Subject: Letter to Editor
Date: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 14:48:08 -0400

Dear Editor,
I would like to comment on the recent articles in both the SN and KN , reporting Mr.Corbin's statements concerning the revelations by Mr.Trotman and the AFC , that, there are ongoing "secret" talks between the PPP and PNC and furthermore, Mr.Trotman's insinuation that there is something sinister in such talks. The PNC and the PPP are not mistake-free and guilt-free in the history of Guyanese politics but the deep schism between them is the primary cause of our nation's troubles, both in the past and down to the present; but there has always been a dialogue between them and a reluctance to take Guyana to a everlasting political/racial conflict which would have made us poorer and more devastated than the worst parts of Haiti. As a teenager, I remember, during the Dark Period of the early 1960s, when the PNC and PPP were engaged in spreading violence, my godfather, Forbes Burnham, and my father,Chedddi Jagan both met on several occasions secretly(they even went to the seawalls some evenings) to ,I am sure, contain the violence. As recently as 1985, these great Guyanese leaders met to discuss a coalition government of the PPP/PNC, and Mr.Trotman, as a former leading luminary of the PNC, has to be aware of these historical events; he also has to be quite aware that his party's six seats in Parliament with single digit support at the 2006 polls , with the present constitutional arrangements, is really a ticket to no-where. So why is Mr.Trotman so opposed to Mr.Corbin asking and seeking shared governance, which is what we really need and why is he attacking Mr.Corbin for alleged talks with the PPP(especially when shared governance will hopefully get the AFC a chance to participate in a government of national unity) ? .The answer is simply that even though the AFC wants us to believe that it's about change, it really is about politics-as-usual and a power seeking mentality aggrandized by what they perceive as wider support in the next elections, which will never happen.
Editor, if one looks at Northern Ireland and the shared governance between the Protestant and Catholic sides, (after years of terrible violence ,bloodshed and mayhem)which is working quite well for the people of that country, one cannot help but come to the conclusion, that Mr.Trotman is willing to risk national unity and a united effort for a better future, just for small gains for the AFC. Coalition and shared governance has been a success story in many countries faced with deep racial, tribal, religious or communal problems and Mr. Trotman knows
that quite well. Guyana fits into the group of conflict ridden countries where shared governance is the urgent answer to that of majority rule and where everyone will feel a part of development; did Mr.Trotman leave the PNC because he is against everyone getting a piece of the pie? I want to take this opportunity to compliment Mr.Corbin on his stand in exposing the anti-national characteristics which have come to the surface in the AFC's propaganda and rumour mongering ; trying to capitalize on the perceived weaknesses (splits?) in the PPP and PNC by derailing success in shared governance. We, the Guyanese people need advancement and betterment in our daily lives and the concept of a government which will represent all sections of our country is indeed a sacred principle and one which needs to be encouraged and if the PPP and PNC hold talks, either secret or open, to bring peace, stability and a better life for us , then right on ! Mr.Trotman is way off the mark and should be careful in his statements because the Guyanese people are very politically smart and will reduce their support to his party.
Editor, the AFC tries to make us , the Guyanese citizens , believe that they represent a cross section of the Guyanese electorate when in fact, they have failed to bridge the racial/political gap in our divided electorate; the false assumptions which the AFC have drawn have been a direct result of the media coverage which gives that Party a lot more press and exposure than it really deserves for the single digit support it has. The AFC supporters should stop and ask themselves if the factors entwined in the wisdom of the Carter Center in demanding a shared governance approach, the hard work of our former leaders to find a common ground and the present divisions in our society, should not lend themselves to applauding both the PPP and the PNC, if, in fact, they are indeed trying to find accommodation , common ground and a new dispensation for the people of our dear country.

Yours faithfully
Cheddi(Joey)Jagan(Jr.)

YU Rass gun get TK mad now. Single digit Party.

'These great leaders met in 1985 etc' Was Burnham around in 1985?

quote:

As recently as 1985, these great Guyanese leaders met to discuss a coalition government of the PPP/PNC, and Mr.Trotman, as a former leading luminary of the PNC,

Yours faithfully

Cheddi (Joey) Jagan (Jr.)

Trotman was fully aware of the issue regarding the PNC, yet he elected to join and then later leave the PNC.

Tarron Khemraj stated on GNI that Trotman formed the AFC.

Are Khemraj Ramjattan, Peter Ramsaroop, Tarron Khemraj tokenism and "window-dressings" for Trotman's AFC party??

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

TK -- Posted February 04, 2010 01:11 PM

He did more than apologizing...he formed a political party and took on the useless PNC/PPP.


GNI reference thread -- AFC launches misinformation campaign. Iran not in GY to seek Uranium.

http://guyanafriends.com/eve/f...60604972/m/662108314

quote:

Originally posted by Alexander:

'These great leaders met in 1985 etc' Was Burnham around in 1985?

LFSB passed away on 06 August, 1985.

quote:

Editor, the AFC tries to make us , the Guyanese citizens , believe that they represent a cross section of the Guyanese electorate when in fact, they have failed to bridge the racial/political gap in our divided electorate; the false assumptions which the AFC have drawn have been a direct result of the media coverage which gives that Party a lot more press and exposure than it really deserves for the single digit support it has.

Yours faithfully

Cheddi (Joey)J agan (Jr.)

