Life in Guyana is a two-sided coin

Aug 17, 2008 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
While travelling along the East Bank of Demerara thoroughfare recently, I noticed men at work ‘sweeping’ the parapets in the vicinity of Providence.

Interestingly enough, after they would have heaped their rubbish — which was mostly soil — they proceeded to throw it into the trench which runs parallel to the roadway.

Mind you, this is the same trench — like many others — that hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent on to desilt so as to lessen the likelihood of flooding.

Music has been banned from public transportation because, as has been cited by the Minister of Home Affairs, the high decibels impair drivers’ concentration.

This in turn leads to poor judgement and consequent accidents. What about the ‘private’ vehicles? Are these drivers, too, not prone to the same effects loud music has on their ability to concentrate?

Aren’t the music sets in these vehicles as offensive as those in the public transport system, especially when they are belching out lewd tunes?

Still on public transport, particularly minibuses, there has been an increase in fares. However, the Minister of Commerce is on record advising the travelling public not to pay any increases.

He, like many others, believes it’s too burdensome for the working class. This I find amusing, since he is part of the same administration that continues to impose taxes upon the working class, the most recent being VAT at 16%.

When we raise our voices in protest, we are told of world market prices. Why doesn’t Government encourage us to not pay the increased prices when we go to the market and to the pumps to refuel?

As was the case in 1972, Banks beer is once again the ‘Beer of Choice’ for CARIFESTA. This is an accomplishment for Guyana; it is always a proud moment when we get to further showcase things Guyanese.

Following the various CARIFESTA updates in the media, I understood — correct me if I’m wrong —that alcohol sale and use will be curtailed during the various events.

How practical is this when companies whose business is to brew and distribute alcoholic and other beverages are sponsors of many of the events?

Finally, as an educator, I must laud the present administration for the many strides made in the education sector.

However, what good is there in spending millions of dollars on infrastructure in the sector when our classrooms continue to be visited by unmotivated teachers who tend to unmotivated students?

This is directly responsible for the poor results the majority of our students obtain. But is it a case where the teachers are themselves ill-equipped to deliver the content and to make their lessons more appealing?

I think not. These same teachers go to Turks & Caicos and the Bahamas, and for US$3000 a month, outshine their counterparts in the areas of content, delivery and discipline.
Living in Guyana gives proof that there are two sides to every coin.
Amanda Prescott