W.F. Is head blows you looking for? Ms. Fraser don't share my views, but she has been tapping away at some core points, in your statements. In so doing, politely, and asking for more hard substance so that she can assess, in line with her experience & education (i think); seems to make you 'bob & weave' into something far from the original point or 'cut & paste', as she puts it.

Yourself and I have not been back for a very long time and so i can only address Iran in terms of the so-called 'free western press' or 'international community', as it expounds itself daily. 'CNN-THE MOST TRUSTED NEWS' ETC...

For the record; 'nothing is free & everything has an agenda". Now you are taught that Iran is building a nuclear bomb.
Do you understand that Sadam was accused of the same thing. What happened to Iraq? Well, it is well over 1 million dead, 4 million displaced and 70% unemployment, but the word is that america pledged to withdraw..

Without getting into the plan (in detail); the plan was to conqueror Iraq, roll over Syria/Lebanon, destroy Iran and subjugate without force, the Arab gulf states, which are a party to this nonsense. They are so full of the capitalist greed & free access to blond women that their religious beliefs is similar to the charlatans/con-men that run america's christian evangelical movements. The ones that the Israeli lobby owns, and if not them, most certainly the financial lobby, which they also own.

So if you ask me about the IAEA revelations, i would say to you this much. I was not ever scared of Iran possessing a nuclear bomb. They are not my enemy or the enemy of my people in Guyana. I am scared of Isreal and their control over America and Europe, and the wars without end that you and i grew up in.

Wayne,  you are quite a fellow.  You are trying to get me to point fingers while all I am interested in doing is trying to figure out what are your plans.   I am not going to get into a cutting and pasting match with you to support your speculation.  I am much too smart for that. 

Allow me however, to copy and paste your posts and to highlight some interesting words so that just maybe you will wrap your head around the meanings:

"IAEA reported today that Iran may be working secretly on developing a nuclear warhead for a missile. If this is true, what are the dire implications for Guyana's alliance through which Iran will be searching for Uranium in Guyana?-enriched uranium is the fuel for a nuclear weapon(refer to my earlier post-Guyana embraces Iran-dangerously close). The lack of vision and foresight by the government might be déjà-vous...

VIENNA (Reuters) - The U.N. nuclear watchdog fears Iran may be working now to develop a nuclear-armed missile, the agency said on Thursday, throwing independent weight behind Western suspicions of an active Iranian weapons program.  http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61H4EH20100218

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is deafening silence from Karl and Carol pertaining to my previous post-would really like to hear from you now.

WF. .

IAEA reported today that Iran may be working secretly on developing a nuclear warhead for a missile. If this is true, what are the dire implications for Guyana's alliance through which Iran will be searching for Uranium in Guyana?-enriched uranium is the fuel for a nuclear weapon(refer to my earlier post-Guyana embraces Iran-dangerously close). The lack of vision and foresight by the government might be déjà-vous...

VIENNA (Reuters) - The U.N. nuclear watchdog fears Iran may be working now to develop a nuclear-armed missile, the agency said on Thursday, throwing independent weight behind Western suspicions of an active Iranian weapons program. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61H4EH20100218

WF

But tell me; 'Where do the children play'?-Cat Stevens /Yusif Islam.

Karl, I like that song

"When you crack the sky, scrapers fill the air.
Will you keep on building higher
Til there's no more room up there?
Will you make us laugh, will you make us cry?
Will you tell us when to live?
Will you tell us when to die?

I know we've come a long way,
We're changin' day to day,
But tell me,
Where do the children play?"

Karl, your idea about developing a thriving tourism industry is a positive step for creating jobs and generating new revenue streams for the country and local merchants-long term. Although there is eco-tourism on a very small scale, much more must be done. For instance, building a new Terminal in Georgetown to accommodate larger vessels would be necessary. This would also require dredging the mouth of the Demerara River.

 

On the other hand, tourists must feel safe and secure if such an industry were to thrive.

This means that Law enforcement must be effective and vigilante, requiring new legislation and reform, as well as infra-structure development i.e. keeping the Capital clean among other deficiencies. It would also require re-education of the local people in a new culture of acceptance and restraint. In most Caribbean nations tourists are respected and seen as revenue generators and not as targets for the criminal elements.

 

But tourism alone will not fix the deficit or create enough revenue and jobs to quell the tide of poverty and unemployment. There are many other ways to foster prosperity and growth, which are not a part of the vision of either political party. As a matter of fact, there does not seem to be any vision or plan for comprehensive nation –building by any of the political parties (22 or so).

 

Where do we go from here?

 

Guyana needs a new breed of leaders; leaders who are creative, innovative and visionary; leaders who are not shackled to the past.  For too long the archaic and ethno-centric philosophies have pervaded the political arena where the retention of power is more important than the needs of the people.

It is time for a new generation of thinkers,  fresh blood with bold ideas of hope and restoration; leaders with twenty-first century solutions to move the country forward.-Change We Can Embrace

WF.

             

A very good morning Mr. Forde!  

Again you never cease to amaze me with your analogies.  Keep them coming I guarantee we will be having this conversation again next year possibly under a different format.  I await the explanation of your vision in a more defined manner until then I will continue to do what I know how to do best and that does not involve just VISION.  

Guyana, in fact does need a lot of help and all I have seen thus far from my people is talk.  Maybe just maybe I will be pleasantly surprised one day and see a new people who understand the need to do more.

For the record Gandhi walk the talk. 

Until then Namaste.

Carol when JFK proclaimed to the world that the US would land a man on the moon, he did not have the blueprint, neither did he design the powerful Saturn V rockets that took man to the moon - vision. As a matter of fact, he did not have a roadmap on how to get to the moon .All he knew was that it was going to get done.-visionary leadership.   Instead the right brain thrust, scientists and staff were employed and commissioned to research, assess, develop and implement a plan to accomplish the mission that was only a vision-a burning desire.

 

Similarly, when Gandhi, while living in South Africa and exposed to the atrocities meted out to the Indians, envisioned an Independent state from the British, revealed his vision, he did not have a concrete and comprehensive plan-it took about fifteen years..

 

What was most important was the master-mind alliance of 200million Indians acquiescing and coalescing behind one accord, one idea to effect the change of flushing out the colonialists through Independence- a long and arduous task- a vision of India as an Independent state.  