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

TK -- Posted December 09, 2009 10:00 AM


The AFC is a multiethnic political party. It's Blueprint recognizes the need for reconciliation for economic DEVELOPMENT IN ONE GENERATION! We shall propose Constitutional reforms for this task. There is no tokenism in AFC. We do not need rubber stamp Indos, Afros, mixed folks and Indigenous peoples. PNC and PPP need rubber stamps as they cannot define their identity and actually deny the ethnic implications.


GNI Thread: -- Dr. Tarron Khemraj Joins AFC's Economic Team

http://guyanafriends.com/eve/f...60604972/m/403106183

Tarron Khemraj stated that the AFC is a multiethnic party.

quote:

Editor, -- the false assumptions which the AFC have drawn have been a direct result of the media coverage which gives that Party a lot more press and exposure than it really deserves for the single digit support it has.

Yours faithfully

Cheddi (Joey) Jagan (Jr.)

quote:

Originally posted by TK

TK -- Posted December 08, 2009 02:55 PM

I have no doubt that we can turn this ship around for the better.

We have wasted so much time since May 26, 1966. 2011 is the post-colonial emancipation from the backwardness and uselessness of the PPP and PNC.


GNI thread: -- Dr. Tarron Khemraj Joins AFC's Economic Team

http://guyanafriends.com/eve/f...60604972/m/403106183

Tarron Khemraj appears to feel that his new-found presence would propel the AFC to perhaps:

1. Power of Balance -- Increase the support by at least 2.5 times ( 8% X 2.5 == 20% ) and gain about 13 to 15 seats.

2. Form the Government -- Increase the support by at least 6.5 times ( 8% X 6.5 == 52% ) and gain about 33 to 35 seats.


QUESTION:

What specific political goodwill and support Tarron Khemraj has with the Guyanese voters, orgnizations, societies, etc., to increase the AFC support from the 8%?

The problem with most of our aspiring politicians is their inability to effectively connect, communicate, relate and articulate with the average Guyanese electorate, and the more educated they are, the more obvious the disconnect. Cheddi and Forbes were probably the only two exceptions.

quote:

DEM_GUY: Tarron Khemraj appears to feel that his new-found presence would propel the AFC to perhaps:

1. Power of Balance -- Increase the support by at least 2.5 times ( 8% X 2.5 == 20% ) and gain about 13 to 15 seats.

2. Form the Government -- Increase the support by at least 6.5 times ( 8% X 6.5 == 52% ) and gain about 33 to 35 seats.


QUESTION:

What specific political goodwill and support Tarron Khemraj has with the Guyanese voters, orgnizations, societies, etc., to increase the AFC support from the 8%?

Thought I answered this question before. The short answer is AFC is bigger than me. Moreover, we can only answer your question with an independent scientific poll. More importantly the election outcome will be the deciding point for me. So hold on and let's see how this works.

Joey is missing some points. I agree there has to be power sharing. However, it will be better to have national discussions and change the Constitution for this purpose. It cannot be secret to satisfy the ambitions of specific leaders. In addition, it is the PPP which continually pins small parties like AFC to PNC. But quietly it is in bed with PNC.

to begin , the terminologies and words used needs to change .

Power sharing is not what Guyanese desire . A democracy of inclusion is what they more desire

Coalition sounds weak , lame perhaps, shared governance is better.

Guyana's political lexicon has to be changed to accommodate progressive thinking and facilitate civil discourse .

Both the PPP and PNC need to review their political philosophies and re-invent themselves to meet modern challenges .

quote:

Originally posted by Demerara_Guy:

quote:

Editor, the AFC tries to make us , the Guyanese citizens , believe that they represent a cross section of the Guyanese electorate when in fact, they have failed to bridge the racial/political gap in our divided electorate; the false assumptions which the AFC have drawn have been a direct result of the media coverage which gives that Party a lot more press and exposure than it really deserves for the single digit support it has.

Yours faithfully

Cheddi (Joey)J agan (Jr.)

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

TK -- Posted December 09, 2009 10:00 AM


The AFC is a multiethnic political party. It's Blueprint recognizes the need for reconciliation for economic DEVELOPMENT IN ONE GENERATION! We shall propose Constitutional reforms for this task. There is no tokenism in AFC. We do not need rubber stamp Indos, Afros, mixed folks and Indigenous peoples. PNC and PPP need rubber stamps as they cannot define their identity and actually deny the ethnic implications.


GNI Thread: -- Dr. Tarron Khemraj Joins AFC's Economic Team

http://guyanafriends.com/eve/f...60604972/m/403106183

Tarron Khemraj stated that the AFC is a multiethnic party.

The AFC will use and abuse this ass Tarron Khemraj and after they lose the election he will be kicked like a dutty rag to the curb..they using him as window dressing.

Dr Bharat Jagdeo is capable of dealing with people like Dr Khemraj.

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

DEM_GUY: Tarron Khemraj appears to feel that his new-found presence would propel the AFC to perhaps:

1. Power of Balance -- Increase the support by at least 2.5 times ( 8% X 2.5 == 20% ) and gain about 13 to 15 seats.

2. Form the Government -- Increase the support by at least 6.5 times ( 8% X 6.5 == 52% ) and gain about 33 to 35 seats.


QUESTION:

What specific political goodwill and support Tarron Khemraj has with the Guyanese voters, orgnizations, societies, etc., to increase the AFC support from the 8%?

Thought I answered this question before. The short answer is AFC is bigger than me. Moreover, we can only answer your question with an independent scientific poll. More importantly the election outcome will be the deciding point for me. So hold on and let's see how this works.

Trotman's AFC party has about 18 months to gain an additional 12 to 44% support to hold the balance of power or form the next Government after the 2011 scheduled elections.

