering and……..

Ours is missing the passages of its joy. That we shall have soon. And soon can’t come quick enough for the celebration of good governance.

We eagerly await ELECTION DAY-all those who oppose the regime of the People’s Progress Party.

In Ecclesiastes 3, it is written, ”A Time for Everything.”

Time has come to choose a NEW PATH.

A path, I ENCOUAGE the YOUNG citizens to FOLLOW.

For fear exists in the land. No longer hidden. No longer an assumption of distrust. It is a practiced discrimination by the electorate. Afro will choose the PNC/APNU. The PPP and AFC battle for the Indo votes. The Amerindians free to choose one of these entities whose spell they happen to fall under. 

Imagine the People’s Progressive Party dominance of over their Indo supporters. Fearful is the AFC of the backlash of their portion of Indo supporters, if they stood side by side with PNC/APNU, at the rally against the Proroguing of Parliament.

YOU KNOW, TO CONTINUE in this existing political climate, IS TO BE LOST FOREVER in confrontation. Such a scenario do no good for the country-it will ALWAYS leave us divided.

A clear majority is needed to move us forward in trust.

Time for the PATH that molds us as one people, one nation with one a common destiny.

YOUNG PEOPLE, this is your opportunity. Embrace your future.

This is your era.   

Young Amerindians, stand up and be significant in the development of your country.

Afro-Guyanese youths balance this nation with your fellow countrymen-the young Indo-Guyanese, the young Amerinds and the young of the other Races. For we are all Guyanese.  

Today, by the touch of a keypad you can access information from any time in history and of any culture.

Young People you can read of your past.  You are from a people with a history of suffering, pain and sorrow. IT IS YOUR RIGHT to usher in JOY in this country.

I urge you to be hungry and desperate for a new season. For it is your season. Seize the day and the moment. You are a chosen generation after centuries of hardships. Do it with all your might. Be like a meteor that is destined to consume anything in the old path. Seek for the citizens a new PATH.

And the people can say (Psalm 126), “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”

THE MESSAGE:

It is empowerment. And Local Government Elections is the bedrock upon which progress and empowerment is built upon. To deny you these elections is to deny you a say in the affairs of your country. Relinquishing your power to a centralized group of men and women far removed from your communities. You should be a stake holder in your country and if you have the talent to rise economically then we should have a government that bolster your aspirations-giving support, advice and directions to make your dreams a reality. We need a government that permit Guyanese of all walks of life to develop businesses and benefit from the richness of the land-its gold, timber, etc, etc. I believe in Guyanese first. Foreign investments is not only to extract our riches, but to learn from and eventually be their competitors.

The world was intended to be a sweet place.

No one wants to die but live forever-Guyana is a sweet place. But there are men whose works are mischievous, bringing misery into the lives of others-mostly to the masses.

Happiness is a comfort-it is only attainable if we care for one another. And democracy gives us all a say in the paths that we choose as a nation.

But Democracy demands Wisdom.

This election is about your empowerment, your knowledge, your wisdom and your destiny as one nation. It is all about your Democracy.

 THE PROPOSAL:

1)       No effort must be spared to empower Amerindians.

Opportunities in Guyana Defence Force will be opened to them. A contingent in the army with be created wholly for these citizens. Capable youths of male and female willing to participate will be educated to highest level at an accelerated pace. Their services are urgently needed to supervise and monitor our resources in the hinterland.

2)      An Elite Armed Services will be created, comprising of talented from the ranks of the existing GDF and contingent of the Amerindians. Reflective of the races of the nation. They will be the eyes and ears of the country. Trained to fly within our air space, operate ocean going vehicles to provide safety to our fishermen within our territorial waters and hasten over land with modern equipment to protect our sovereignty.  Our intelligence gathering to protect our God given inheritance will be spared no cost.   