 

But the first step was the vision and the acceptance by the masses that this was good for

them and their country. Had he focused on developing a new Constitution with Laws, government, trade, infra-structure development first, and did not procure the acceptance of this initiative by the people, all other plans would have been inconsequential- all for

naught...

 

In essence the plan evolves and reveals itself in due course, as details for implementation are condensed, evaluated and modified several times before revelation and execution... So, let us not focus on the pathology and inticacies of Management Theory, of which there are many.

We must stay on point to address the many other ills which assail the nation. Let us not intellectualize these issues into discourse of minutia, for there will be an appropriate time for that.

 

The entire system needs overhaul and sweeping reform –every Ministry, Government Agency, Public service, Social service, Education and Health -the key economic sectors(construction,manufacturing,mining,sugr, rice,agrilture,forestry,ricesugar,services)- from Domestic policy to Foreign policy –Human Rights to Labor laws; Freedom of Speech to rule of Democracy and Equal Justice for all—Crime and Corruption..

 

But the biggest change of them all is the yearning for new leaders with fresh ideas, innovative and empowering solutions- vision that will inspire and ignite new hope; transform fear and despair into possibility for renewed opportunities for the destitute, disenfranchised and powerless, voice for the speechless, food to the hungry, jobs and shelter to the poor and unemployed; peace prosperity and unity-a bright future for the next generation -Change We Can Embrace. 

 

Carol, are you willing to be an advocate for the poor; a voice for the down-trodden and oppressed, agent for abused women and children?   

 

WF

Wayne, please do not assume that by mere inquiry I am embracing change.  Let’s say I am trying to understand whether you have a plan/concept/vision that makes sense, at least to me.  My understanding of your posts, thus far, is you broach a subject, I question, you dance then you suggest that one is placing the “cart before the horse.”     

 

Today you are suggesting that we should deal with the “imperatives-reform of the legal system.”   I agree Guyana does need help in that area.  However, is this where I assume I know what you mean without questioning?  Not likely…agree....lol   So pray tell in your own words, are you talking about structural reform; judicial reform; legal system strengthening or access services.  What exactly?

 

Allow me to leave you with three theories worthy of consideration:

            a)         Trait Theory
            b)         Great Events Theory
            c)          Transformational Leadership Theory.

 

Last but not least, “When Orville Wright had a vision of a flying machine, he did not know how or where.”   Is this your idea of an analogy Mr. Forde?   Are we playing politics here?

 

 

Is it 'Carlos the Jackal' you referring to? Well i got no problem with the name, but you are wrong on the left of left tag. I don't belong to the other side that you take out your frustrations out on. That is only the other side of the same coin. The Bush enlightenment period made that crystal clear, that the west actually pays and controls both sides. You are one of the ools that believe that what you believe in is different. It actually reveals your intellect, but  i am not going to tell you that.

No it is deeper MC. Seeing so much suffering in the world and tracing it back to the status-quo that you and Wayne seem to promote, except when it is in Guyana.
I seem to remember you promoting the prowess and grandeur of one Mccain, who had as a partner ; the one Sarah Pallin, with prose that even surpassed, the great messiah that was Bush 2 to you and a whole lot more. YOUR KING OF KINGS, AS YOUR BIBLE PROMOTES, BUT IS IT FOR YOU?

Well it has been 7 + years of the occupation of Iraq, and you who bashed Obama, should be contrite, for 'you and yours never thought that it was going to be business as usual', as it is. Obama fooled you eh?

Just for the record; 'i could have told you then that that it was just the same coin flipped over'.  How does it feel to wake up and find out that Obama did not change anything that you like/He merely disguised it under cover of being a 'blackman' and all the goodwill that flowed, or the anti-bush feeling of embarrassment / humiliation that naturally flowed from this zionist messiah 8 years of superpower rule in which China gained 25 years instead of 10 on the 'greatness'.

So where are we now? Going back to the much interpreted speech of  the President of Iran supposedely saying that Israel should be wiped off the map!
That is not what he said but my point is this; You and your world is on a slide to an abyss never to return. Things might have been different for the west if they never got taken over completely by zionist financiers, who actually control the west.
When you talk of Brainwash; you must assume that i been somewhere, but actually i been right here open to the same sh.t that you lap daily. It is just that i know better, and challenge you or anyone in your split/divided camp to show some proof of all this american good.

I more than most people, want your kind to attack Iran, for all that nonsense of Muslims in SA/UAE/KUWAIT wanting this, will turn into $200+ dollar a barrel, and the west under the zionist, will disintegrate as is justly so.

And i do believe that China has no 'strategic Interests' which deal with occupying Countries to steal and rape them of their resources, but rather to trade in a fair and equitable manner.

600 years ago, Admiral Zheng He , led a fleet on the first of 7 voyages, which dwarfed Colombus and Vasco de Gama's travels. Ships 50 times the size of the Pinto, Santa maria etc..
You would not see it in the books /propaganda that you and i read, but read nevertheless for a grade in history.  Admiral Zheng He was long before their conquest and decimation of all indian tribes in South America, and evil only surpassed by Zion Inc.

I see a world devoid of vision and future, where self gratification/interests is a core belief, bottled in the west by some abstract religion, that is perceived as superior. That is only a ploy for the masses, while the plunder goes on and the mass are fed more sh.t to keep them in check.
 Hence the right to enslave coloured peoples of all the world and steal their lands, to work them for the benefit of a few. Or to turn the few like 'o-winfrey/T-WOODS/b-cosby' into mouthpieces for this , while millions/billions starve.

This vision has backfired or should i say, it is coming full circle , when those evil deeds are coming home to roost. China or many other nations never enslaved black people or many others. In fact they built the Great Wall to keep out outsiders.
Now some will surely say that this is racist, but it was not the case when it was actually built. The west occupied all that they could steal.
Can you show me a time when the west did not go uninvited to a land, and tell the inhabitants' worship our god born of jewish folklore, which says that they are the chosen of a god, unknownst, and beholden to him, and above you?
That Chinese or Palestinians decide to not accept this god, in preference to their own beliefs, is right enough to bomb and destroy them?

What is wrong with a scenario where people say; lets use our country for our benefit and take all of our resources and the money it generates for our own good?
This would include China/Iran/Venezuela etc..