Indications are and I have often stated that, after the scheduled 2011 elctions, Trotman's AFC party might not even be able to maintain the 8% support from the 2006 elections.

Here is a plausible projection ... based on your statement on the lack of scientific polls to gauge the support for Trotman's AFC party.

Granted that the AFC still enjoys 8% support as of December 2009. The AFC needs, as a minimum, to have the following percentage of votes to hold the balance of power ( 20 % ) or form the next govrnment in 2011 ( 52% ):

February, 2010 -- 9.2 to 12.4%
April, 2010 -- 10.4 to 16.8%
June, 2010 -- 11.6 to 21.2%
August, 2010 -- 12.8 to 25.6%
October, 2010 -- 14 to 30%
December, 2010 -- 15.2 to 34.4%
February, 2011 -- 16.4 to 38.8%
April, 2011 -- 17.6 to 43.2%
June, 2011 -- 18.8 to 47.6%
August, 2011 -- 20 to 52%

It is inconceivable that Trotman formed his AFC party to either gain the balance of power or indeed form the next government, and he does not have polls conducted on a regular basis to gauge his standings with the electorate.

quote:

Originally posted by SuperMike:

quote:

Originally posted by Demerara_Guy:

quote:

Editor, the AFC tries to make us , the Guyanese citizens , believe that they represent a cross section of the Guyanese electorate when in fact, they have failed to bridge the racial/political gap in our divided electorate; the false assumptions which the AFC have drawn have been a direct result of the media coverage which gives that Party a lot more press and exposure than it really deserves for the single digit support it has.

Yours faithfully

Cheddi (Joey)J agan (Jr.)

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

TK -- Posted December 09, 2009 10:00 AM


The AFC is a multiethnic political party. It's Blueprint recognizes the need for reconciliation for economic DEVELOPMENT IN ONE GENERATION! We shall propose Constitutional reforms for this task. There is no tokenism in AFC. We do not need rubber stamp Indos, Afros, mixed folks and Indigenous peoples. PNC and PPP need rubber stamps as they cannot define their identity and actually deny the ethnic implications.


GNI Thread: -- Dr. Tarron Khemraj Joins AFC's Economic Team

http://guyanafriends.com/eve/f...60604972/m/403106183

Tarron Khemraj stated that the AFC is a multiethnic party.

The AFC will use and abuse this ass Tarron Khemraj and after they lose the election he will be kicked like a dutty rag to the curb..they using him as window dressing.

Gaumattie - Gaumattie - Gaumattie Singh - a name and incident to remember.

Trotman's AFC party had indeed displayed, through this first opportunity/occasion, the CHANGES and transparency it is advocating for Guyanese and governance for Guyana.

quote:

Originally posted by Nehru:

Dr Bharat Jagdeo is capable of dealing with people like Dr Khemraj.

Does a Doctor doctor a Doctor according to the doctrine of the Doctor doctoring the Doctor, or according to the doctrine of the Doctor being doctored.

quote:

DEM_GUY: Gaumattie - Gaumattie - Gaumattie Singh - a name and incident to remember.

Trotman's AFC party had indeed displayed, through this first opportunity/occasion, the CHANGES and transparency it is advocating for Guyanese and governance for Guyana.

Gaumattie was a mistake. But here are some fatal ones we should focus on to make Guyana better!

1. Not reforming the police/army as at Oct 5, 1992.

2.Asking a drug pusher to fight crimes. What are the quid pro quo.

3. The financing of LCDS has crashed.

4. Failure to plan to have enough canes to feed the new sugar factory.

5. Not having a visionary economic strategy since Oct 5, 1992.

6. Cussing America in Iran.

7. Telling the nation you are married but never sign a document.

8. Cussing Eusu Persaud.

9. Giving concessions to one company without Parliament approval. Cussing C. Ram for pointing this out but then had to go to Parliament and pass laws to offer a company (owned by the President's friend) the concessions.

10. Failure to address concerns of financial misdeeds in auditor general report.

11. Failure to move the Demerara/W. Berbice estates into renewable energy.

quote:

DEM_GUY: Trotman's AFC party has about 18 months to gain an additional 12 to 44% support to hold the balance of power or form the next Government after the 2011 scheduled elections.

Indications are and I have often stated that, after the scheduled 2011 elctions, Trotman's AFC party might not even be able to maintain the 8% support from the 2006 elections.

Yet another shallow attempt to spread disunity in the ranks of the AFC. Trotman does not see AFC as his party...rather it is a team effort to make Guyana better.

quote:

DEM_GUY: The AFC needs, as a minimum, to have the following percentage of votes to hold the balance of power ( 20 % ) or form the next govrnment in 2011 ( 52% ):

The party with the highest % vote forms the government. And all alliances MUST be formed before the election.

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

DEM_GUY: Trotman's AFC party has about 18 months to gain an additional 12 to 44% support to hold the balance of power or form the next Government after the 2011 scheduled elections.

Indications are and I have often stated that, after the scheduled 2011 elctions, Trotman's AFC party might not even be able to maintain the 8% support from the 2006 elections.

Yet another shallow attempt to spread disunity in the ranks of the AFC. Trotman does not see AFC as his party...rather it is a team effort to make Guyana better.

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

TK
Location: Bradenton, FL

Posted February 04, 2010 01:11 PM

He did more than apologizing...he formed a political party and took on the useless PNC/PPP.