TRUTH & RECONCILIATION:

As a citizen of Guyana, if you were wronged in any way by the previous governments (after independence) you will be urged to come forward with your case. This includes those who were deviously robbed through corruption of their properties of house and land. Leased lands that was repossessed by the government without compensation. If government officials dismantled your living quarters and caused your family hardships, you will be heard. Cases will be heard by a selective body of professionals. If it warrants a judicial decision, it will be forwarded to a special court set up for expeditious judgement.  This country is yours and you must come first in all facets of its development. No Guyanese, regardless of education or influence are ever allowed to disrespect their fellow citizens no matter what level of the society they may find themselves.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:

Corruption is a detriment to any type of business-large or small. It diminishes profitability, competition and the desire to invest in yourself-the entrepreneurial spirit. Further, it creates an elite class with ill- gotten gains. Such class of individuals are repressive to superiors as well as subordinates-for they are a people who care less about nation building and more on chaos of the society. Under such systems they excel in their corruptions.

This Movement will discourage all foreign importation. I want to emphasize discourage not banned. The emphasis is to manufacture every possible commodity that we consume. Thereby creating businesses and employment opportunities for Guyanese.  We will as a governing body encourage and assist in the development of the Fashion Industry, Music Industry, Film-making and documentaries to tell our stories. We have a history and there is the need for us to be entertained by our joys, pains and hurts. Individually we experience life and collectively as a nation, together we all share in the experiences of life.   

Some might argue, “Where are we going get the money to do this?”  By an ordered and well organized taxation system we will collect every penny of taxes owing to the State. Be it foreign or local entities.

Our places of higher learning will develop programmes to train Guyanese to undertake all the infra-structure work necessary to make us a First-World nation.

Every Industrial Estate will have the necessary facilities to generate electricity for production. Localized power generation, reduces cost of electricity also maintenance costs. Security will be a priority, to protect the investments of those who dared to dream the progress of a country.

Copyright laws will be enacted to guarantee the royalties which you richly deserve for your efforts. 

We are going to add value to every piece of raw material that we extract from the land. It is a priority for Guyana. For a Home-based population of less than a million, we should have better standard of living. We have in diaspora perhaps an equal amount hoping to return to the place of their birth-a place free of crime and corruption.

And much more will be done.

THE REALITY:

We cannot escape the Racism that exists in this country. And to say, it is not there, is to fool one self.  In particular, we have Guyanese who write continually on the marginalization of Afro-Guyanese. And I cannot predict when this nation will be able to embrace itself with the races of people we proudly say we have in our midst. But we must do what must do to develop a country for all.  We have seen political parties that have trampled on the civil rights of ethnic groups in our history. And we never know when again such men would come out of the woodwork and receive approval of their constituents. EVEN THOUGH, I WOULD CANVASS FOR EVERY VOTE with the hope of denying every other political party an elected seat in parliament. I would promote among many other things that the AFC, PNC, PPP and every other political party receive equal funding and air time. Contesting an election should never be a battle, a war or denying. We should share the common goals of making the country a better place. Instead of what is being done now, prohibiting those who wish to govern by every conceivable means.

 Sincerely.

Velutha Kuttapen

timehri@golden.net

www.timehritoday.blogspot.com

QUIET CONFLICTS

QUIET CONFLICTS:

A people, grace the political gatherings of the known dishonest government. They applaud at their deceitful words. They are entertained. It is the destruction - pains and sufferings they invite upon themselves. So many times in history, such types of men are elected. Perils are their companion.

My country have such men and women. The Clique of Ramotar/ Jagdeo. They may well have your pains and sufferings written for you. You see their corruption and yet you act dumb to it. You gather to them, as the day Christ was crucified in Jerusalem. Madness. Utter madness. I see your adulations.

Twisted words pleases you. Be curious. Search the words, peeling off the lips of the fear mongers.

This country has already seen a man like Jagdeo.

Afro-Guyanese can attest to the man who fashioned words and sentences –beautiful when dropping from his lips. They too were entertained. Then the entertainer became the task master. Forbes was that Man.  Under his regime, every citizen, subordinate to the Kabaka, had to manage their sufferings-coolie people and black people alike.

East Indians, I ask of you again. Give your vote to the APNU+AFC. You will rid yourself of Ramotar/Jagdeo Clique and re-take the Peoples Progressive Party. You cannot allow the Godless to strip you of your freedom. Do not live in your memories of the Jagans-then you are already dead as they are. And you would have handed over your children to the evil deeds of the Ramotar/Jagdeo Clique.

In 1950, our hearts and minds were poisoned by extremists.  Evil Godless people who brought a dangerous ideology to us. They sought to remove God from the society. And their vision became a division (di-vision).

