Aug 07, 2026 Features / Columnists, The GHK Lall Column

(Kaieteur News) – Pres. Ali reminds of a wrestler who steps into the ring for a fight. He’s under pressure but has an ace. The president walks into the square circle with his own bell. One of those newfangled contraptions that come with an on-and-off switch. No hand-wringing. Simply press the button, and the game’s on. In the harrowing aftermath of a big Guyana tragedy, the PPP Govt has these gimmicks and gadgets to help sway hearts, spin heads. In the role of national leader, the president has had few winners. When the MV Barima headed down, the president was out-of-town. The government on the ropes (still is), knew that rabbits had to be pulled out of a white hat. Enter Dr. Ali with his bell and white attire to mark the solemnity of the occasion. Nothing so ghastly as in-the-face red. White is that sign of peace and serenity. This is the art of deflection, how distraction works. In both areas, the PPP Govt is now a proven master.

To Moruca in Region One went Mr. Ali. A one-stop, government full-service center is coming to Santa Rosa. These guys are good at this game. He rang his bell. Everyone straightened up, listened up. In the midst of catastrophe, before many who may have difficulty burying their dead, Pres Ali came with money and his bell. GRA (TIN certs). GRO (birth and death certs). Banking (ATM). Document renewal (passports). In scanning the media item, I couldn’t hear the president. I could read him. I hope that he didn’t get too carried away in his customary out-of-place and out-of-synch fashion. People in a wide span across those lands are grieving.