GNI reference thread -- AFC launches misinformation campaign. Iran not in GY to seek Uranium.

http://guyanafriends.com/eve/f...60604972/m/662108314

he formed a political party == Trotman ==> Your own words.

quote:

NEHRU: Dr Bharat Jagdeo is capable of dealing with people like Dr Khemraj.

SOme of us were not given anything on a platter. Some had to do 60 course credits + write comprehensive exams + do oral defense and write + write dissertation that is publishable + defend finished dissertation.

quote:

DEM_GUY: he formed a political party == Trotman ==> Your own words.

Yes he formed a NEW party with Ranjattan, Sheila, Gerhard, Hugues, Boyo, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

DEM_GUY: Gaumattie - Gaumattie - Gaumattie Singh - a name and incident to remember.

Trotman's AFC party had indeed displayed, through this first opportunity/occasion, the CHANGES and transparency it is advocating for Guyanese and governance for Guyana.

Gaumattie was a mistake.

Indeed a mistake reflecting the AFC's CHANGE and transparency for Guyana and Guyanese.

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

DEM_GUY: he formed a political party == Trotman ==> Your own words.

Yes he formed a NEW party with Ranjattan, Sheila, Gerhard, Hugues, Boyo, etc.

Your statement is very explicit ...

he formed a political party == Trotman ==> You made NO INITIAL reference to others.

For me these are much more SERIOUS than the Gaumattie mistake. They speak volumes of the level of transparency and incompetence in the PPP.

1. Not reforming the police/army as at Oct 5, 1992.

2.Asking a drug pusher to fight crimes. What are the quid pro quo.

3. The financing of LCDS has crashed.

4. Failure to plan to have enough canes to feed the new sugar factory.

5. Not having a visionary economic strategy since Oct 5, 1992.

6. Cussing America in Iran.

7. Telling the nation you are married but never sign a document.

8. Cussing Eusu Persaud.

9. Giving concessions to one company without Parliament approval. Cussing C. Ram for pointing this out but then had to go to Parliament and pass laws to offer a company (owned by the President's friend) the concessions.

10. Failure to address concerns of financial misdeeds in auditor general report.

11. Failure to move the Demerara/W. Berbice estates into renewable energy.

quote:

DEM_GUY: Your statement is very explicit ... he formed a political party == Trotman ==> You made NO INITIAL reference to others.

Your sinister motives are explicit for all to see.

quote:

Originally posted by TK:
For me these are much more SERIOUS than the Gaumattie mistake. They speak volumes of the level of transparency and incompetence in the PPP.

1. Not reforming the police/army as at Oct 5, 1992.

2.Asking a drug pusher to fight crimes. What are the quid pro quo.

3. The financing of LCDS has crashed.

4. Failure to plan to have enough canes to feed the new sugar factory.

5. Not having a visionary economic strategy since Oct 5, 1992.

6. Cussing America in Iran.

7. Telling the nation you are married but never sign a document.

8. Cussing Eusu Persaud.

9. Giving concessions to one company without Parliament approval. Cussing C. Ram for pointing this out but then had to go to Parliament and pass laws to offer a company (owned by the President's friend) the concessions.

10. Failure to address concerns of financial misdeeds in auditor general report.

11. Failure to move the Demerara/W. Berbice estates into renewable energy.

This indeed is the most important and serious challenge for the AFC:

Gaining traction to secure electoral votes to have the balance of power or form the next government in 2011.

Granted that the AFC still enjoys 8% support as of December 2009. The AFC needs, as a minimum, to have the following percentage of votes to hold the balance of power ( 20 % ) or form the next govrnment in 2011 ( 52% ):

February, 2010 -- 9.2 to 12.4%
April, 2010 -- 10.4 to 16.8%
June, 2010 -- 11.6 to 21.2%
August, 2010 -- 12.8 to 25.6%
October, 2010 -- 14 to 30%
December, 2010 -- 15.2 to 34.4%
February, 2011 -- 16.4 to 38.8%
April, 2011 -- 17.6 to 43.2%
June, 2011 -- 18.8 to 47.6%
August, 2011 -- 20 to 52%

It is inconceivable that Trotman formed his AFC party to either gain the balance of power or indeed form the next government, and he does not have polls conducted on a regular basis to gauge his standings with the electorate.

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

DEM_GUY: Your statement is very explicit ... he formed a political party == Trotman ==> You made NO INITIAL reference to others.

Your sinister motives are explicit for all to see.

What is sinister about showing/referncing your exact words, statements???

The challenges are great indeed. The PPP has lotto funds to abuse. It buys of people. Furthermore, these are serious challenges facing a new government.

1. Not reforming the police/army as at Oct 5, 1992.

2.Asking a drug pusher to fight crimes. What are the quid pro quo.

3. The financing of LCDS has crashed.

4. Failure to plan to have enough canes to feed the new sugar factory.

5. Not having a visionary economic strategy since Oct 5, 1992.

6. Cussing America in Iran.

7. Telling the nation you are married but never sign a document.

8. Cussing Eusu Persaud.

9. Giving concessions to one company without Parliament approval. Cussing C. Ram for pointing this out but then had to go to Parliament and pass laws to offer a company (owned by the President's friend) the concessions.

10. Failure to address concerns of financial misdeeds in auditor general report.

11. Failure to move the Demerara/W. Berbice estates into renewable energy.

quote:

Originally posted by TK:
The challenges are great indeed. The PPP has lotto funds to abuse. It buys of people. Furthermore, these are serious challenges facing a new government.

1. Not reforming the police/army as at Oct 5, 1992.

2.Asking a drug pusher to fight crimes. What are the quid pro quo.

