Dear Editor,
A leader with considerable global standing, a man respected (and condemned) by many, shared a few thoughts and words during an engagement recently. I think that they have resonance and depth, which is the reason that I lay them at the feet of President Ali. My hope is that President Ali will listen, and that those in his cabinet of a particular persuasion (two women in particular), and others within his team, one I know well, would summon the courage and integrity to assist the leader by recommending that he takes what is shared to heart. Guyana can only benefit, all of it, if for only one moment of oneness.
The thoughts and words of that international presence that stirred the most now follow. “Even though they say he criticized me, fine, he has the right. Criticism is a human right.” Then, “If it’s not like this, there would be a dictatorship of distance, as I call it, where the emperor is there and no one can tell him anything. No, let them speak because … criticism helps you to grow and improve things.” Further, “You prefer that they don’t criticize, for the sake of tranquility”. Still further, “But I prefer that they do it because that means there’s freedom to speak.” And finally, “The only thing I ask is that they do it to my face because that’s how we all grow, right?”
The Speaker was Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church during a recent interview with the Associated Press. I am Roman Catholic, and social justice issues are paramount in our belief system. For the Pontiff, immigration, poverty, environment, and homosexuality are priorities. For me, they are unity, equality, integrity to duty, and more. The Catholic Church has not dealt in truth with destructive issues, and engaged in coverups. Though it pains to say so, there is no choice, if I am to be true to myself. I put all these before President Ali because I believe that they are invaluable to his leadership journey. But, only if he listens, not at anything religious, but what is of the majesty of frankness and fearlessness, because both are immersed in truthfulness.
I leave my leader, President Ali, this little nugget for him to ponder carefully. The late Cardinal George Pell reportedly wrote and circulated a memorandum inside the Vatican that called Pope Francis a “disaster” and a “catastrophe.” The Pope’s response was, “he has the right.” My best to the President.
Sincerely,
GHK Lall
