The drivel (for want of a euphemistic word) of the letter writer, Joel Bhagwandin, does not deserve a response because of lack of substantive information; but to allow it to be sustained in the public domain may give it credence. OGGN is a bona fide non-profit organization. Its members are impeccably clean – IT Specialist, Teacher, Professors, Environmentalist that I personally know, and others that I know of. OGGN is not a “staunch critic of the Government’s stewardship.…” OGGN is simply asking for redress of a lop-sided oil contract where the people of Guyana are being sold out to major foreign corporations. These corporations are in the business to make money, and they are doing so very well indeed in Guyana – in connivance with the PPP cohorts who are happy with 2% royalty. Who is Joel Bhagwandin to make scurrilous remarks about people who are merely seeking fairness and fair value for Guyana’s non-renewable oil resource?
This time, his letter omits his bloated credentials. But Bhagwandin is doing what he must do. He can’t curse the bridge that he floats on. He gets high governments positions with perks. I am not privy to his remuneration packages. As a public officer he must obviously adhere to the guidelines of the Integrity Commission. Bhagwandin appears to be a smart individual. But he is directing his know-how to chastise those who go against the grain vis-à-vis, the PPP’s blinkered approach to Oil. This is part of his unwritten job description. Smart people do stupid things sometimes! Some out of ignorance. Some because they are told to do so, and fear that they may otherwise lose their jobs. Some because they enjoy the ride on the gravy train. Some because they love to dance – dance to the fiddler’s tune. Joel Bhagwandin should catharsize himself. He owes a straightforward apology to OGGN and its members.
By Gary Girdhari
Article originally published at: https://www.stabroeknews.com/2023/07/28/opinion/letters/oggn-is-a-bona-fide-non-profit-organization-whose-members-are-impeccably-clean/