3. The financing of LCDS has crashed.

4. Failure to plan to have enough canes to feed the new sugar factory.

5. Not having a visionary economic strategy since Oct 5, 1992.

6. Cussing America in Iran.

7. Telling the nation you are married but never sign a document.

8. Cussing Eusu Persaud.

9. Giving concessions to one company without Parliament approval. Cussing C. Ram for pointing this out but then had to go to Parliament and pass laws to offer a company (owned by the President's friend) the concessions.

10. Failure to address concerns of financial misdeeds in auditor general report.

11. Failure to move the Demerara/W. Berbice estates into renewable energy.

The voters would render their vrdict in the scheduled 2011 elections.

quote:

DEM_GUY: What is sinister about showing/referncing your exact words, statements???

It is SINISTER because one sentence does not make a context...especially since I have said here many times Ramjattan/Trotman/others formed the AFC. Hey, we can read you quite well. I shall be happy to point out your sinister motives.

quote:

DEM_GUY: The voters would render their vrdict in the scheduled 2011 elections.

Correct...if they vote on issues I say the AFC stands a good chance to form the government and given these.

1. Not reforming the police/army as at Oct 5, 1992.

2.Asking a drug pusher to fight crimes. What are the quid pro quo.

3. The financing of LCDS has crashed.

4. Failure to plan to have enough canes to feed the new sugar factory.

5. Not having a visionary economic strategy since Oct 5, 1992.

6. Cussing America in Iran.

7. Telling the nation you are married but never sign a document.

8. Cussing Eusu Persaud.

9. Giving concessions to one company without Parliament approval. Cussing C. Ram for pointing this out but then had to go to Parliament and pass laws to offer a company (owned by the President's friend) the concessions.

10. Failure to address concerns of financial misdeeds in auditor general report.

11. Failure to move the Demerara/W. Berbice estates into renewable energy.

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

DEM_GUY: The voters would render their vrdict in the scheduled 2011 elections.

Correct...if they vote on issues I say the AFC stands a good chance to form the government and given these.

The Guyanese people are smart ... remember your observations on that aspect.

And indeed they would vote on issues on the next composition of the seats to political parties.

The reality for the AFC is that it needs between 20 to 52% of the votes to achieve its goals ... a far cry from the 8% in 2006.

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

DEM_GUY: What is sinister about showing/referncing your exact words, statements???

It is SINISTER because one sentence does not make a context...especially since I have said here many times Ramjattan/Trotman/others formed the AFC. Hey, we can read you quite well. I shall be happy to point out your sinister motives.

Expressing different views for the same items/topics is unfortunately your challenge and indeed handicap.

quote:

DEM_GUY: Expressing different views for the same items/topics is unfortunately your challenge and indeed handicap.

I have 18 columns in SN and several letters in the press since 1998. You are free to go through them and see whether they are inconsistent and speak of a handicap.

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

DEM_GUY: Expressing different views for the same items/topics is unfortunately your challenge and indeed handicap.

I have 18 columns in SN and several letters in the press since 1998. You are free to go through them and see whether they are inconsistent and speak of a handicap.

you can have 500 columns in the SN and all the education in the world but if this leads you teaming up with a bunch of losers/rejects then what mind is that...try pick a spot on your body and prep it for the kick from Tratman.

quote:

Originally posted by SuperMike:

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

DEM_GUY: Expressing different views for the same items/topics is unfortunately your challenge and indeed handicap.

I have 18 columns in SN and several letters in the press since 1998. You are free to go through them and see whether they are inconsistent and speak of a handicap.

you can have 500 columns in the SN and all the education in the world but if this leads you teaming up with a bunch of losers/rejects then what mind is that...try pick a spot on your body and prep it for the kick from Tratman.

HOw many Intellectuals joined the intellectual bankrupt PPP in the past year?

TK should ask himself why Trotman broke his promise to Gaumattie Singh, a former ROAR executive like himself. The views of ROAR were deemed racist by people like Trotman and Nigel Hughes. TK would have to tread lightly with these guys. Don't expect them to not have any reservations for people coming from Ravi Dev's ROAR. Both Hughes and Trotman are smart and politically savvy. They are not going to get carried away with TK speaking articulately about the AFC's economic plans.

Myth,

Don't get too excited about the AFC 8% showing at the last polls. They are not going to be in government a couple years from today. Your cup of AFC soup is far away.

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

I have 18 columns in SN and several letters in the press since 1998. You are free to go through them and see whether they are inconsistent and speak of a handicap.

The choice is yours, TK.

If indeed you are serious this time to engage with a structured debate/discussion on specific issues, we can then proceed under accepted guidelines.

Specific to Guyana and its economic issues/perspectives, two sentences/opinions provide a profound insight on your conclusions. That might be a starting point.

You are noted for expressing challenges for debate/discussions only to “run away” plus to engage with name-calling, ridiculing, expressing non-relevant items/issues plus injecting personal attacks/inferences, telling others that you know more than them, telling others that you can teach them, touting your grade scores, degrees, qualification plus references to your papers/articles, etc., to bolster your position. That trait is evident on GNI plus your letters to Editors. etc.

It is unfortunate that GNI’s options do not allow for the retention/storage of all threads, when needed. Consequently referenced threads might not be available, due to attrition, to identify your differing and contradictory views.

I am aware of your published information on GNI and other sources.

Let the western-trained economist help the State of Florida solve its problems with housing, unemployment, migrating population, crime, and drugs.

quote:

DEM_GUY: The choice is yours, TK.

