Talk of coalitions and leaders has raged in Guyana for the past several weeks. The commentaries about possible leaders and combinations are impressive. However, there is avoidance of one very relevant concern: It is that the reputation, character, and conduct of challengers must be beyond reproach; that there must be a compulsory soundness, even grandeur, of purpose.
Therefore, several probing questions must be asked immediately: Apart from ending PPP rule, are those in the vanguard who clamour for change really about putting country first? As partnerships are considered, is lifting up the people uppermost in the calculations of those who agitate and aspire? And are those leading the charge without blemish? Let it be said here: if this is not the case, if all of the manoeuvres are about self first, and the elevation of the few at the expense of the many, then this country is doomed. At this crucial time, Guyana cannot afford a Danton, as this would only hasten the tilt of a society that teeters at the abyss.
Removing the burdensome yoke of a venal and irresponsible government is commendable; a patriotic duty. But what lies deeper? What are the motivations of the aspirants, lieutenants, and sponsors? What has been the track record? This is vital as the nation cannot afford to swap the present political irregulars for more of the same profanity under a different banner. Not again.
This has to be about an abiding desire to serve, where the lowest can be heard, where the poor can hope. Unseating the PPP is not to be viewed as a passport to all the riches circulating, and exploited by the incumbents. It is about the giving of self, great sacrifice, and tumultuous challenges. Who would want such a job? A job that is short on thanks, but teeming with foes and critics. Which one will be able to stand up to – and overrule – all the calculating and unqualified sons and daughters and lovers and friends and cronies lining up for handouts, contracts, jobs, rewards, favours, and an unequal opportunity? Guyana has never known the Jeffersonian standard of “Equality for all, privilege for none.” Can there be hope that this pivotal moment will usher in the introduction of such a standard now?
Who will be able to deny self and live in almost ascetic austerity, and then demand the same of the team? There cannot be any repetition of the PPP’s record on unaccountability, which has embittered this nation. The new cannot be the same; there must be fearlessness in managing the nation’s business on an unyieldingly ethical basis. Since this has not happened before, can public service of such calibre occur this time? But first, what is it?
Public service has long been a time-honoured calling and sacrifice. At its best, it is about those who willingly and unselfishly give of themselves for country. There must be the humility to serve unstintingly to make society a better place. Most definitely, it is not to view public office as a franchise for exploitation, nor the noxious behaviour displayed in Guyana.
The nation is already familiar with the sordid brand of public service practised by successive political administrations. The public service so clearly exemplified by self service, corruption, lawlessness, and an absence of standards. Public service as represented today by those who ignore the infirmities that plague society, but who take good care of themselves while doing so. Public service as embodied in the shrewd intellectual, but unconvincing, con games played by seasoned practitioners to justify the continuous pillage and misconduct. To restate the obvious, Guyana cannot absorb more of this; it lacks the required temperament and stomach; it is why it searches desperately for that someone and something different. Who in the crowd is different? Who is prepared to be a difference maker tomorrow, long after the votes have been counted?
It is why amidst the current excitement, there are these cautionary notes. Whoever steps forward must represent no evil to this nation, and not merely a lesser evil; must resist the temptations of office; must guard against character erosion instigated by the realities of Guyanese political power; must reverse the destitution in the national psyche and ease the poverty of the body. Remember, the PPP did not start out treacherous; yet look at it today…
Aspiring Guyanese could learn from Defense Secretary McNamara and, more recently, Treasury Secretary Paulson. Both Americans forfeited millions in income to answer the call of country; both left with controversial legacies and little thanks. Robert Tillman first gave up the glory and riches of the NFL for country, and ultimately his life. Walter Rodney envisioned doing the same for Guyana; his departure was untimely, too. Those who desire to smash the political fetters should heed these striking examples.
Remember that this is not about the perfect candidate; only a strong and noble one. Someone who is ready for self-sacrifice instead of self help; strong enough to tame the police beast, to defang the corruption monster, to confront the narcocrats, to eradicate the handiwork of the government one fire at a time; to disconnect and extinguish publicly the uncontrollable electricity of electoral racial bias. If there is someone ready to embark on this apprenticeship of rediscovery and a pilgrimage towards national destiny, then let the journey begin.
Let there not be any more plunder of office. Let there not be quarrels with the rank and file of the PPP. Let there be nothing but contempt directed at the putty Machiavellis who hold all hostage. Let there not be more of the pursuit of power and personal ambition. Anything less and this country becomes unrecognizable.
Thus, whoever seeks to lead should first conduct the severest of self examinations. Whoever passes this scrutiny must then be like Martin Luther before the Diet of Worms: “Here I stand; God helping me, I can do no other.” Guyana longs for the right person and group to do no other, but to step forward and stand in service before its troubled peoples.
