Latest update March 28th, 2025 6:05 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

The world awaits Obama’s presidency and the promises it brings

Nov 16, 2008 Letters

Dear Editor,
I refer to Prame Kumar’s letter titled “Nelson Mandela, Dr. Jagan and Barrack Obama” in Kaieteur News, November 9, 2008.

Kumar, like me, and many others around the world are very proud of Barack Obama’s landslide victory. Obama has made history by becoming USA’s first African American President-elect.

The history and struggles of Africans for equality that led to Obama’s achievement is a proud moment for the Democratic Party, USA and the world.

Other than the fact that Obama, Jagan and Mandela have been elected leaders of their countries, I substantively disagree with Kumar that these men have liked qualities. Here are some reasons why:
Nelson Mandela is the hero of South Africa and the world, not only because of his steadfast refusal to practice race hate and retaliation, but also by his actions during his presidency.

Mandela worked to change South Africa Constitution to realise inclusive governance for the black majority and the white minority. Apartheid President De Klerk and his party became part of the ANC government. Mandela did not engage in witch hunting public servants and politicians.

He implemented a Truth Commission to heal South Africa’s past. Jagan can make no such claim to Mandela’s magnanimity. In 1992 Jagan campaigned for changing the Constitution and having inclusive governance.

On winning the Party disregarded its promises. Public servants, including Controller of Customs, Clarence Chue, Foreign Service Officers and others lost their jobs, were demoted or sidelined.

All African Heads of Mission were removed and the Indian Heads of Mission kept. Rasliegh Jackson and Carl Greenidge never received the PPP support for higher international office because they worked for the PNC government. Many perceived as non-aligned to the PPP suffered.

Obama ran a principled campaign on inclusion in the USA and around the world. People of all races, social, political and economic background supported him because of his message.

As a uniter, Obama campaigned in red (Republican) and blue (Democrats) States. He won a significant percent of the opposition Republican votes.

He promised to change acrimonious politics, have a big tent government, fund education for college students in return for national service, offered a New Deal, make government accessible to the people and engage foreign leaders.

Dr. Jagan avoided PNC strongholds, abolished free university education, never created a New Deal, never campaigned on Obama’s strategies, nor can make any claim to such achievements. Obama has not assumed the presidency and it is premature to judge him on his promises.

However, following the indications of his Cabinet and transition teams there are evidence he is delivering on campaign promises.

There are some notable similarities between Barack Obama and Forbes Burnham. Both men are lawyers, known for their eloquence, vision, superior intellect, charisma, elegance and oratorical gifts that motivate audiences.

As law students Obama and Burnham held prestigious positions; Obama, the first black man elected President of the Harvard Law Review and Burnham, President, London West Indian Student Union.

Both men won awards for their oratorical brilliance; Obama, a Grammy for reading his book and Burnham, the London Best Speaker’s Cup.

Both men worked across the isles, believe in national service and the State paying for college education in return for students services to their communities, motivated the grassroots to actions in unprecedented numbers, admired and respected. The world awaits Obama’s presidency and the promises it brings. May God continue to guide him.
Hector Chalmers.
Connecticut, USA

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 17th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Mice and Jermaine $1.7M Linden Futsal tournament starts tonight with three matches at Retrieve Hard Court

Mice and Jermaine $1.7M Linden Futsal tournament starts tonight with...

Mar 28, 2025

-Milerock face Bamia, Hi Stars battle Botafago, Ward Panthers match skills with Silver Shattas Kaieteur News- With a total $1.4M in cash at stake, thirteen clubs are listed to start their campaign as...
Read More
Slingerz FC hunt second win tonight

Slingerz FC hunt second win tonight

Mar 28, 2025

More sponsors on board ahead of Second Annual GGA/NSC National Long Drive Championship set for Saturday

More sponsors on board ahead of Second Annual...

Mar 28, 2025

LGC to host STP Investments Inc. Golf Tourney this Sunday 

LGC to host STP Investments Inc. Golf Tourney...

Mar 28, 2025

𝐓𝐒𝐔, Region 2 book semi-final spots as teams look towards the finale

𝐓𝐒𝐔, Region 2 book semi-final spots as...

Mar 27, 2025

World Athletics recognize AAG Elections

World Athletics recognize AAG Elections

Mar 27, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: glennlall2000@gmail.com / kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]