If indeed you are serious this time to engage with a structured debate/discussion on specific issues, we can then proceed under accepted guidelines.

Specific to Guyana and its economic issues/perspectives, two sentences/opinions provide a profound insight on your conclusions. That might be a starting point.

You are noted for expressing challenges for debate/discussions only to “run away” plus to engage with name-calling, ridiculing, expressing non-relevant items/issues plus injecting personal attacks/inferences, telling others that you know more than them, telling others that you can teach them, touting your grade scores, degrees, qualification plus references to your papers/articles, etc., to bolster your position. That trait is evident on GNI plus your letters to Editors. etc.

It is unfortunate that GNI’s options do not allow for the retention/storage of all threads, when needed. Consequently referenced threads might not be available, due to attrition, to identify your differing and contradictory views.

I am aware of your published information on GNI and other sources.

I have given you a challenge and choice. GNI is part-time and informal stuff. If you want to debate start writing some letters under your real name. We can take it from there. I have columns and numerous letters since 1998 - respond to them. Tell us what you dislike. Some of these recent columns are premised on some deeper points I have made in peer-reviewed articles and on a long literature in my field.

quote:

BILLY: TK should ask himself why Trotman broke his promise to Gaumattie Singh, a former ROAR executive like himself. The views of ROAR were deemed racist by people like Trotman and Nigel Hughes. TK would have to tread lightly with these guys. Don't expect them to not have any reservations for people coming from Ravi Dev's ROAR. Both Hughes and Trotman are smart and politically savvy. They are not going to get carried away with TK speaking articulately about the AFC's economic plans.

You should also ask the question why did Gaumattie walk out on ROAR. Why don't you ask Ravi Dev as you seem to have sudden deep and loyal support for the man.

quote:

SM: you can have 500 columns in the SN and all the education in the world but if this leads you teaming up with a bunch of losers/rejects then what mind is that...try pick a spot on your body and prep it for the kick from Tratman.

I do not work for dishonorable men and women. Hence, I will never work for or with PPP. Should the AFC be obliterated I plan to plant bora and wiri wiri, mine goats and write books.

quote:

Originally posted by Nehru:
YU Rass gun get TK mad now. Single digit Party.

TK has been mad for some time now.. he made the wrong decision to support the AFC in an advisory capacity. There is still time for him to do the right thing and take my advise. Stay out of Guyana's politrics.

quote:

Originally posted by Alexander:
'These great leaders met in 1985 etc' Was Burnham around in 1985?

Joey is trying to sneak his way back into Guyana's political fold. In any shared Government, It will need a Joey Jagan to bridge the racial gap.

quote:

Originally posted by Mara:
The problem with most of our aspiring politicians is their inability to effectively connect, communicate, relate and articulate with the average Guyanese electorate, and the more educated they are, the more obvious the disconnect. Cheddi and Forbes were probably the only two exceptions.

TK ia arrogant. he can never relate to those things with his Dankey Kart Mentality.

Rama,

I see you enjoy the dankey cart. Here you go...

The nature of a donkey-cart economy
JUNE 15, 2009 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER LETTERS

Dear Editor,

Several opinions have been expressed recently in the letter columns ranging from the appropriateness of the Jagdeo Administration’s economic policy agenda (see Mr. Emile Mervin in SN 29-05-09; Dr. Henry Jeffrey in SN 08-06-09), the contribution of remittances to development (Dr. Prem Misir in SN 02-06-09), and the ethnic conflict logjam (Dr. Henry Jeffrey in SN 08-06-09).

I hope to use this letter to synthesize this discussion and situate it within the framework of a possible economic policy agenda for Guyana. I have recently argued that Guyana is jammed in a low-level developmental trap that I have labelled as a donkey-cart economy (SN 25-03-09). In this letter, I wish to formalize the definition of the donkey-cart economy and then briefly propose the policy tool kit that is necessary to get Guyana out from this perpetual low economic status. The letter concludes that the ethnic conflict within the context of a bi-communal society is the primary binding constraint preventing Guyana from progressing from the status of a donkey-cart economy to a corolla economy, to a Camry economy, to an Avalon economy, and finally to the Lexus economy.

The donkey-cart economy has the following characteristics:

1. The production of goods that are at the low end of the global hierarchy of products. In other words, we produce things that people really can do without. Our products are not as special as we would like to believe; not even in CARICOM, let alone the world.

2. Given number 1, it means the income elasticity of demand for the country’s primary exports is small. Meaning as world income (and CARICOM’s income) increases the demand for the country’s products will not rise accordingly. Sugar, for example, is clearly a product that fits the production profile of donkey-cart cart economy. Let’s face it, there is a finite amount of sugar the rich can consume (as a matter of fact, the rich might consume less sugar and sugar-related products as it is one way to stay slim). On the other hand, as the world gets richer we all consume more energy. Therefore, a superior strategy to save the Demerara estates would be ethanol and of course the bi-product of baggasse.

Furthermore, the Jagdeo Administration’s REDD strategy and low carbon development strategy are too narrow and are not likely to impact directly on job creation and industrial development. In addition to the REDD, what the country needs is to develop a bio-energy industrial base with cane sugar as a feedstock for this industrialization. However, the low carbon development strategy should be seen as only one policy measure in a portfolio of industrial policies necessary to raise the welfare of the masses.