When the defenses of God are removed, mankind is left to the wiles of the devil. Chaos will become the norm.  

And chaos we have had since.

In 1955, the Split between Forbes and Cheddie fractured the peaceful co-existence of Afro and Indo Guyanese. By this time, East Indians had lived 117 years among the Afro, in the villages, city and town.

The genesis of quiet conflicts.

Ordinary citizens paid the ultimate prize for false rhetoric.

Freedom, is not about politics. It is the duty and rights of citizens to defend it. Freedom is your homes, your wives and your children. Your faith in God.

It was a Foreigner who came to us from Chicago-Godless in her beliefs. A Stalinist, determined to mold us to her visions of a utopian society.      

In 1953, a boy of 8 years. I listened to the radio as the Governor gave his speech on why he suspended the constitution.  Everything he said was true. I saw it all.

Subversive materials. I distributed it. Unlawful to be in possession of. My father would hid it away so that the police raids couldn’t find it.

Banned Public gatherings. My father ignored the order and flew huge red flag, advertising a public meeting.

Letters of Intimidation. I transcribed them.

Prohibited from displaying the portrait of Josef Stalin. My father would carry it around his neck in full view of the Governor.

Sabotage. My father was accused of attempting to dynamite Blairmont Sugar Factory.

David Rose came with the Detained Oder very early one morning in 1954 and took him away to Mazaruni. 

As the governor continued to read, citizens became aware of events that took place unknowing to them.

The frequent trips the Jagans made to the Soviet Union. Honouring and singing songs of praise not to God but Josef Stalin. A man who killed millions of his own people.

The entrenched Jagans, would be subversives. Their quiet conflicts with Burnham’s PNC.

Death was part of the culture of the communists. Guyana would have its share of death. More the conflicts. More the possibility of death. More the Jagans Peoples Progressive Party would cultivate the minds of the East Indians. Added to the Enmore Martyrs would be the Ballot Box Martyrs, Michael Forde killing, Wismar Massacre, the arrest and trials for treasonable acts.

All this made to appear, as if it was the complete fault of the tyrant Forbes Burnham. Agitators were constantly at work.     

Forbes was a member of the Jagans PPP, he knew the capabilities and dangers he was up against. And he prepared for it.

Cheddie played into Forbes hands.

The communist agenda of the Jagans disturbed the West tremendously. The British Army was deployed. Searched the homes of East Indian. Confiscated their guns. Considered no longer a threat to the PNC, Forbes Burnham was free of any possible overthrow by the PPP.  The Americans would modernize the Volunteer Force into the Guyana Defence Force.

Another set of Quiet Conflicts.

The Jagans would recruit young East Indians for scholarships to the Soviet Union. A special university set up for indoctrination-Patrice Lumumba University. Lectures on the values of Marxism and Leninism. Part of the curriculum was the instruction of subversion. The Jagans would make frequent trips to Moscow for progress reports. An army of subversives for the struggles of Guyana’s Freedom.

Yet, another set of Quiet Conflicts.

Forbes would be prepared.

As the young men returned home, Forbes would see to it that they were never employed. Those who did find work, were hounded by PPP operatives. Labeled as sell outs. And at times bullied and threatened.

Today, you will find such men in Guyana. Ready to intimidate the East Indians into submission. Into Cult Jagan – the godless, must never be blotted out of the memory of the East Indians.

Quiet Conflicts are still present.

Forbes has been dead for some 30 years now, but the minds of the Stalinist cannot perceive it. They were brainwashed of his misdeeds. They are locked in time. The Ramotar/Jagdeo Clique are zombies-dead but yet walks.

It is time for these quiet conflicts to end.

East Indians you must vote APNU+AFC. By doing so, you will displace the impostors of the Peoples Progressive Party.      

Let it be known. For every year Forbes reigned, the Jagans were responsible for it. Their refusal to depart from a Communist Ideology was a Stubbornness. Communism died and they didn’t even know. The PPP they left behind is Communist in structure-old and dilapidated. And the corruptible have moved in.

Throw them out and fashion a modern political system-one that as East Indians you can contribute in meaningful ways with the other political organizations to make Guyana better for all citizens.

Velutha Kuttapen

 e-mail:   timehri@golden.net

Twitter:   Velutha Kuttapen@VeluthaK 

www.timehritoday.blogspot.com