Guyana needs a leader of unblemished credibility

Nov 10, 2019 APNU Column, Features / Columnists

Good character, honesty, and trustworthiness are the three pillars upon which a person’s credibility is based. A leader’s qualifications, though important, are of far less importance than the questions about integrity and credibility. This is so because, at time in our transition to a petroleum-producing nation, Guyana needs a leader of unblemished credibility.
Notably, there have been many heads-of-states around the world who have had little formal education. For example, former President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, had no formal education; coming from a poor family, he borrowed books from friends and taught himself what he needed to learn. Zuma was later found to be less than credible and was forced to resign.
Regarding Zuma, one could say that qualifications are not a prerequisite to finding yourself in a position of leadership, but what is critical to maintaining a position of leadership is credibility. Zuma was found wanting on that front and consequently forced to resign, but the fact remains that without formal education, someone can become a national leader.
The legendary Winston Churchill was Prime Minister of Great Britain, successfully leading that country through World War Two, even though he never went to a college or university. George Washington, the first President of the United States of America, did not complete his school-education owing to his father’s death.
Clearly, those examples show that good leadership is not only about education, instead it is all about character and credibility.
The point is, education is an important prerequisite for leadership in the 21st century, particularly as Guyana will soon become an oil-producing state. Guyanese will demand a knowledgeable, experienced, and wise president. But, importantly, the country needs a proven leader who is honest, trustworthy, and of unquestioned character.
If a person is shown to be dishonest, untrustworthy, and of questionable character, can we trust such a person to tell us the truth? How can we trust that person when laughably outlandish promises are made? How can Guyanese trust that person to manage our oil-money? How can we trust that individual with our children’s future?
The 2020 general and regional elections will be about honesty, trustworthiness and credibility, and our leader has easily met those requirements.
President David Granger has proven to be entirely credible. His honesty has never been questioned, his trustworthiness is beyond doubt, and even his most ardent and zealous political opponents have respect for his unblemished character. Additionally, Brigadier David Granger is a proven leader, having served as the Commander of the Guyana Defence Force.
As founder of a successful publishing enterprise, the President is an experienced businessman. David Granger is also an accomplished author. Moreover, his education credentials have never been questioned. Simply put, David Granger is credible and he is someone we can trust to deliver the good life to all the people of Guyana.
With elections on the horizon, Guyanese should bear in mind that the choice is a simple one. We may vote for David Granger, the honest trustworthy candidate whose character is beyond question, or, we can vote for a candidate who has zero credibility. The future is in our hands. And we must choose the candidate who will work in our interest, the interest of all Guyanese.

In an address to the nation on June 18, 2019, President Granger said, “Guyana since my election in 2015, has been moving in the right direction after 23 years of stagnation under successive PPP administrations. Significant progress has been made. But real change is neither quick or easy to come by. There is still a lot more to do. I will devote all my energies until the forthcoming election to serve or people and our country and deliver good governance.
Guyanese can confidently expect to live in a country that is moving forward; with communities that are safer; in a society that is more cohesive; with better infrastructure, greater access to quality education and an economy that is more resilient-providing better jobs. We are on the right path.
When the elections come (March 2, 2020), I urge all our people of whatever background, to support me and the APNU+AFC Coalition to give us the opportunity to secure the best future for Guyana.”
The choice is clear.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)