All media is propaganda, but one thing is for sure; America and the west was/is doomed, after all their historical diabolical atrocities, with little or no repentance, when they allowed the Zionist to control their way of life.

A lot of people have a problem with Indians, but don't understand that for two years Isreal/America is pushing India into war with China. THEY ARE ON YOUR SIDE. Don't Bash Them!
 They play on the Indians desire to be recognised as 'white'. This would mean that India is in your evangelical-Zionist white & Oprah winfrey coalition. Yes , truth hurts.
These white friends beating Indians in Australia, like they used to beat them when i came to Canada in 1976. Australia has seen a 40% drop in Indian University applications, but India's dream is still tied to what the white man now Zion has  A PLAN in store for them. Fight the Chinese, on behalf of Zion west Inc...

Irregardless of the fact that India is walking into a minefield, i say that 'they are the West's new friend' and your friend. This does not gel with present sentiments. I suggest conferring with Uncle sam, and asking for directions, before bashing Guyana. .

In the meantime, there is nothing wrong with Guyana making friends all over the world. It shows a desire to 'think outside of the box'.

Karl, why they didn't name you Carlo eh? Karl sound so....extremist....so left of center-left....your turkey on thanksgiving musse gat two left wings to boot! That's if you recognize 'thanks-giving'. So why else would Venezuela be interested in essequibo? The rice? Bowgee gyals? Casareep? Buck bead? I don't know where you get this idea of me logging onto evangelical websites who patronize Sarah Palin, or my over-indulgence in alcoholic beverages. You are forgetting a lot of history conveniently, when you speak of removing someone from their sacred burial ground of their 'navel string'. It's a question of who was born on which cow pasture before who. Who thiefing who cow? Why is Iran a threat? Do you consider someone saying openly that they would wipe your cow pasture off the face of the earth, as an invitation to have a prime rib steak dinner with you? You, my friend are caught up in some time warp, I have said it before...and I will say it again......brainwashing does not have a rinse cycle.

Carol I am delighted to learn that you embrace change and seek more detail on the vision.

Within the context of my last article, could be found the answers to your questions. It is necessary to identify what is important, crucial, or critical as it pertains to the priority of initiatives. Whether a new facility is built in Mazaruni or the Rupununi, is not as important as dealing with the imperatives-reform of the Legal system, for it will be of no consequence to put the cart before the horse. Solutions must have some semblance of logic and order, of which, neither exists in the country.

 

In addition, ninety percent (90%) of the population live on five percent (5%) of the land (coastline)-leaving approximately 50,000 square miles (excluding rivers) to choose from.

 

Further, any new upgraded penal facility which is adequately staffed, with expanded accommodation for the increased population, could be considered State of the Art for Guyana. This also means serving the dual purpose of protecting society and rehabilitating offenders-further improvement.

 

When Orville Wright had a vision of a flying machine, he did not know how or where.

 

 

    Wf

 

 

Wayne, thanks for your response but it does not answer my questions.  I am not suggesting Guyana is not in need of a new facility (jail) or the implementation of existing laws or new laws.   I am asking you for your personal opinion regarding the need for a "State of the Art Penal Facility" in the Hinterlands. 

In NoExcuses CrossFit we have a saying that goes somewhat like this: "vision is the dream, practice is the reality and vision into practice is the bridge."

With that understanding I am encouraged to say that your vision cannot merely consist of posting results from your research it must be solidified with some rationale/justification.  Don't you agree?

Carol please read my response below:

A New Tomorrow-Believe it or not.

By Wayne Forde

2/9/10

 

Historically, the foundation and stability of every civilization have been dependent on, and integrally related to, its laws and ability to enforce such laws. Devoid of these conditions, a society rapidly deteriorates into lawlessness, as is evident in Guyana today.

Marx contended, “You cannot make old laws the foundation of a new social development, any more than these old laws created the old conditions.” (Marx: 1849).

 

Without a doubt, the Legal System and Penal System in Guyana remain in need of critical reform, but there is still hope with new visionary leadership.

The main prisons in Guyana are inadequate in accommodation largely due to financing and vision for creative solutions. The lack of qualified staff only serves to compound the problem. One surely wonders why a prison which houses dangerous criminals is seated in the heart of the Capital City, Georgetown- attraction or detraction.

 

In 1992, the Guyana Human Rights Association indicated that the prisons were overcrowded and in a deteriorating condition due to a large increase of inmate population without a corresponding expansion of facilities. A 1982 report cited the financial cost of imprisonment to the state as being a factor in the sentencing process. Today there remains the reduced tendency to sentence people although there is an upsurge in criminal activity. 

 

Antiquated Laws of Guyana-Believe it or not.

Cap 8:01

Sec: 130. Obstruction of Railway Engine or Carriage

 

Sec 143.  Setting fire to Railway Buildings

Sec 172. Stealing a tree, where growing, of value not to exceed $3 after two previous convictions.

 

Sec 352. Buggery Law.

 

Any male who, in Public or Private, commits, or is a party to the commission of, or procures, or attempts to procure, commission by any male person or any act of gross indecency with another male shall be guilty of a misdemeanor or liable to imprisonment for two years.

 

Sec 353.Everyone who:

(a)    attempts to commit buggery.

(b)   assaults a person with the intent to commit buggery.

(c)    being a male, indecently assaults another male,

shall be guilty of felony and liable to imprisonment for 10 years.

 

 

Sec 354. Buggery, either with a human being or with any other living creature, shall be guilty of felony and liable to life imprisonment.

 

      Under   Title 22, Bribery and Corruption, considered a misdemeanor, there is a sentence of three years, while Corrupt Transactions with an Agent have a 7 year penalty.

It is also interesting to note that the last execution was in 1990.

 

Now one can certainly understand why buggering is on the decline, but bribery and corruption are the preferred modus operandi for many-standard operating procedure.

The assertion could be made, with some degree of accuracy, that there exists a strange correlation between the laws governing ‘buggery’and the state of affairs in the country.

 

The US State Department observed (2003)that, Guyana, which is a part of the 1988 UN Drug Convention, needs to pass and implement additional legislation to meet its obligation under the Convention. What has changed?

 

Sweeping reforms of the Legal and Penal systems are imperative for the restoration and reconstitution of Guyana-

 

Who has the Vision for A New Tomorrow?

Change We Can Embrace.

