Dear Editor,
Somebody made the case the other day of how well-qualified is a candidate for leader of this country. A master’s degree was identified, followed by some other recognitions. These are positive, have a nice ring, and provoke a smattering of thinking. But is that all there is to the leadership universe, repertoire; and I must add, given the local context, crisis?
First, I do not wish to comment, at this time, on a developing exposé as to dates and authenticity on any candidate for the captaincy of this nation. Second, and more to the point, and with due respect all around, master’s degrees are assuming the frequency and penury of a dime a dozen; they are all over, and from everywhere. Third, to be brutally frank, some of those so credentialed have left me wondering: what did their academic hemisphere encompass? Does not have the muscle and potency of the master’s degrees of yore. Fourth, in some particularly bewildering situations (and awardees) and from the vantage of learning, power, and poise, what did the cat haul through the door? Now lawyers are a tad more expensive and prestigious, hence a wee bit scarcer. Still, I advance that there are too many per capita in this crowded domain, though admittedly litigious society. Also, too many of them possess loose lips, are loose cannons, and losing propositions, too. Taken together (along with those who have a master’s) there is a struggle to arrive at a comfortable, confident place. Regrettably, I do not see more than a tight handful of the outstanding and exemplary from those ranks.
But there is something even more vital and relevant to Guyana that is largely, sadly, and embarrassingly missing from the pool of Guyanese leadership aspirants, and the leadership hodgepodge of wannabees and pretenders. That key ingredient is character. It is worth saying in different ways for emphasis: leadership is less about degrees and letters. It is more about honour and principle and integrity, and all at an immaculate plane. That is special and sacred anywhere; golden too. Perhaps, that is why it is so rare here, schools and diplomas and holders duly considered. Here are some pertinent questions: How do (would) the emperors-in-waiting operate when near to all that mesmerizing cash? All that alluring flesh? All those hard decisions demanded? All those testing situations (and people) that encroach upon intentions (shaky to begin with); imagination (cunning and expansive); religion (a show horse); tribal union (a binding undeniable force); national cohesion (lip and lungs) and so much more along the same vein?
I contend that qualifications, contexts, and obligations disappear into lasting dimness. They have so far over here. On the other hand, the true mettle of the man or woman envisioning a leadership role is one that is immersed in serving, caring, lifting up, and inspiring. It is about character: broad, deep, undeniable. This society could use some of this; come to think of it, whole lot of it in its leaders, many of whom would have great difficulty in either defining or recognizing or understanding what character represents.
I look around these barren desultory plains, and I behold this dead crop, old crop, new crop, and budding crop. Men whose main recommendations might be paper and sheepskin, and little else. It is why Guyana is where it is where. Unless that changes, and radically, this society will remain ensnared right where it is and has always been. Here are a few parting thoughts: leaders of impeccable character cultivate, harbour, and project wholesome powerful values and visions. Leaders of high ethical calibre surround themselves with people of a similar bent and quality. Now that is a crop worth dreaming about. This is what the longsuffering Guyanese people desperately need: Leaders blessed with such noble internal structures that others are motivated to rise up (in spite of themselves and circumstances) and give, and deliver.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall