A bash at what price? Independence Day parade and fly-past

It is no secret that the country is in dire straits. Our leaders seem intent on celebrating Independence Day. I always thought after we became a republic our birthday is on the Republic Day.

The Tri Forces have been practicing around Independence Square all week and carrying out fly-past practices at tremendous cost in dollars. It is not only the duration of the fly-past but these aircraft have to get airborne hours before and keep on flying in circles, burning fuel costing valuable foreign exchange, till they get the call to set course towards Independence Square. Because the various types of aircraft are flying at different speeds they set course at different times. The objective being to arrive simultaneously overhead the Independence square.

All this while the Government is calling for austerity from its citizens who are also forced to use extra fuel to go by car from their departure point to their destination because of road closures and traffic diversions.

Should they not lead the ‘belt tightening exercise’ from the front?

I would think all that is needed is a symbolic Independence Day Parade with one Armoured Car, one Tank, one ship, one aircraft and four personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Police opposite the Presidents House where the President and the Prime Minister shall take the salute and speak to the Nation.

What is happening is downright obscene to say the least. Am I the only one who asks why we are fiddling while Rome is burning? Where does the Opposition stand in this expensive exercise?

A Concerned Citizen