 

WF

 

CHANGE with a challenge from GHK Lall:  "Who is committed to grappling with the demands embodied in that one tantalizing word – change?  Of lifting ourselves by the shoelaces out of the quicksand to the hilltop that is our birthright, always within reach, and yet so elusive?"

Stabroek News - 2/8/10

Dear Editor,

What is it that prompts a citizen to pick up the pen of the keyboard to address fellow citizens?  What should be his comportment?  What is he or she trying to do?  I proceed to share what these questions have come to mean to me, and how they have influenced my efforts.

Every time I face the screen, I see a mirror.  It becomes a mirror of the self with all of the hopes, dreams, ideals, disappointments, and fears.  For the sum of this reflection sees things as they are, and not as some would like for them to be seen.  This disconnect – and the ensuing collision – unleashes responses that range from disgust to outrage, and everything in between.  But facing the screen and picking up the pen, bring responsibility.

Above all, and from my perspective, there is the responsibility to be honest, to be measured, to be balanced.  To endeavour to be fair at all times.  Can it really be so?  If it is, then messages must be conveyed in the firmest of terms, but couched in the most delicate of tones, and with keen attention to accuracy.  It must be so, because these messages – and the messages within the messages – are the heart and soul of what is pursued; of near and distant objectives.

What are these objectives?  What is the writer trying to do?  Again, I can only speak for myself.

It can be distilled to a few simple points.  First, there is the situation and context.  Second, there are issues that arise from the way things have developed, or how they have been allowed to deteriorate.  Third, there is the potential for danger, even disaster.  Last, there is an urgent need to address and remedy.  Or, at the very least, acknowledge the existence of the issue as identified, and make a genuine start in employing energies and resources towards a curative process.  It is part detective, sometimes stress test, always conscience.  This is what I have laboured to transmit over the years.

Editor, there is no thrill, no gain, no value from lambasting the PPP government and the PNC opposition on the error of their ways.  It is why any thinking of “there goes Lall again” is way off the mark and misses the point.  And which is: the veil has been lifted, so here is an opportunity to implement adjustments and steadfastly attempt to fix matters, as nothing else will do.  It is because of this interest and care in the quality of our existence that I persevere.  Because I believe that if we try, really try, we can overcome.  To this end, I stand ready to work with anyone – party, person, group, or entity – full time and free (and no future reward) to bring about change.  Who wants to take me up on this offer?  Who is serious about healing wounds, mending fences, and opening doors?

Who is committed to grappling with the demands embodied in that one tantalizing word – change?  Of lifting ourselves by the shoelaces out of the quicksand to the hilltop that is our birthright, always within reach, and yet so elusive?

For me, writing and sharing have come to represent all of these things, and then some more.  It is a calling and a dream for change towards betterment.  No more, no less.

Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall

Wayne, the Hinterlands is a simple response.  Where exactly North, South, Southwestern or Central and more particularly, why the Hinterlands?

 

It is my understanding that if climate change is real it will eventually force folks from the coast to higher ground and that sounds to me like the hinterlands….It is also public knowledge that the Government is presently involved in a major agricultural drive with Spain in the Rupununi Savannahs and surrounding areas and is contemplating more of the same in other areas in the hinterlands.

 

So with that in mind, will you rethink your location or encouraged to stay that location for your “State of the Art Penal Facility”?  Why do we need a “State of the Art Penal Facility.”  Why piggy back on a pattern that does not work.  A source of reference: America.  Research what the Governor of California is proposing to do and why.  

Karl, thanks for your response.  Time is not permitting presently but I will respond in more detail to you soon.

A good day to all. 

Oh! We now gone to 'building jails'?. That 'state of the art' sounds like one of them private jails, prevalent in superpower 1. Is that the next  great outsourcing that Blackwater/usa Inc provides. And speaking of 'corruption'-As long as it is Israeli/American/west style it is not corruption or bribery, but nation building or spreading democracy. We understand that the Taliban/Terrorist/Al Qaeida can receive some $700 million if they opt for renewed-colonialism/Imperialism that now called democracy.

Anyone speaking from usa on crime prevention/maintenance need Rehab.  It is up there with helping Hati/Alganistan Women/Iraq/world peace & stability/fight against drugs & nuclear disarmament. The list is so long that you could actually get tired pushing the buttons on the keyboard, typing in the great deeds. Oh! 'Peace in the Middle East'!. Can't leave that out.
 Anyway didn't Burnham try that with National Service?

 I don't believe that i said that 'things were worse off under the colonialists', and in fact had agreed, in many previous conversations (years ago), that 'things were better before' than under Burnham. That was before i read and saw the big picture.
Without getting into how the money and economics of the west works, i would like to ask some simple questions.

How much American troops stationed in strategic spots in Guyana would it require to scale down crime to an acceptable level, so that the workforce is protected, Businesses expanded and opened and education flourishes, again?

Why does america have 800 bases around this planet?

Why does america and the west allow israel to daily thief Palestinian lands and keep millions of Palestinians in Jail, in the lands that they were born?

Why is Iran a threat?
How could one 20 year old Nigerian youth cause the entire west to go into 'labour', with millions spent, to remove more rights from you and i?
And lastly; 'where is your honor'? That self-appointed, sagey -wang soaked  justice from ?, who could not leave one sentence absent of his self importance?

'MC, is Venezuela intending to build nuclear weapons?" 'MC, with some effort and patience and less of the 'fun' stuff; you might eventually be taken seriously'. I suggest 3 things to help you focus:
1. Read some history, especially in the areas you frequent.
2. Ease up on the Evangelical-Right wing Sarah Paliin websites. Remember knowledge is not in their mission statements.
3. Beat the liquor during or after, but not before contributing to the site.

To the comment about "is it only crime'. No, it is Racism. I experienced racism in Guyana and experienced it in Canada. It is actually a lot more that that.

In my earlier post (entitled Guyana the Dream) the construction of new state of the art penal facility in the Hinterland was presented as a part of the solution. But this is not the total solution for the pervasive crime and corruption. There must also be Judicial reform, with the enactment of new stricter laws and stiffer penalties to enforce as a deterrent and applied as a punitive measure.

The discussion is interesting so far, and provides some comic relief, though, it is only through intense dialogue that there will be new innovative solutions uncovered, for the reconstitution and restoration of Guyana - Change We Can Embrace.

 

Wf.

