Ramjattan and 30 pieces of silver
I OBSERVED with great alarm the furor generated in the press in respect of the demolition of a businessman’s fence on the East Coast of Demarara which the Government contends is constructed on state land. My research reveals that this land was owned by the Government since 1972 and it is shown on several plans recorded at the Guyana Lands and Surveys Department.I understand that the businessman took the Government to Court where the mater spent nearly two years. Two weeks ago, the Chief Justice dismissed the case, clearing the way for the demolition to take place.
During those two years, the Government has been unable to proceed with the expansion of the East Coast road. As a result, thousands of commuters are inconvenienced and discommoded; millions of dollars in labour is wasted as workers are delayed in traffic. The ultimate net effect is a dent on the national economy. After all, this roadway remains one of the Nation’s main transportation arteries. Additionally, based upon information published in the press, the Government is exposed to liabilities to the tune of millions of US dollars, all because of the selfishness of a single individual. Unsurprisingly, the businessman’s lawyer is Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, the leader of the AFC. Once again, rather than stand on the side of the thousands of Guyanese who are affected; rather than stand on the side of national development; rather than stand in defence of state property; he again stands on the side of the self-interest of his client, presumably, for 30 pieces of silver. Once again, the nation sees the quality and caliber of persons who masquerade as political leaders aspiring for the throne. I remind the people of Guyana of what my grandmother used to say: “wha you see in braad daylight, na wait fu see in dark night”.
SUNDAR NAUTH
