Dear Editor,
It is by no mistake that young people in Guyana have no role model in the spectrum of public service. Holding a public office anywhere is a commitment to the causes of a better society and the greater good of mankind. I am appalled at the ‘gutter rat’ politics in Guyana as demonstrated by the President’s ‘cuss out’ as a form of discourse. When will a president exemplify good character and statesmanship or ‘womanship’ in this dignified public office? The President, and all public officials – public servants – must know that their power and authority do not come from the office itself but from the people, their constituents.
What manner of man is he who ‘screams’ to his colleagues in government, bringing it into disrepute? A public servant – the President – should know by now the power of the social network medium. Anything that is said, once captured, will go international in matter of minutes. There is no more muzzling of the media. There is no control or ‘hold me back’ when it comes to the technology of the twenty-first century.
This kind of behaviour, repeated again and again without reprimand, will become the norm and acceptable behaviour in Guyana’s public service. There was once a time under Burnham and Hoyte’s presidencies, that there was a certain decorum in public discourse and public life that was respected. I actually admired and looked up to public servants – government ministers, senior police, my headmasters and headmistresses, spiritual leaders and government employees.
Over the years under President Jagdeo’s leadership or lack thereof, all facets of the public service have been eroded, and there is now ‘gutter rat’ politics and discourse. It is time the young emancipated Guyanese, at home and abroad, demand some respect from their leaders and rebuke such ‘low life’ behaviour.
The world reads and watches. They should do this not for a man/woman but for love of country. I wonder what will be President Jagdeo’s legacy? Oops! ‘Dem cuss me, I cuss dem back’?
Fellow Guyanese should help bring back respect to the public service.
Yours faithfully,
Steve Hemraj