The ongoing Lowenfield saga

Dear Editor,

I read that one Mr. Keith Lowenfield was officially hauled away and held up again for his efforts in you know what. That period in our recent history of mere months ago is so detestable to me that I refuse to refer to it any longer for the iniquitous season that it represented. But in Mr. Lowenfield’s trials and tribulations I detect a few things going on that make for sound political sense and not much else.

Let us look at this realistically and practically. First, no tears are shed for this fine citizen, who lost touch with reality. He certainly did more than overstep, he tore down the whole edifice, while looking to bury Guyana in the resulting debris. Now notwithstanding the gentleman’s actions, I raise this question: what is the end game in mind with him? What is the plan for disposing of his matters, should they go against him in the judicial circuit, some would say the looming judicial circus?

I do not foresee that the former chief executive will be made to do any jail time, for putting that genie in a cell opens its own can of scorpions. I think it unwise to create a political hero and potential rallying point. I do not think that that risk will be run, and it is well known at every tier in this society that the realm of jurisprudence in this country does not make up its own mind, and that things can be made to happen, as in make the desired turns. More often than not, that realm is less of the law and more of what is helpful. Of course, it depends on who is being helped.

So, if the one-time officer is not going to be imprisoned for his alleged crimes against Guyanese (some may say, crimes against Guyanese humanity and dignity), then I conclude that there is more at work in these seemingly random and periodic dredging up of the good soldier for media moments and public consumption. It is not harassment, which sounds infantile and lame. It is not even to twist the knife in the eye of political opponents, since they are all the same kettle of fish and sleep on the same seabed. I think that what is happening in Mr. Lowenfield’s continuing public situation is that the PPP government has settled on a new slogan that is more modern and fresher for followers.

Instead of the old and tired ‘28 years of darkness’ there is now something about ‘150 days of mischief and mayhem’. It sells well with the main attraction being the man held out as master manipulator and major political operator post March 2nd. As such, he is subject to ordeals by a thousand cuts, which many of a vindictive nature believe could not have happened to a better person, is fully deserving.

On the other hand, several powerful political objectives are achieved when Mr. Lowenfield, now confirmed as bogeyman and whipping post is paraded publicly to remind the nation of what occurred. The spots are chosen carefully, but never so far apart that people get complacent or develop amnesia. It makes for good entertainment; and, more importantly, it keeps that vulgar and infuriating interlude at high temperatures. Supporters are rallied, and the opposition is kept off balance, whenever this polarizing figure is trotted out with maximum publicity to distract from what is now concluded to be the Payara debacle, the shadowy arrangements involving the Canje and Kaieteur oil blocks, and the grand Guy-American Venezuelan bargain.

As I contemplate all of this, I must wonder how the Guyanese equivalent of the French Revolution’s liberty, equality, fraternity (that is, unity, transparency, accountability) is going to be served. The politically sanctimonious will settle for Barabbas.

Sincerely,
GHK Lall