Paper pussies??

 

JT, it appears the rule of law is either absent or ineffective.   So Jagdeo is a "paper tiger" but what of his cabinet ministers....

Because half of the population is involved at some level in criminal activity. Simple! Of course circumstances fuels crime, abstract poverty also fuels crime. Who control the armed forces of Guyana? Who control the guns in the hands of the military and police? Jagdeo is a paper tiger. Karl seems to be living close to some marijuana farm, even his garlic pork is soaked in that thing deh.....

JT:   Why incarcerate half of the population?    Don't you think circumstances are driving the lawlessness in Guyana?

For the record, I am not suggesting that I agree with lawlessness.

Wayne, can you share your personal opinion on the Guyana/Iran relationship, as you understand it or better yet tell us how you believe you can fix the porous borders, corruption, mass unemployment and the economic malaise.

Karl, your words "Guyana's problem is crime, and like so many other physically beautiful places, it festers and rots, The status -quo likes this rotting and hates the fact that other countries can rise above this crime spree, prevalent in many countries. They like it that way, for cheap labour and abundant resources, gained by paying off tin-pot dictators is what the prize really is. Well it is drying up."

Karl, I don't quite get your point here but nonetheless I am encouraged to ask if you truly feel that the only problem facing Guyana is crime. 

Is this visionary leadership for the future? maybe it is. Guyana has Uranium in the Essequibo region, one of the reasons why Venezuela is still holding onto their claim of that region. It's interesting how Iran is also working with Chavez these days, since Venezuela is also seeking ways to go nuclear. Again our little oasis might be the epicenter of some major event in the western hemisphere. Jagdeo is a socialist after all you know. It's ironic how the PPP party was/is run by capitalist people, who show so much outward animosity towards Uncle Sam's Imperialistic/capitalist system. Maybe it's just their greed that is responsible for their hypocrisy. Who knows? When Burnham and the PNC were leaning towards socialism/communism, some of you thought he was a visionary.....who could see not only inside a closed box but from a peep-hole he made to see outwards also. Since he brainwashed some of you into believing that HE, was doing it all for the collective 'good' of the country, then there was not much else to do but tighten your belts and wait to exhale. Luckily for some of us we had a rinse cycle. First things first ....in order to bring Guyana back to the conservative, civilized state it was, we need to incarcerate about half of the population. Bring back the cat'o'nine-tails, the hang-man and all the wealthy Guyanese who ran from Burnham's tyranny. Rebuild the railways, the courts, the jails, the hospitals, all with investment from the diaspora. Public companies with private investors, the way things were done before that marauding buffoon went to the obeah man from Agricola.....and proceeded to attach medals to his chest....without even in as much ever having held a paddy gun with both hands.

It was last week that  President Jagdeo denied vehemently that Iran would be prospecting for Uranium in Guyana.
There seems to be some confusion:

Last week the Chronicle reports:

Office of the President dismayed over Associated Press report
The Office of the President is dismayed at the grossly inaccurate and misleading report by the Associated Press (AP) out of Georgetown today attributing statements to President Bharrat Jagdeo that he did not make.
At no time during his press conference at the Office of the President on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, did the President say that “Iranian scientists will identify uranium deposits using updated technology” in Guyana as AP claimed.


Read Reuteurs below:
http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-45922720100204

Guyana says Iran deal no threat to U.S. ties

By Neil Marks

GEORGETOWN (Reuters) - Guyana's top diplomat denied opposition charges that an agreement to have Iran map the South American nation's mineral resources, including uranium, could hurt U.S. ties amid global worry over Iran's nuclear program.

President Bharrat Jagdeo, following a visit to Tehran last week, said that Iranian scientists will travel to Guyana to help with minerals management. Guyana has reserves of uranium and the mapping could help develop them.

Guyana's opposition said the agreement could help Iran enrich uranium. Iran's government says its nuclear program is intended for peaceful energy purposes but the United States and other nations suspect it is aimed at making nuclear weapons.

"I do not see the visit, or the areas in which Iran plans to help us, creating a conflict with the United States of America," Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkette said in an email message late on Wednesday.

She said the accord would "help us to produce our own data and better plan for the sector. It is not aimed at focusing on any particular mineral or jeopardizing the interest of any state."

Rafael Trotman, top legislator for the opposition Alliance for Change Party, said on Wednesday the Iranian agreement could fray ties with the United States, a major provider of development aid in Guyana that is financing trade, investment and governance programs.

Iran raised eyebrows last year with offers to help map uranium deposits in Venezuela, where leftist President Hugo Chavez supports Tehran's nuclear program.

The United States, Britain, Germany and France are seeking a fourth round of U.N. measures against Iran for refusing to halt uranium enrichment as part of its nuclear program, as demanded by Security Council resolutions.  Continued..

Is this  visionary leadership for the future?

WF.

So let’s simplify the poverty line for better comprehension- The Guyanese people were poor during Colonialism, poor  Post-Colonialism; poor under the PNC;poor under the PPP;poor during globalization-(third poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere) today, although it boasted high per capita and literacy during the early 70’s.Therefore,every administration had a hand in the poverty- time- line.

 

   What is the solution for the future?

We gained Independence from the British in 1966, so the unrest in 1935 must have been against the British. "Well Done!"

Burnham was with Cheddi in fighting for Independence, but he split to form his own party. There were forces that encouraged him to do this, as they encouraged other things afterwards-' the burning of Georgetown' etc.. No! Sir Ralph was not a profit-'sorry'-Prophet. He was either a white colonialist or an uncle Tom. ( I wouldn't research him , but i do know Haiti's history).

Guyana was a place that all those Islands aforementioned used to come to find work. We had everything, and really wanted for nothing.
No TV- 'WHO HEARD OF IT" Food eaten from all cultures and party galore, and peace. At that time, did anyone ever think of America/Britain or Iran/Alfganistan or Israel? Many were being extra- educated abroad and coming back to work somewhere at something. The flow was always back to country & home.

True, it was not just Guyana that had this pattern, but  'we' did all come back home'!. Under Burnham, everything started to change and Toronto Canada is the recipient of much of that change.
There are so many Guyanese that are Doctors/Lawyers/engineers etc.. in Toronto, that no one can argue of the talent that the Guyanese possess. Yes, some of those Islands might say, in defence, that 'we never run like you', and that is somewhat true. The other truth is that the Guyanese is an intelligent and hard working nation, and if we did not have to run, they would all run to us.

If every human being understood that the earth under which they are born gives you the right to live there free from any force; this world would be on it's way to trying to achieve peace. That right includes a right to benefit from that place, and all that flows from it.

We all have lived in a stolen world and been uprooted many times for the benefit of a few. This control is dying (as it should) from itself, for it was never sustainable. It is quite possible that without the Zionist taking over control of this power, to 'give it more life' that a compromise might have been reached with this west. However their liberal voices have been squelched or replaced by the likes of Tony Blair, negating participation in the future of the human race.  For them , it is war and i hope they wage it East, for they are a -waiting.
The ideology of the past, used so much on this thread, against the problems of the present, sing to a past, that will soon be forgotten and never to return.

Iran is not a threat to Guyana.If so how? Employing missiles?, teaching Guyanese to be terrorists, selling cocaine, producing pornography, producing drug addicts, teaching Farsi, taking our resources and giving nothing in return? Oh!. It's just that Bush, Blair and Obama and their boss in Israel does not like it.

Guyana's problem is crime, and like so many other physically beautiful places, it festers and rots, The status -quo likes this rotting and hates the fact that other countries can rise above this crime spree, prevalent in many countries. They like it that way, for cheap labour and abundant resources, gained by paying off tin-pot dictators is what the prize really is. Well it is drying up.

So sit back and take in lessons of so-called democracy of the 'free western press', and whip up hatred for people you never met. The white/black world against the Muslims. It is ironic that a substantial portion of the muslim populous is of black ancestry. It might just be the more enlightened half.

 

On Feb 16, 1961 in a Declassified Document on British Guiana, Sir Ralph Grey said, “In British Guiana politicians are forever looking for excuses why they cannot do something; it is the only country he knew in which a plausible excuse for inaction was an acceptable substitute for action.”

Source: Kennedy Library, Papers of Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., British Guiana - Jagan. Confidential. No drafting information appears on the source text. Transmitted to the Department of State as enclosure 5 to despatch 96

 Was this prophecy?

After the unrest in Guyana, in 1935 the Moyne Commission report showed that the cause of the unrest was poverty born of neglect- This rioting and loss of life was widespread throughout the British Caribbean Colonies.

In 1950 when Dr.Cheddi Jagan formed the People’s Progressive Party,one of the most prominent leaders of the party was Linden Forbes Burnham, a Guiana Scholar who had returned to the colony in 1949.Together, Burnham and Jagan convinced the people of Guiana that only Independence could save them from future poverty. (The making of Guyana).

 Sixty years after this declaration, the country remains in a similar state while other Caribbean Colonies have dug themselves out of the cauldron of poverty to a greater extent-GDP...

After 44 years of Independence the claim by both Jagan and Burnham is a proven fallacy. Moreover, both leaders had individual opportunities at moving the country forward—  

What happened?

Was Sir Ralph a prophet?

It is only through a concise understanding of history that one would have a clear perspective of truth and allow for wounds to be healed and unity to prevail, so that we can have Change We Can Embrace...

 

WF.

We can never move forward if we can not break the chains around our necks. Burnham thinking 'outside the box'is giving me an urge to pop two ant-acid tablets...without water! Burnham had good intentions for Guyana? Or was it a certain sector of the Guyanese population? Sorry, but your racism always filters through. Bubbles to the surface of your fermenting crockpot. This so called poor performance by Guyana is based on the continued dependence on sugar, rice, bauxite and agricultural exports. One major reason why Cuba, and so many other third world nations are perpetually poor. There is an invisible economy in Guyana, just one look at the amount of money being sent into Guyana for the cocaine being sold on the world market. Isn't that income? How can someone make an analogy on geographical data, about the gross domestic product of a country? I agree with most of Karl's points, why is it not right to allow technological help from a country like Iran? Burnham had the Russians, Chinese, Cubans, Indians, Africans all give their ideas on how to feed clothe and house our nation by 1976.....Burnham is single-handedly responsible for this degeneration of our nation/culture/education system. The railway lines were an immediate catatrophy.....this my friend takes a longer period of incubation. Guyana was stripped of it's core values and people. To praise Burnham in this day and age only shows how tribalistic some of you fools continue to be. yet you rant and rave about 'doing something' for Guyana. We are a lost tribe. headless and lost.

Well, I think that the poor performance of Guyana has a direct correlation to the entire middle class that fled the country, in the reign of LFS Burnham, both you and me, and many thousands more. That exodus in the 70's, fit Bob Marley's hit to a tee, except that it was different peoples, in a different time and in a different place.

In those days, governments throughout the West Indies and Africa used to play the west against Russia (Socialism) and who paid more got top billing. The west did not want the Indian Socialist and so we ended up with Forbes.

Now Forbes put all his henchmen in power positions to run Industries that needed some background in academics. Please note that at this time Guyana had the 6th highest literate population in the entire world. Nevertheless, as the Guyanese saying goes; 'money dun fun dun"!. Forbes Burnham and his backers destroyed Guyana.

 The 'fair skinned' contingent who had backed Burnham in the burning of the 'coolie' business, actually left before the exodus , aforementioned. We all soon followed. It was not Russia or China that put Burnham in, but the Cia and Britain, just like Papa & Baby Doc in Haiti. They're records speak for itself.

I do believe that there are certain people that perceive their only way forward is on the backs of the very same evil that dislodged them from their native lands. That is all well and good for them, but they must have an understanding that others, through more recent struggles, (similar to theirs in the past), look for alternatives.

For the record; Burnham never thought outside the box, for he never had the vision to see what is happening today.  Today, the guns that have been used to thief & enslave the world is becoming obsolete. Yes, it is still used against the ones that are powerless to fight back, but it is becoming smaller, killing more, but enslaving fewer.

For 60 years after the blacks slaves in Haiti had fought and gained freedom, good ole usa refused to recognized Haiti as a state. Their first priority was keeping blacks enslaved.
Between 1900 to 1960 the USA invaded and ran Haiti and then put Papa Doc in power. Yesterday,the us stopped the transfer of patients to america, because after the photo ops, somebody got to pay for the medicine. It will start again for the public ops they hope to gain, is suffering slightly, at the behest of reality.

