Dear Editor,
Please refer to Mr Sherwood Lowe’s letter titled ‘There should be less rhetoric on social cohesion and more of a practical understanding of how to achieve it’ (SN, June 21).
Clearly, Mr Lowe and I record and share things differently, but at the core, the thinking and objectives are near identical. To refresh, I humbly point Mr Lowe to a letter from me titled, “There must be diversity in the workplace, contracts and more” (SN June 2). Further, I guide him to “Meritocracy is the way” (SN June 8) and two follow-up letters with connections to the same social cohesion issue within a few days after, and which elaborated on my thinking and postures thereto. There were other writings before and after right here in Stabroek News on this most urgent of issues, as this issue is too crucial to be allowed to languish.
I can appreciate that Mr Lowe agrees that rhetoric must be buttressed and superseded by reality on the ground and where it counts –in the minds. This has never happened, despite (or perhaps, because of) the meaningless syrupy promises that litter the memory. Now since, from all indications, the President has made social cohesion a cornerstone of his thinking and projections, I confess to being a believer. It is why opportunities are searched for to exhort him to stay the course, if not accelerate the approach. The leader has to drive the bus, and drive it through the haze and pitfalls that surround within and without. Read resistance from whichever sources. I think it can be done, but only through great will, and great sacrifice.
Moreover, I understand that the process is incremental, and slowly so, that it is never final. It is beyond the merely statistical, and as Mr Lowe rightly states could boil down to perception, at times, which could be severely biased. What is measurable may be found to not be acceptable. Still, the objectives cannot be about parity, as worthwhile as that may be; it is too unrealistic. Objectives must be concentrated on integrity and earning credibility. That is, integrity of intention, integrity of process, and integrity of result. This is where the real journey starts and must carry.
To restate the obvious, social cohesion is so vital to this nation’s success that it must remain front and centre in the consciousness and conscience of citizens from top to wherever. The watchful middle has never been so significant, as it could be the segment called upon to sacrifice and deliver. I look forward to Mr Lowe (and others) helping me by doing his part.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
