Donald Ramotar is the man for the job

Jan 08, 2011 Letters

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Dear Editor,
With general elections in Guyana constitutionally due before August 2011, national attention is focused on the various presidential candidates who aspire to preside over the destiny of this nation.
Much debate and speculation have been emanated from some brilliant minds of concerned Guyanese about the PPP contenders, since this is a novel situation for the Party.
Historically with the Jagans at the helm, it was inconceivable for anyone to dream about leadership status, since it was regarded as sacrilege to challenge the Jagan candidacy within the Party.
With the new dispensation, at least four aspirants have been setting their sight on the presidential throne; namely Donald Ramotar, Ralph Ramkarran, Moses Nagamootoo and Clement Rohee. A perceptive eye would have already detected a preference for Donald by the current President to succeed him.
The media have been inundated with letters dissecting, examining, scrutinizing and analysing the character and capabilities of each candidate, some supportive, others condemnatory.
But whatever is the outcome, the debris left behind by internal squabble within the PPP over candidate selection would shake the foundation of the Party whose strength is derived from unassailable unity, now it seems that personal ambition stands in the way of party integrity and cohesion. While competition is integral to democracy, it must not be used for personal glory and self aggrandizement.
As a PPP member for over 25 years, I am deeply perturbed by the potential internal strife and political intrigues that would devour the soul of the Party.
I am therefore advocating an enlightened approach to solve this problem that could deteriorate into a devastating crisis.
Donald is a trained economist, a consideration that strengthens his CV for Presidential eligibility. As a growing nation, still delicate and fragile in many ways, Guyana needs someone with a clear economic vision and profound insight on how to move this country in the direction that would give it a noble destiny.
Donald’s mind always prolific with progressive ideas, and with adequate latitude to operate, he would ensure that those ideas blossom into fruitful actions that benefit all.
Donald has been the General Secretary and tacitly the leader of the PPP, since the passing of Comrade Cheddi. He demonstrated extraordinary leadership skills by taking the Party to victory in all elections during his tenure. Indeed, no one ever challenged his position and this alone is illustrative of peer support for his status and competence.
If the other contenders had viewed him as not good enough for the Party leadership for the past 13 years, they would have had him removed from the General Secretary position. It is rather strange that a few would now see him as not fit to lead the country.
Donald is of such a character and disposition that he makes himself easily accessible to people of every social status, particularly the rank and file with whom he forms an impregnable bond. Perhaps this is the reason for his immense support and popularity.
He identities himself with every Guyanese and empathizes with their struggle, feels their pain and never hesitates to listen to their cries and laughter.
Donald is the man for the job. To question the validity of this assertion is to deny reality and reveal political naïveté.
Unlike a growing number of leaders Donald is not tainted with suspicion of corruption, venality and ineptitude. His political canvas is immaculately clean and none dare to impugn the integrity and probity of this colossus who towers above machinations of lesser men.
Every word that falls from his lips is laced with sincerity and credibility. Every deed is inspired by noble thought and an obsession to do what is good and right for his country. Some might be tempted to assign faults and inadequacies in his quest for greater accomplishments, but the over-riding elements that must be factored into any assessment of his achievement is the fact that his intentions are always sacrosanct.
Defying many sycophants within the body of the PPP, Donald always stands up for what his conscience believes to be right, even at the peril of antagonizing some influential and peer associates. This particular attribute is responsible for the immense respect he enjoys and deserves. So many leaders today are tempted to do what is politically attractive rather that what is right. Not Donald!
I have no qualms and reservations about putting Guyana into the hands of a leader whose diligence, incorruptibility and sincerity would ensure progress, prosperity and peace for all Guyana. I am therefore calling on other aspirants in the party to curb their personal ambition and for the sake of the Party’s unity, national cohesion and general prosperity to reconsider their pursuit of the presidential candidacy.
Long live the PPP
Narendra Nauth Loknauth

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