The Soviet Union, of which Russia was the dominant part, like the United States, has played an important role in the politics of modern Guyana. Many in Guyana have a residual sympathy for Russia. Some equate that sympathy with positive sentiments for the regime of Vladimir Putin, ignoring the fact that the unmistakable tenor of authoritarian and oligarchical rule that pervade it is contrary to the sentiments that most Guyanese have fought against and now hold dear. Apart from its undemocratic features, President Putin maintains close relations with the most rightwing figures and regimes in Europe that are not only similarly authoritarian in nature but are racist and Islamophobic in practice. But Russia deserves some consideration over and above the nature of its government and the quality of its ruling class and foreign associates. This consideration should not in any way justify or support its devastating war on Ukraine, launched in violation of international law and rightfully condemned worldwide.
Continue reading “THE SURVIVAL OF RUSSIA AS WE KNOW IT AND THE CONSEQUENCES”PRESIDENT CHARGES POLICE TO UP ITS GAME
The theme of the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Annual Police Officers Conference held during last week was “Promoting improvement of public trust and confidence, maintaining safety and security through competence, professionalism and partnership.” Against the background of this theme, President Irfaan Ali urged the GPF to up its game. He told the Police that the Government is going to invest in them so that homes and businesses will become safer places. He promised tools to do the job, the best environment and the best facilities, enhancement of forensic and investigative capacity, improved technology and intensification of regionalization. President Ali gave recognition to the fact that all is not well with the GPF. Thus, he recognized incidents which have brought the GPF into disrepute and hurt its attempt to improve its relations with the public. He expressed the need for interventions to boost public confidence in its work and improve its relations with communities and citizens.
Continue reading “PRESIDENT CHARGES POLICE TO UP ITS GAME”CIVIL SOCIETY
Civil society began to attain prominence about fifty years ago as non-state actors outside the political and business communities. The World Bank defines civil society as “a wide array of organisations: community groups, non-governmental organisations [NGOs], labour unions, indigenous groups, charitable organisations, faith-based organisations, professional associations, and foundations.” Under generally accepted principles of democracy and accountability, civil society organisations are expected to have a membership, rules, and objectives. Their leaderships are elected periodically and report to their memberships. In the area of which I am most familiar, the Guyana Bar Association would be considered as a prime example of a civil society organization. There are several other professional organisations in existence which generally confine themselves to their mandated areas.
Continue reading “CIVIL SOCIETY”UNRAVELLING THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE
Russia long-expected land, sea and air invasion of Ukraine on Thursday last is to be condemned. It occurred amidst speculation in the West that President Putin’s ambition is to restore the Russian or Soviet empire of the past. The narrative suggests that he is starting with Ukraine which he claims was always part of Russia and, such being the case, it is now incumbent on the West to do everything it can to stop Russia’s aggression, blackmail, bullyism and attack on democracy by an authoritarian oligarchy.
Continue reading “UNRAVELLING THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE”THE BRIGHT CENTURY BECKONS GUYANA, BUT WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME, AND WHEN?
The spectacular possibilities that await Guyana were revealed at the recently concluded Oil & Gas conference. Government spokespersons, led by President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, and other officials, revealed plans, set out priorities and declared objectives. The head of Exxon talked about the possibilities of the oil industry and its growing potential. Not only will production increase but discoveries will multiply. The official estimate of reserves is 10 billion barrels, the unofficial 13. Guyanese can begin to think realistically of a potential of 20 billion and hope for 30 billion.
Continue reading “THE BRIGHT CENTURY BECKONS GUYANA, BUT WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME, AND WHEN?”