The greatest threat to Guyana is America that  continues to suck the resources out of other countries for their 1% rich, and to keep your bosses in Isreal taking more land from the natives that have always lived there.

The bosses are now heading to China with India the new 'army' that they will equip, to fight the 'good wars'. But better yet; ' Does that not make you/rs a friend of the Indian"?

And what has Iran done to you lately?

Another fine mess as the plot thickens in the Guyiran -Gate.
Office of the President dismayed over Associated Press report
The Office of the President is dismayed at the grossly inaccurate and misleading report by the Associated Press (AP) out of Georgetown today attributing statements to President Bharrat Jagdeo that he did not make.

At no time during his press conference at the Office of the President on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, did the President say that “Iranian scientists will identify uranium deposits using updated technology” in Guyana as AP claimed.

A release last evening from the Office of the President said, “ This is totally inaccurate and the Office of the President urges AP to immediately retract and correct the report by its Georgetown correspondent who was not even at the press conference.

“For the record, President Jagdeo said Iran has agreed to deploy its world class geo-scientific techniques to help Guyana accurately map its mineral wealth deposits and an Iranian mission is due here soon to begin working with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission on the project.

“The President noted that because Iran is in a very active earthquake region, it has developed world class geo sciences labs and uses the same science employed to predict earthquakes to map mineral potential and resources.

“Guyana has long lacked this capability and because of the absence of data on its mineral resources, it has relied on investors to seek prospecting licences and then develop a project in a “hit and miss way”, he said.

“The Iran offer opens new vistas and the President said GGMC Head, Mr. William Woolford, is excited about the prospects.

“There was no mention of “uranium deposits” or any other mineral and the Office of the President deplores this disgustingly misleading report aimed at sensationalism.

“The President also reported that Iran will provide Guyana with a US$1.5M grant for the health sector and did not say that Iran will send doctors to fill shortages at state hospitals as AP claimed.

“The Office of the President hopes that AP will take the necessary course to avoid a repeat of such despicable reporting by its Guyana correspondent,” the Office of the President statement concluded.

Wayne, can't speak for Mr. Luck but I am not interested in pointing fingers or rehashing old history.  Let's talk about something that concerns most of us.  What is your plan for fixing Guyana?

A book worth reading: Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA by Tim Weiner

After 44 years of Independence, Guyana still remains A Highly Impoverished Country (HIPC). Why?

It was a British Colony like many other Caribbean countries and exposed to a similar Western economic and political framework and strategies.

Here are some: facts:

Barbados-GDP-US5.279billion

Trinidad-GDP US$28.6 billion

Jamaica- GDP US$23.36billion

Guyana-GDP US$2.973billion

(CIA Factbook)

 

All three of these countries could fit comfortably in Guyana and have been exposed to similar global conditions. Jamaica and Trinidad had four more years of Independence from British rule, than Guyana.

 

What do you think accounts for this poor performance by Guyana?

(Clue)-Forbes Burnham had good intentions for Guyana, but implemented some disastrous foreign and domestic policies i.e. nationalization and banned 100 items and so on.

. He was thinking outside the box also-vision.

 

Wf

 

 

Wayne,  please please do not be so hasty and re-read my posts.   I am still trying to make sense of the relationship but don't know enough to engage critical thinking so far be it from me to be emotional and suggest that Jagdeo's relationship with Iran is bad because of the position we take in America. 

However, I do know that America will step up to the plate should Guyana experience any major catastrophe.   More importantly, you seem to have a plan why not discuss instead of dancing.

 

The President said "Guyana's economic diplomacy will move from an emphasis on only North America and Europe to one that encompasses Brazil, China,India and the Middle-East". Now what's wrong with that?

However, if you looking to buy guns and want to cooperate in a war, any war;  then look to the status-quo Israel/America, for that is their main export and in many cases, the only export.

Now just who has the Persians (Iran) attacked lately? Well, Iran last had a war some 15 years ago, attacked by Iraq. In those days SADAM was America's friend. The west supplied the guns back then.

Iran is a threat because it exercises soverignity over it's land, so that it's oil ,gas and resources could be used for it's people. Iran is not a servant  to the real terror, and as such is called a terrorist, by the self appointed of ? What is it these days? Freedom/Democracy,Free Tibet, free internet???
Guyana can never be Haiti, but America and France is more responsible for that impoverished place far more that anyone else. Just check Haiti's history. The least they could do is help to fix it. It would be nice to see something fixed, instead of destroyed, for a change.
Glad to see Guyana thinking outside the Box, after all nobody got nothing good to show for 200 years of Colonialism/Imperialism and now ZIONISM.

http://www.stabroeknews.com/2010/letters/01/26/with-state-visit-to-iran-president-jagdeo-has-put-guyana%e2%80%99s-reputation-at-risk/

Carol on 1/24/201, you wrote the following:

Wayne, I am still trying to ‘make sense’ of this relationship.   I will take the liberty of posting the words of Shawm Mangru in Stabroek News who appears to be thinking big picture:

 

On 1/26/10(two days later) you wrote:

“I feel that Guyana can bolster an economic relationship with any country they see fit.   The problem will come when the agenda changes and I don't understand that to be the case presently.    Nonetheless, America will always be willing to offer humanitarian services.”

 There is an obvious contradiction in these statements which would certainly warrant an explanation on your position. One has to be decisive and choose left or right-flip-flopping is highly discouraged and is a sure sign of indecisiveness.

Further, there is effective foreign policy and detrimental positions as Forbes Burnham learnt when he nationalized foreign owned companies and banned 100 or more imported items.

 

‘That the US will always be there to offer Humanitarian Aid’ is questionable, when overt attempts to form alliances with rogue states form the basis of a country’s ideology.

Iraq and Afghanistan were once allies of the US. What changed those  relationships?  

 

Please enlighten me as to what ‘makes sense’(initial statement) suddenly in a period of two days.

 

WF.

Wayne, I am afraid I can't say the same.   Where are these people voicing their opinions?  I have read several Caribbean and local newspapers and everyone is pretty much handling the issue as status quo. 

I feel that Guyana can bolster an economic relationship with any country they see fit.   The problem will come when the agenda changes and I don't understand that to be the case presently.    Nonetheless, America will always be willing to offer humanitarian services.

After receiving hundreds of responses on the Guyrangate-Guyana/Iran,there will be a follow-up article on UNDP involvement in the development of Guyana.