3. The production structure of the donkey-cart economy is mainly in the form of low productivity goods and petty services. For instance, immediately after Mr. Hoyte’s ERP the country
stopped producing soaps, toothpaste and similar small consumer items and left it to the local importer in the name of liberalization. The country also destroyed its local plywood making firm and replaced it with a foreign multinational. In a donkey-cart economy it is never a good idea to destroy your manufacturing base no matter how inefficient and trivial it might seem. You have to work with the capitalist class in a industrial policy framework to make the manufacturing base superior.

4. The production structure is made up of products that allow little room for learning by doing, innovation and technological change – the critical ingredients for long-term growth in per capita GDP and higher living standards.

5. Remittances prop up private consumption and create a false sense of success among government officials and the masses.

6. Remittances and underground economic activities indirectly feed foreign exchange into the domestic foreign exchange market from which the central bank (BOG) buys to accumulate foreign reserves (a required target under the IMF’s financial programming). Thus, remittances help to maintain the IMF/WB’s much touted macroeconomic stability (there have been several pro-government letter writers promoting macroeconomic stability as a great achievement). Therefore, a donkey-cart economy can be stable with relatively low inflation (owing to exchange rate stability) as is the case with Guyana. But this notion of macroeconomic stability is narrow, short-term in focus, and does not imply a success on the production/supply side of the economy. This point will take a full academic paper to explicate.

7. The donkey-cart economy imports most of what it consumes. Thus remittances are mobilized by economic actors and are used to make payments for imports of even basic consumer items (some of which we stop producing after the ERP). Therefore, unlike what some IMF/WB literature have argued and have been cited in the local media (see Dr. Prem Misir in SN 02-06-09), remittances are highly unlikely to lead to productive domestic investments in the Guyana context.

8. The donkey-cart economy exports most of its skilled and educated workforce. According to the OECD, Guyana exports 83% of its skilled population (the highest percentage among developing economies). Hence, there is the depreciation of the human capital base, which is a critical ingredient for long-term growth and development. Furthermore, the depreciation of the human capital base also involves the downgrading of the entrepreneurial and risk taking base. Of course, the contribution of human capital to growth (of high quality) is well explicated by endogenous growth theory. Moreover, Guyana is not India and is unlikely to earn the touted brain gain (as Dr. Misir has assumed) as in the Indian case.

9. The government significantly depends on foreign aid and finance from IMF/WB/IDB and bi-lateral aid donors. Even small projects depend on these sources of financing. For instance, the CARICOM building and the Convention Centre were built by grants (with aid-tying I am sure).
10. The government depends on IMF/WB for policy advice and analysis.

Since 1988 – in collaboration with the IMF – the Guyana government has focused primarily on the short-term concept of macroeconomic stability. There has been success on some aspects, however. In addition to price stability, several structural and institutional reforms have been put in place such as financial sector liberalization, the VAT, and several legal reforms to facilitate business activities to name a few. These are the standard policy recommendations from the International Financial Institutions. Implicitly, they are premised on the notion that once the structural and institutional reforms are put in place – along with price stability – the markets and private sector will do the rest on the production/supply side. However, that’s a problematic view and the evidence would suggest that the production structure has not changed since 1988.

Therefore, what is required is a holistic industrial policy framework as outlined by economists like Ha-Joon Chang and Dani Rodrik. It is here where I disagree with Mr. Jeffrey that policy does not matter in the Guyana context (see Jeffrey in SN 08-06-09). An industrial policy framework is fundamentally different from central planning under the Burnham era. It is different from the very general National Development Strategy and certainly different from palliative set of anti-poverty strategies embedded in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper. It is very different from Mr. Hoyte’s ERP, which really were standard neo-liberal policies that contributed to the evaporation of the nascent manufacturing enterprises. To outline an industrial policy applicable to Guyana will take an entire research paper.

On the other hand, I agree with Jeffrey that the binding constraint facing Guyana is ethnic politics in a bi-communal setting (Mr. Ravi Dev has explained over the years that there are two ethnic security dilemmas in a bi-communal society like Guyana – the African and the Indian ethnic security dilemmas). While industrial policy is necessary, along with macroeconomic stability, to push Guyana forward and upgrade its production structure, this very policy toolkit will be impeded by the non-cooperative outcomes engendered by the titivated 1980 Burnham Constitution, the PPP’s democratic centralism, and the ethnic security dilemmas in a bi-communal setting. Why? Because industrial policies, which typically involve unconventional measures, will need the support and involvement of all ethnic groups. Therefore, unless this binding constraint is reversed, industrial policy is not likely to succeed, and the status of a donkey-cart economy is likely to linger indefinitely.

Is there a great leader who can pull the country together under a holistic and comprehensive industrial policy framework addressed at reversing the 10 characteristics of a donkey-cart economy so that the Guyanese people can obtain some dignity after all the years since May 26, 1966?

Tarron Khemraj

quote:

Originally posted by TK:
Joey is missing some points. I agree there has to be power sharing. However, it will be better to have national discussions and change the Constitution for this purpose. It cannot be secret to satisfy the ambitions of specific leaders. In addition, it is the PPP which continually pins small parties like AFC to PNC. But quietly it is in bed with PNC.

TK, as I said before you are dreaming.

You just can't say Increase AFC's support to 15% and hold the balance of power. You also cannot say Change the constitution and they will change it. You cannot expect the party in Government to make changes in the opposition's favour. The only problem in Guyana is in the minds of those who craved for power.

quote:

RAMA: TK ia arrogant. he can never relate to those things with his Dankey Kart Mentality.

I am not arrogant. But I am fierce when defending my position. However, when wrong I apologize. And when faced with new information I update my views.

