Dear Editor,
I was very happy to read that Briga-dier Granger was nominated by some PNC members to be that party’s presidential candidate for the 2011 general elections (SN, September 30). My experience with Brig Granger in the GDF has led me to the conclusion that he is a very good leader and the epitome of personal integrity. His immense intellectual abilities, Christian upbringing, and his African-Guyanese middle class ethos all make him a first choice presidential candidate. I am not a PNC member or supporter, but I do assess people on merit and I have no qualms in saying that I have always had a very high opinion of Brig Granger and that he would make an excellent president should he be so elected.
Should Brig Granger be the PNC’s presidential candidate he would face an insurmountable task in winning the general elections due to the ethnic voting patterns in Guyana. I am sure he is quite cognisant of this and perhaps that is why he emphasised that he was also tasked with unifying the PNC and rebuilding it. I would love to see him as the leader of the PNC because I am sure he would produce a modern democratic institution that would attract all ethnic groups some time in the near future. However his present-day realities have already begun to surface with the uterrances of my old friend and comrade Jinnah Rahman (SN, October 1).
I was taken back by Jinnah’s remarks because I think he of all people should be able to separate PPP propaganda from facts. It is true that the 1973 elections were massively rigged and that the GDF took possession of the ballot boxes, but one should also examine the role of the PPP in affording the GDF the legitimate role of ‘safe-guarding the elections’ after the PPP issued orders to its supporters to secure the ballot boxes at the place of poll. Jinnah went on to hurl all sorts of accusations which were rebutted by Brigadier Granger. Jinnah, although he was betrayed by the PPP in the late 1970s and had to flee into exile, thought like a typical PPP leader when he sought to malign the Brigadier. This is exactly how the PPP will attack and discredit Brig Granger if he in fact becomes the PNC’s presidential candidate. I may be wrong but I do not think Jinnah knows the Brigadier as I do.
Despite holding high rank and being the GDF Commander, Brig Granger was a humble person. During the 1980s on many Saturday mornings I would encounter him at the Kitty Market shopping for his family. Yes, he walked around with a basket, selected his fruits and vegetables, and chatted with the vendors as he paid them. On Sunday afternoons I would again meet him at Christchurch Anglican. Although I was a mere Lieutenant, Brig Granger always stopped to say hello to my family and to talk with me at the market and at church. Humbleness was just one of his many admirable qualities.
I also found him to be a fair Commander who was well respected by all the troops. Soldiers fondly referred to him as ‘Bright Boy.’ I remember well I once went to him with a problem. The credit union had for the second time turned down my application for a loan on the grounds that I did not have sufficient service, although they had twice given loans to another officer who had less service than me. I explained my case to Brig Granger and he was visibly upset. He called the officer on the phone and calmly said, “I have young Harripaul in my office. Could you please bring me his cheque for the loan he applied for?” In less than 5 minutes the cheque was brought.
Although I would have preferred to see Brig Granger on a coalition slate, I respect his choice to work with the PNC. All of Guyana would still benefit from whatever role he plays in the PNC. He is that kind of person. He is a great leader and he would make an excellent president. I wish him well. My one bit of advice to him is that now he is a politician, he has to remember to always smile for the camera.
Your faithfully,
Malcolm Harripaul
