Michelle Obama’s speech: an aftermath that is contextual in Guyana’s tragedy

Dear Editor,
At the opening of the Democratic Convention, former First Lady Michelle Obama said, “Donald Trump is the wrong president for our country. He has had more than enough time to prove that he can do the job, but he is clearly in over his head. He cannot meet this moment. He simply cannot be who we need him to be for us. It is what it is.”
While looking directly into the camera and meant for the eyes of the viewers, she set a tone that will amplify the strength of a purpose, one that will reverberate the determination that will overflow in the 2020 election campaign. Guyana’s election may be over, but the repercussions are certainly not over, and there will be overspilling consequences.
Her words perhaps resonate an aftermath speech that is contextual in Guyana’s tragedy, and certainly reflect the stigma that Guyanese have had to endure, not only for the past five months, but for the past five years. The life span of Mr. Granger in office has proven that he was not the right person to lead this nation; and indeed, he was allotted more time than necessary to prove his worth, but he was certainly grappling with more than what was delivered on his plate. The fast pace and high volume that is currently demanded from a quick track, progressive and astute manager, he certainly was found wanting in all the deportments and departments.
Unfortunately, his calibre does not justify the desires of this generation’s needs, and as such, both quality and quantity are certainly lacking and limited. Also, all the shortcomings, deficiencies, defaults, flaws and imperfection from his party members did not help him either, and contributed to his demise and helped to expose his weaknesses and inadequacies.
All the speculations: whether he is the master or the puppet, whether he exercises any control or is being controlled, whether he is a robot or rubber stamp, and whether he is just a figure head or the architect; perhaps all of these assumptions are meaningless until the dust is settled from the internal wrangling of the party and we are presented with the final outcome. A number of members will not take the matter lying down quietly, as already witnessed by the numerous angry outbursts and expressions of dissatisfaction. Let us wait and see whose steel is really sharp, and when all is said and done, many will remain vexed, dissatisfied, remorseless, and there may be a temptation to entertain retaliation.
Indeed, there was a lack of empathy by the caretaker administration, and apart from ignoring the popular will of the people, Guyanese interests were castigated and shunned, regardless of which side of the divide anyone belonged to. The welfare of the people was certainly overlooked, and no priority was given. But the select few were allowed to live the good life, and their selfish needs were satisfied due to their greed for only retaining power and taking care of their well-being and securing their future. All this occurred at the expense of the poor and deprived tax payers, who continued to sink deeper into poverty and starvation.
When the PPP/C Party took office, only then all the atrocious activities began to unfold and reveal exactly who were really benefiting and why the state of the economy is so bankrupt. Will the Guyanese people demand a thorough and rigid investigation, or will the supporters of the APNU/AFC Party remain still in a muffled voice and accept what the cabals did without any objection? How can the conscience of any rightminded person purporting honesty and integrity not want the truth to be established and understand why they were being fooled and taken for a ride?
Michelle Obama had further pinpointed what is so relevant and appealing to each Guyanese when she expounded, “I know that regardless of our race, age, religion, or politics, when we close out the noise and the fear and truly open our hearts, we know that what’s going on in this country is just not right. This is not who we want to be.” Her message was twofold. Perhaps her intention was aimed to connect with the American people, while at the said time her heart was with the Guyanese people, expressing her relief from a tormented past and a hope for future optimism.
Indeed, Guyanese do need to wake up, smell the freshness of the coffee that can revive the urge for survivability in a unified atmosphere that is conducive to peace, progress and prosperity. The sense of fairness and justice must once again activate the minds of all, and no discriminative feeling must be allowed to penetrate the heart of any loving Guyanese.
This is the only way forward, and Guyanese will not rest until justice is served and the renewed goals are realised.

Respectfully,
Jai Lall