Dear Editor,
I am sure you know by now the PPP Government is rolling out its relief measures for farmers who were affected by the floods. Also, the Government has been coming in for praise and commendation from the farmers.
As expected, some of the farmers’ names did not feature on the various lists. These farmers were told that, once they make a verifiable claim, the authorities would reach out to them. Other farmers had legitimate concerns which could be addressed properly if they are willing to wait on the system.
Suddenly, an AFC activist started to make claims on social media that caught the attention of his Opposition colleagues. These divisive politicians are circulating these comments to justify their own narrative of non-support and corruption.
Editor, while I agree with people voicing or expressing their feelings about issues relating to transparency, there is a time and place for it. These people have to take the right approach and channel to get an audience with the right persons and authorities, if they want the issue addressed. They must not go on Facebook and other social media platforms to make accusations. It is not advisable.
Secondly, I do not think Mr. Christopher Jones, Ganesh Mahipaul, and Sherod Duncan should be saying anything about this cash relief to the farmers. They are the last Parliamentarians I expect to talk about accountability, transparency, and corruption.
As Parliamentarians, these politicians and the APNU/AFC cabal should know how to verify and sanitise these claims. If they have any integrity, then they would stop sharing these posts.
They could pick up the phone and call a Minister to let them know what is happening.
They also can use the Parliament to ask questions about the criteria used to come up with these names. But do not spread falsities about the project to get cheap political points.
Finally, this relief will benefit 52,000 households. It is expected to have some hiccups, but responsible politicians would not behave in this lewd, cunning, and selfish manner. Stop stirring the pot and making public mischief!
Yours truly,
Attiya Baksh
