Matter of time for UNC demise

THE EDITOR: Hesiod, the father of Greek didactic poetry, wrote more than 2700 years ago: “That man is best who sees the truth himself; Good too is he who harkens to wise counsel. But who is neither wise himself nor willing To ponder wisdom, is not worth a straw.” Is our old political friend now less than a man of straw according to the ancient poet? Our dear Bas, exhausted no doubt by the internal squabbles which have plagued his party, and seemingly vulnerable himself in the face of other trials that await, has promised his bemused loyalists - after carnival. It recalls the old patois chant, “Apr?s carneval la...” The mas will start on Ash Wednesday... “nous ka cheiche pour l’oraison...?” It is indeed typical of this spent Panday in the 21st century that he should start his mas’ out of time and even out of place. Has he missed the beat again? Is he attempting to repeat the hollow threat of thousands of his supporters marching and driving into the carnival, his egoistic and demented vision of Ragnarok preceeding his political demise? Or is he tormented by the reality of which Mr Sinatra used to croon, “The party’s over, it’s time to call it a day.”

The rampant Ramesh is waging an aggressive guerilla offensive in the heartland of the old man’s constituency. The former heir apparent is attracting, perhaps enticing, supporters from the fanatical core of the DLP/ULF/UNC. This is the threat that puts more pressure on the beleaguered veteran. Observe our jaded septuagenarian, the forced spring in his step is noteworthy only for its obvious effort. He is not even a match for a pampered pussy cat far less the lion for whom we were to feel sorry if it dared face him in a fight. The fire in his speeches, incongruous for lack of heat and illumination, draw no response from his almost mournful audience. The old ambition that blazed from his eyes in former days, flicker faint and feeble as this weary, worn out warrior tries to rally his indisciplined, incompetent, rebellious troops. He is now forced to lead his purblind, ragtag mercenaries to political extinction. He knows it, deny it though he may, his day has passed.

Ash Wednesday is, in a poetically ironic way, most appropriate for this hoary champion of obsolete politics to take his leave. “Dust to dust, ashes to ashes” — that is the inevitably we are called to ponder. The old Thespian, strutting and fretting his political hour on the stage has indeed displayed some dramatic flair. Those who cling in clamorous despair to his sinking star, pay heed — “The party’s over — my friend(s).” Double entendre or clever dramatics, the Silver Fox will outfox his party Judges again. Ramesh, and even the prodigal son Ramnath, could not have scripted it better “It’s all over”.

GEORGE DAMIEN
Arima