RHODA BHARATH WORKS HARD FOR THE MONEY

RHODA Bharath, the $30,000-a-month government propagandist, reminds me of a Donna Summer disco classic “She Works Hard for the Money.” 

“She works hard for the money/So you better treat her right,” the disco queen sang during my days on the dance floor. 

Ms. Bharath, you see, is not only a witness to high-stakes leadership shenanigans in the ruling People’s National Movement, but she may also be a key protagonist with an insight into how the wind is blowing. 

And, for sure, there are currently various PNM backroom capers, especially with an embattled 73-year-old leader who is prone to Covid-19. 

Why, for example, would Bharath, a government hack, undertake such a relentless and antagonistic war against Faris Al Rawi, a ministerial frontliner? 

For months, Bharath devoted much heated social media focus on Al Rawi, who is the face along the corridors of power of the moneyed class. 

The “communications consultant” targeted Al Rawi, stomping on his big toe at every turn. 

She may have been relieved with his removal as Attorney General. 

Some observers may also suggest that Rhoda revels in the Vincent Nelson scandal in which Faris is currently entangled. 

Why would an agent of the government – an extremely well-paid one – take noxious aim at one of the major operatives of the ruling regime? 

He who pays the piper calls the tune, so was Bharath singing on behalf of a prominent national official who wanted to see Al Rawi stumble and fall? 

And if so, who and why? 

What is in the mortar apart from the pestle? 

Does it have to do with the ambitions of certain PNM leadership aspirants? 

Bharath is on the payroll of National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB), whose line minister is Colm Imbert, the Minister of Finance who acts as Prime Minister during Dr. Keith Rowley’s absence from the country. 

Further, Imbert is chairman of the PNM, an exalted Balisier House post he would vacate when political neophyte Stuart Young is shooed-in within the next few days. 

Reports are that Imbert is not thrilled about being sidelined after doing heavy lifting in rebuilding PNM after its 2010 general election rout. 

He also touts himself as rescuing the national economy and confronting the parliamentary opposition. 

What does all of that have to do with blogger Bharath? 

Well, further reports are that Rowley has his ears to the ground and is aware of the hush-hush shuffling by certain PNMites who would like to see him pensioned off. 

Not only does the boss want another turn at the crease but he is determined to shape the PNM’s leadership in his own image and likeness. 

He sees the launch of the next generation of PNM leaders as an integral aspect of his legacy. 

Dr. Eric Williams, George Chambers and Patrick Manning did not create succession planning, in each case leaving the party to scramble and regroup. 

Young remains the Prime Minister’s Gary Sobers, as much for his go-getter ministerial style as for his take-no-prisoners political manner. 

But he is unlikely to play well with many urban working-class PNMites. 

The combative Bharath appeals to the grassroots, constantly shielding the PNM and sparring with political opponents. 

She is the activist who brazenly says what well-heeled politicians would not, and who could set a cat among the pigeons with insider information or political gossip. 

The next general election would be fought on social media, and Rhoda, with her aggressive brand, could be a torchbearer for a party that is losing favour with the working masses. 

So, there would be keen interest in Bharath’s narrative. 

Would she champion the Imbert cause?
Would she seek to undermine Young as PNM chairman? 

Would she make kuchoor over the change of PNM chairmen? 

At a time when Al Rawi could do with an influential social media friend, how would she treat this ambitious politician with deep pockets and powerful backing? 

Where does she stand on Rowley retaining party leadership and returning to the national electorate in 2025? 

Would she do the bidding of certain party people – including a former diplomat and State enterprise CEO – who argue that Rowley is allowing too many Indo-Trinis on the PNM’s inside track? 

It is a matter of time before upset rebel party forces speak out about the PNM’s leaning toward big shots and about the suffering of the underclass.  

For sure, Bharath is not the only PNM social media influencer but she has official stripes, as a well-paid government operative who, from time to time, has access to crucial documents. 

The next few months would be vital for the ruling party, which is currently scared of facing the electorate for a local government poll. 

Bharath’s preferences and prejudices could provide a window into PNM’s leadership escapades. 

Her influence could help to steer the troubled party amid growing unease by the working poor. 

The lady works hard for the money.