Carol it is also interesting to note that on October 29, 2009- the US Embassy in Georgetown donated US$50,000 in Medical Supplies from the US Military to Health Minister Bheri.Ramsaran.(US State Dept).

WF.

Wayne, I am still trying to make sense of this relationship.   I will take the liberty of posting the words of Shawm Mangru in Stabroek News who appears to be thinking big picture:

"Look at the catastrophic situation in Haiti. The American government has initially committed $100M for immediate food and medical supplies, with more to follow. Donations from corporations and fund-raising activities have already raised over $150M. The special fund set up by former Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush is expected to raise $1B. And the charitable organizations like the Red Cross are already spending millions. We are talking US dollars here, not Guyana dollars.

Like I said, in case of a national catastrophe who would you rather have as a friend in your corner, the USA or Iran? You cannot have both.

This concerns all of us. We should tell President Jagdeo and the PPP in no uncertain terms  that this relationship with Iran is bad for the people.

Yours faithfully
Shawn Mangru"

However, I will reserve judgment until I truly understand Mr. Jagdeo's objectives.

Guyana Moves Dangerously Close to Iran.

By Wayne Forde.

  

1/22/2010

 

The President of Guyana, Bharat Jagdeo, was complimented by the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Hoseini Khamenei, at a meeting in Tehran on Thursday, for his posture and policy towards the West. Jagdeo was praised for his ‘independent’ foreign policy as it pertains to the US and other Western countries.

 

In his response Jagdeo said: “Despite its geographic proximity with America, Guyana has an independent policy and we are ready to make use of Iran’s experience in all fields.”  

It is quite apparent that there will be an alliance between Iran and Guyana, although the implication of ‘making use of experience in all fields’ is quite confounding. What does it really mean?

 

 Is Guyana poised to host/engage in unsavory activities?

A question the US State Department, Homeland Security, INS and the CIA might be contemplating about now.

 

In earlier remarks, Mr. Jagdeo criticized the USA for its handling of the Haiti disaster.

 

This shift in foreign policy towards Iran has its inherent hazards, and one would question the wisdom and rationale for such a bold and abrasive move. It is not clear what the benefits of such an alliance would offer Guyana, but the precarious nature of this relationship poses many negative ramifications-perilous under most circumstances. The move to distance itself from the US and the West is again questionable foreign policy.

 

Guyana is a country plagued with numerous development challenges, and has seen continued out-migration (brain-drain), a prevalence of HIV/AIDS, crime, corruption and economic stagnation. Though the country is rich in natural resources, vast mineral wealth and arable land, it still remains the third poorest country in the Western Hemisphere with staggering unemployment and Human Trafficking, as well as, serving as a transshipment point for narcotics.

 

Much like Haiti, Guyana has not been without foreign assistance.USAID has contributed hundreds of millions in aid-2005, $43 million, 2006, $52 million, 2007, $48 million, 2008, $68 million...

 

USAID has been involved in improving Guyana’s economic competitiveness through the implementation of Market-led approaches to Guyana firms to increase their visibility in North American and European Markets. USAID initiatives helped to identify buyers and penetrate markets; enable distribution and support chains to respond to Market opportunities. What will happen when this aid is taken away? Guyana is too small and impotent, economically and otherwise to antagonize the countries in the West-EU and North America and hope to thrive in a global economic framework.

 

PEPFAR was also supported by USAID with the focus of strengthening healthcare and the public healthcare system-coordinating and collaborating assistance among key players; including Governmental agencies and donor agencies.

 

Guyana’s alignment wit Iran sends a clear signal to the West that it supports the

policies of Iran in spite of serious violations of UN Security resolutions. 

 

Iran was designated a state sponsor of terrorism because of its activities in Lebanon and elsewhere. The US, UN and EU imposed economic sanctions and controls because of its nuclear weapons ambition and involvement in terrorism.

 

UN Security passed several resolutions (1696, 1747, 1803, and 1835).

IAEA resolutions (1737, 1477, and 1803)-nuclear and ballistic missile programs...

The US Executive Order (13382) was passed for proliferation activities.

Executive Order (13224)-designation for support of terrorism.

 

Will Guyana find itself on a terror watch list?

 

Guyana and Iran share some common ground i.e. Guyana sits on the Tier 2 watch list for human trafficking and Iran sits on a Tier 3 list.

 

Iran has other issues- environmental in nature-deforestation, overgrazing, salination, water pollution, oil pollution of the Persian Gulf. Are these some of the experiences the Guyana government will make use of?   

 

With brain-drain a serious problem in Guyana the question might be asked-Who is left to advise Mr.Jagdeo and what part of these resolutions are unclear?

 

Is this the symptom of a failed domestic policy, a failed foreign policy, or that of a desperate nation which has run out of options?

 

Based on this posture, certainly Guyanese can also look forward to a thriving future alliance with North Korea.

 

Is Guyana being positioned to replace Haiti?

 

In a few years Haiti will rebuild. With massive economic, financial and technical assistance from around the world, it will become a thriving  prosperous nation-no longer the poorest in the world.

 

Guyana is the likely candidate to take the top spot on the list of poorest nations.

During the Burnham administration, an ill-conceived program to nationalize foreign owned companies was implemented-Alcan, Bookers and others. Little did foresight inform the Government that antagonizing the foreign powers could alienate a country economically and otherwise. As a consequence, Guyana found it difficult to sell its products, including bauxite, sugar, rice etc, to North American and European Markets at a fair market price. Other countries refused to invest in Guyana, which resulted in a lack of foreign exchange. The country deteriorated rapidly and mass migration ensued. (Around 1975-76, I espoused this view in a Patrick Dargan Essay competition for teens-wish I had kept this hand-written piece). Though I thought it was a brilliant piece of writing back then, it did not place in the competition-too anti-revolutionary.

 

The stage is being set once again for the alienation of Guyana as the process of antagonizing the Western countries-(vital markets for exports and investment) is set in motion.

Changing the economic climate in Guyana requires establishing new markets and bolstering existing ones- retention not loss; growth not retardation, increase not decline.

 

But this can only be achieved through new visionary leadership; fresh blood with bold innovative ideas and a clear vision for the future-leadership that will empower and invigorate; unify and harmonize for Change We Can Embrace.