The time has come for someone to put his foot down

Dear Editor,
This year, Rosh Hashanah began at sunset on Friday and ends at sunset on Sunday. It’s the start of the Jewish month of Tishrei, or Tishri, which falls in September or October, according to the Gregorian calendar.
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year, and is filled with shared meals and prayers among loved ones. Celebrations include special treats such as apples or challah bread dipped in honey; prayer services and Torah readings on both mornings; and the lighting of candles in the evenings with appropriate blessings. Happy Rosh Hashanah.
Laying down the law in the movie “Animal House” (1978), Dean Vernon Wormer (John Vernon) expostulated, “The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.” That is exactly the type of decision Guyana needed to catapult it from a state of despair to a state of exaltation. That is exactly what Secretary of State Mike Pompeo did when the cabal led by the “sanctimonious gangster” David Granger refused to allow GECOM to conduct its business without interference by engaging the services of Mingo and his rigging, and Lowenfield and his mathematical fabrication, to obstruct the operation of arriving at an election recount result in a legitimate process.
Guyana, Guyanese, PPP/C Party, the other opposition parties and the national and international community proclaimed, “Enough is enough.” They were over their heads with the preposterousness of the bullies who were thwarting democracy in Guyana and undermining the exercise of law and order by flaunting the rules and regulations that governed the constitutional rights of society.
Granger and his syndicate of rebels proved to be an affront to the welfare of this nation, and they were progressing on a course to seize financial and political power by establishing a state of pariah and govern the country by illegitimately seizing control. Luckily, in the nick of time, the combined outcry from the outer world and the guardian of justice prevented the establishment of dictatorship by Granger and his villainous members.
This was all possible because of the direct impetus of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was expertly guided by US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch. The combination of her diplomatic and aggressive sagacity in the forefront of the fight for the rights of Guyanese will long be remembered, along with the selfless sacrifices from the other diplomats from the ABCEU and Caricom.
Had it not been for the blunt and effective implementation of immediate sanctions by Secretary Mike Pompeo, incorporating visa restrictions for all who usurp justice and undermine GECOM’s function and thwart democracy, Guyana could have still been in a state of siege, and held ransom by the dictates of Granger and his band of merry men.
The entire country is thankful to Secretary Pompeo and his associates for saving Guyana from the state of doom-and-gloom, and the people of Guyana cannot sufficiently register their heartfelt thanks to express their sincere appreciation for his help.
It is a relief to note that Secretary Pompeo has included governance and citizen security on his agenda. The destabilisers are still engaged with their heinous activities, and there is still more need to curb their appetite. When the safe security of this nation is under attack by internal perpetrators, the safe security of the American and other diplomats is also under attack. Again, we say, ‘Welcome to you, sir, and your entourage. We hope your stay will be a pleasant and memorable one, so that the beauty of Guyana and its people will leave an indelible print in your diary’.
Guyana is now progressing on a new adventure with the freshness of an innovative and articulate leader, one who has the support cast of experienced intellectuals who are ready, willing, and culpable of overcoming the many hurdles that were planted in their path by the reckless and irresponsible mismanagement of a past carefree administration. This youthful Government has the colossal task of bridging many wide gaps and breaking dangerous barriers that were planted like mines on a desolate beach.
A nation suppressed for the past five years has further gravitated into the waiting hands of corrupt politicians, and has seen its rights being sold out by those in charge of managing its affairs. Faith and trust have been eroded by greed and greasy hands.
It is unfortunate that the oil and gas contracts were signed without the knowledge of Guyanese, and some US$55B were left behind on the table, thanks to a lousy 2% royalty agreement signed by Trotman. Isn’t this classified as high treason?
Trotman now has the sagacity to speak in Parliament about, “We do not lose our dignity and self-respect and trade our sovereignty”. He is hurting all sides of the political divide, especially the small man-in-the-street, who is struggling to be a real man, so that he can provide for his family and give them the good life to live.
Compared with international standards and other oil agreements agreed upon by ExxonMobil in other countries, this amount of royalty remains insufficient. Our neighbour Suriname has a 6.5% agreement.
Guyana calls on the goodly gentleman who represents fairness, impartiality and justice, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to meditate, and mediate using his good office to ensure that the plight of the poor Guyanese is not taken for granted and the American company does not exploit the disadvantages of this nation.
In this respect, Guyana can be self-sustainable and self-sufficient, and there may only be minimal leveraging of her wealth from her natural resources to provide for her future.
America is in no mood to tolerate any form of dictatorship in any part of the world, and as such, the Secretary’s presence serves to underscore the assurance for the safety and security of the visiting nations. As such, Guyana’s defence remains fragile and vulnerable to potential invasion from more powerful sources, especially in the wake of its oil resources.
In the interest of both countries, America needs to be the “Big Brother” and watch over Guyana’s sovereignty.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s commitment to this effect is most welcoming. It is noteworthy that the destabilisers, the thwarters of freedom, the democracy-busters, the racial-inciters, tongue- twisters, the liars and deceivers, election riggers, fraudsters, cheaters, mathematical geniuses, the vulgar displayers, the abusers, propagandists, contract swindlers, corrupters, schemers, land thieves, financial abusers, and all the other unscrupulous dealers were ignored and momentarily cast in abeyance as a censure for reprimand to follow.
From the movie “Animal House”, there was one last warning from Dean Vernon Wormer (John Vernon): “You’re not walking out of this one, mister! You’re finished! No more Delta! You’ve bought it this time, buster! I will call your national office! I will revoke your charter! And if you wise guys try one more thing, I am kicking you out of this college! No more fun of any kind!”
Thank you, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and entourage for your courteous visit. We appreciate all your good gestures and commitments. Guyana looks forward to solidifying the two countries’ relationship for mutual development and taking care of each other’s interest. We hope your stay was enjoyable, and the people of Guyana wish you and your family well. We hope to welcome you again in the future, perhaps in a higher portfolio then. May God bless you, and do enjoy the rest of your trip as you return safely to the land where dreams become a reality.
Respectfully,
Jai Lall