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

RAMA: TK ia arrogant. he can never relate to those things with his Dankey Kart Mentality.

I am not arrogant. But I am fierce when defending my position. However, when wrong I apologize. And when faced with new information I update my views.

Good for you! Do you know that you are wrong about the AFC?

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

DEM_GUY: The choice is yours, TK.

If indeed you are serious this time to engage with a structured debate/discussion on specific issues, we can then proceed under accepted guidelines.

Specific to Guyana and its economic issues/perspectives, two sentences/opinions provide a profound insight on your conclusions. That might be a starting point.

You are noted for expressing challenges for debate/discussions only to “run away” plus to engage with name-calling, ridiculing, expressing non-relevant items/issues plus injecting personal attacks/inferences, telling others that you know more than them, telling others that you can teach them, touting your grade scores, degrees, qualification plus references to your papers/articles, etc., to bolster your position. That trait is evident on GNI plus your letters to Editors. etc.

It is unfortunate that GNI’s options do not allow for the retention/storage of all threads, when needed. Consequently referenced threads might not be available, due to attrition, to identify your differing and contradictory views.

I am aware of your published information on GNI and other sources.

I have given you a challenge and choice. GNI is part-time and informal stuff. If you want to debate start writing some letters under your real name. We can take it from there. I have columns and numerous letters since 1998 - respond to them. Tell us what you dislike. Some of these recent columns are premised on some deeper points I have made in peer-reviewed articles and on a long literature in my field.

Peer review does not mean that your views and opinions are the ultimate and definite ones.

Your articles and letters to the Editors were already discussed/debated by other who indeed have different ideas than yours.

You have some good ideas, some are at par and many are at sub-par to those who engaged with responses to your articles.

quote:

RAMA: Good for you! Do you know that you are wrong about the AFC?

No I am NOT wrong about the AFC. If people vote according to issues (and not race/fear) the AFC will form the next government.

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

RAMA: Good for you! Do you know that you are wrong about the AFC?

No I am NOT wrong about the AFC. If people vote according to issues (and not race/fear) the AFC will form the next government.

The AFC does not have any issues that were not addressed by the PPP. The AFC stole the PNC's issues and are propagating them as their own..

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

RAMA: Good for you! Do you know that you are wrong about the AFC?

No I am NOT wrong about the AFC. If people vote according to issues (and not race/fear) the AFC will form the next government.

The AFC does not have any issues that were not addressed by the PPP. The AFC stole the PNC's issues and are propagating them as their own..

What are those issues?

quote:

RAMA: The AFC does not have any issues that were not addressed by the PPP. The AFC stole the PNC's issues and are propagating them as their own..

The PPP has no strategy etc a pie in the sky US$580 mill per year. The PNC is worse!! Show proof the AFC stole anyone's ideas.

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

RAMA: The AFC does not have any issues that were not addressed by the PPP. The AFC stole the PNC's issues and are propagating them as their own..

The PPP has no strategy etc a pie in the sky US$580 mill per year. The PNC is worse!! Show proof the AFC stole anyone's ideas.

Read the PPP's and the PNC's election manifestos for the past three elections.

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

RAMA: The AFC does not have any issues that were not addressed by the PPP. The AFC stole the PNC's issues and are propagating them as their own..

The PPP has no strategy etc a pie in the sky US$580 mill per year. The PNC is worse!! Show proof the AFC stole anyone's ideas.

When you migrated tpo the US, How much did you walk away with?

You people owe Guyana and you own them big..

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

RAMA: The AFC does not have any issues that were not addressed by the PPP. The AFC stole the PNC's issues and are propagating them as their own..

The PPP has no strategy etc a pie in the sky US$580 mill per year. The PNC is worse!! Show proof the AFC stole anyone's ideas.

When you migrated tpo the US, How much did you walk away with?

You people owe Guyana and you own them big..

Stop fraafing! Show proof that the AFC stole anyone's idea.

quote:

RAMA: When you migrated tpo the US, How much did you walk away with?

About US$75! But I had already helped to write economic policy chapter for ROAR.

quote:

RAMA: Read the PPP's and the PNC's election manifestos for the past three elections.

Ahhhh...So RAMA suddenly found a new friend in the PNC. I wonder why?

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

RAMA: When you migrated tpo the US, How much did you walk away with?

About US$75! But I had already helped to write economic policy chapter for ROAR.

ROAR is a failed party..

quote:

RAMA: ROAR is a failed party..

True! But look at the PPP it is successful at elections yet it is devoid of transformative policies.

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

RAMA: Read the PPP's and the PNC's election manifestos for the past three elections.

Ahhhh...So RAMA suddenly found a new friend in the PNC. I wonder why?

The AFC is an offspring of the PPP and PNC. Their ideas are those which were proclaimed by the PPP amd PNC. Their intense proclamation of the issues are dilusional although logical but bunrealistics as yours are..

quote:

Originally posted by Nehru:
YU Rass gun get TK mad now. Single digit Party.

Funny how you all who lambasted the PNC now eager to see the PPPNC.

quote:

Originally posted by Nehru:
Dr Bharat Jagdeo is capable of dealing with people like Dr Khemraj.

No. Because he spends all day with people like you so he has lost the ability to think intelligently..

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

RAMA: Good for you! Do you know that you are wrong about the AFC?

No I am NOT wrong about the AFC. If people vote according to issues (and not race/fear) the AFC will form the next government.

is drunk yu drunk or yu dreaming?? i want yu rass bet some money pun the AFC/PNC but yu not as stupidee as you sound.