Dear Editor,
Reference is made to the writing from Ms Elizabeth Alleyne titled, ‘Permanent Secretaries should not be political creatures’ (SN, September 7).
Editor, first permit me to state that, with great effort, I have refrained from sharing in other situations, as presented here in this newspaper. In too many instances, it is pointless, as the unswerving mentality is see it my way, or here is a brand for your forehead. As an irredeemable iconoclast, this raises hackles, and introduces intemperance. Today, I make an exception and reply to Ms Alleyne.
I agree that permanent secretaries should not be political creatures. Absolutely! But the Pope must be Catholic; and an American president cannot be a naturalized citizen. To say this differently, not being political creatures is totally divorced from Guyanese conditions and circumstances. I believe that not being political creatures has some semblance of success and acceptability in more benign, more tolerant, and more understanding societies. Why, not being political creatures, I daresay, extends across and all the way down to messengers and drivers in this country, with stops all along the way from top to lower. For the most part, they are, or they are not.
I like the thought for its textbook purity, its conceptual cleanliness; there is no real world rub attached. I borrow from Ms Alleyne those two magic meaningful words “If upheld.” That is where the rubber meets the road, and the harsh gut check takes hold, and causes doubling over, sometimes painfully.
Now, in the real world of Guyana, perception is reality; suspicion is fact; and speculation an ironclad guarantee. But of what, editor?
It is of trust, and credibility, and history, and objectivity, and loyalty. Loyalty is paramount, as is singing from the same hymn book. And this is always according to the party with the upper hand; that would be the deciding, hiring party. I advance some more.
I, as a sitting minister, (a frightening proposition all around) would not want to look over my shoulder, harbour doubts, wonder about leaks, or be torn about complete commitment. Of course, there is the additional consideration of my own candidates waiting patiently and expectantly in the wings. I know of their qualifications, competence, proven loyalty, and all around quantities. I know of their loyalty. I would wish for more than a senior coworker. I want a copilot, an extended shadow, a likeminded thinker, practitioner, and deliverer. In the first and last analysis, I know who I know. And who I want to be by my side.
I agree (one more time) that they should not be political creatures. But is that really possible in a society as segregated and stagnated and seared as ours? I say not; I say not now. Until such time, that we (individually and collectively) can look at each other not in forced or passing tolerance, but in grounded appreciation, then it is the enduring treadmill of history and memory and continuity.
I know who I know. That is the alpha and omega; it is what matters. In closing, I thank Ms Alleyne for the courtesy of her communication and the tone and standard of her expression.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
