Dear Editor:
Guyana is a country, a little paradise, hidden away in the South American continent, a country that is blessed and damned. Blessed from its rich natural resources, lush rainforest, majestic waterfall, exotic birds, flowers and wildlife; free of natural disasters and a friendly and hospitable people, yet a cloud of damnation hovers overhead.
For despite the fact that the past decade has seen significant development, the economy is still not sailing in smooth waters. Sugar, the livelihood of thousands, is in crisis; migration continues at a fast trot; crime and unsolved murders are still in the top 10 list; but the thorny issue that takes the number one spot and has caused this country to lose the aura of glitter and gold is corruption.
It's like an undead monster carrying an infectious disease that seems to be incurable. When it was thought, with a great sense of relief, that the change of government from the PNC to the PPP would effect a much desired, long awaited change and bring the monster of corruption down, today, there is a sense of despair for it's now a saying, 'Bharrat Boys is making Burnham boys look like angels.'
The positives of this administration cannot be denied, the love the people have for the President is true, there's no denying that either, but they are also disenchanted because the negatives of corrupt practices, abuse of power at some levels, arrogance and promiscuity of some public officials and lies are making this country poorer in its financial and human resources.
The wrongs that are crippling real growth that could make a nation rich and proud, no-one seem to have a solution for.
People, today, just try to make the best of life, for they have lost faith and trust in those who have betrayed the high offices they hold and just continue to live their lives the best way they could and hope for the day when those who hold the reigns of power can avoid being inflicted with the diseases of corruption and lies and a new tomorrow can begin.
Maureen Singh via email
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Dear Editor:
Re. Who's afraid of Africentric?, Toronto Star, Apr 3/11.
Gary Pieters wrote: "The Africentric schools approach provides an opportunity to create an inclusive learning environment for all students". Senior educator, Mr Pieters, seems not to care that the sectarian "Africentric" is inherently opposed to "inclusive" and "all students".
I guess when one is so ideologically committed to a cause such a one is unaware of, or chooses to ignore, the perplexity of their assumed logic. The pro-Africentric TDSB trustees similarly are steeped in muddled thinking as they attempted to foist the "misguided" (according to the Star's same day editorial) Africentric high school, in an ethnically "highly diverse" school population (according to Star's reporter, Louise Brown on Mar 30).
The Black students who fall into the 40% dropout rate are mainly from the Caribbean area. Tax payers' money would be better spent to determine what economic and cultural factors predispose these students to dropout.
The Star's editorial correctly asserts that "the principle itself is flawed".
Veda Nath Mohabir, Scarborough, ON
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Dear Editor:
The denigration of any individual or group should be discouraged at all times. Respect for other human beings is not a virtue; it's a necessity, in a civilized society. The world would be a more wonderful place to live in, if its inhabitants choose to show respect for each other. The media should accept its social responsibility, and endeavor to promote such respect. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. A column in the Kaiteur News (March 27), reveals a very condescending disposition towards a whole group of people.
In his column, Freddie Kissoon, undertakes to "outline one of the technical points of politics for the ordinary East Indian voter who normally chooses the PPP during election time." Who is this 'ordinary East Indian?' Is this a euphemism for the c-word? Can one imagine the uproar that would be caused if the Canadian media were to write about the 'ordinary French Canadian?'
Indo Guyanese, like all others deserve to be treated with respect.
In his attempt to educate to the 'ordinary East Indians,' Freddie Kissoon points out that the social collapse (sic) that has taken place in Guyana over the last few years, under the PPP, is worse than when the PNC was in control. "Why? Because the PNC had not even a cent to administer Guyana." Here is concrete example of what happens when there is lack of respect. The columnist, believing the East Indians are ordinary, presents a rank falsehood for their consumption. Well the 'ordinary East Indian' is too sophisticated to subscribe to such poppy cock!
K Kumar, Toronto
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Dear Mr. Harper:
I am writing about the one-on-one debate that you challenged me to two days ago.
You will recall that when you issued your challenge, I immediately responded, accepting it with enthusiasm.
As you stated, there are only two people who can be Prime Minister after May 2nd: you or me. Canadians truly deserve to see us go face to face in a contest of ideas, values and very different visions for our country. That is what democracy is all about.
Like many Canadians, I was disappointed and puzzled when you reversed your commitment, and tried to back out yesterday. I don't understand why you have gone back on your word, or why you would wish to disappoint Canadians.
However, it is not too late for you to rectify the situation. Since our original exchange on [last] Wednesday, many invitations to host the debate have come in from prestigious organizations across Canada. So there are any number of venues and times to choose from.
Perhaps I can make this easier for you. I will meet you at the time and place of your choosing. There is no need for complicated or convoluted debate formats. Just two podiums – and you and me. A true, honest-to-goodness battle of ideas and visions.
This is the kind of contest that Canadians are yearning for. I know because I have been meeting ordinary Canadians of all ages, backgrounds and political allegiances at events across Canada. It's absolutely exhilarating. In fact, I would recommend that you try it.
In closing, I urge you to reconsider your reversal and stick to your word. I strongly believe our fellow Canadians deserve this chance to see the different visions of leadership between the only two people who can become prime minister of this country at the end of this election.
Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada
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