Dear Editor,
I have, over the last year or so, watched David Granger as he made his pitch to be the presidential candidate of the PNCR. His humble and engaging demeanour served as a pull factor for most of us who admire these noble qualities in our leaders. Prior to his bid to become the PNCR presidential candidate I met Mr Granger at many of the congresses and special meetings of the PNCR. He was a man the party always looked to for guidance and advice on many important matters critical to the party’s interest. It is an indisputable fact that the Brigadier (rtd) always responded positively to these calls. For the past twenty years or so I have attended almost every August 6 celebration of Burnham, hosted by the National Congress of Women, and approximately ninety per cent of the time the presentation on the life and works of Forbes Burnham was done by David Granger, of course along with presentations by other persons. I have also attended symposia held by the Burnham Foundation and there too David Granger was the steadiest presenter. His eloquence and knowledge of the facts always captivated the audience who often responded with a state of awe leaving them wanting more. Mr Granger provided context to LFSB’s policies and actions; he was never hesitant to identify the weaknesses and strengths of his administration. I believe that this kind of honest assessment of LFSB is necessary to guide our own understanding and more importantly aid in the kind of honest national dialogue Guyana needs on many issues. I recalled that at one symposium Mr Granger reiterated that “Burnham was a visionary whose vision and policies were sometimes misunderstood or not fully appreciated by some of his close lieutenants and this may have caused some of his policies to suffer.”
In my relatively long association with the PNCR I can attest to the fact that David Granger has helped many of us, fifth and sixth generation-PNCR members to understand and appreciate the work of LFSB. He spoke proudly of Burnham’s legacy and identified his shortcomings within a context from which we were able to discern a perspective. Never did he allow the PPP’s negative propaganda against Mr Burnham to restrict his own positive views on this great son of the soil, so for any person to question his position on Burnham would be to engage in the worst kind of deceptive politics. None can deny that at times when many refused to speak out in defence of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, Mr Granger boldly defended his legacy and called out his critics to challenge his positions.
For the record let me categorically state that I strongly support David Granger for party leader of the PNCR at this 17th Biennial. I endorse David Granger because he has demonstrated the kind of leadership that not only will be beneficial to the PNCR but to the wider Guyanese society. His ability to resist irrationality and maintain composure even in the most turbulent of situations is testimony to his leadership. I have seen him remain unruffled and patient even when the storms were encroaching upon him. His ability to examine the total situation before making decisions is a plus. I have heard Mr Granger clearly articulate a direction, vision and mission for the PNCR and I am convinced that with his more than impeccable character, skills, talent and excellent knowledge of the situation of the PNCR, he will be able to work with others to continue to advance and retool the party, making it even more fit for purpose. Mr Granger is tested, proven and steady! His election to the office of the PNCR leader will happen without doubt, so I ask the PPP/C to start getting accustomed to David Granger as Leader of the PNCR and Leader of the Opposition.
Yours faithfully,
Lurlene Nestor
