By Dr Bertrand Ramcharan
Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights And Seventh Chancellor of the University of Guyana
Every country needs a national vision. Every country needs to have an on-going dialogue among its citizens on how it is evolving. Sometimes this dialogue can take place inside the country. This can be more difficult in multi-ethnic countries – especially where parties draw their support from ethnic bases. In such countries, international or regional dialogue partners can be helpful.
Every country needs leadership that is wise, broad-minded and future-oriented, even in the midst of political campaigning. In Guyana, Forbes Burnham had the opportunity of providing broad-minded leadership when he first came to power. Alas, despite his brilliance, he did not bring the country together. The national outpouring of grief for Dr Cheddi Jagan when he died, across the races, showed that he had won the affection of the Guyanese people.
When Bharrat Jagdeo first came to power as a youthful President, the country looked to him to help it heal and go forward in harmony. He has proved to be a formidable politician for the PPP, but it is clear that he is not perceived by the Guyanese public as a healer. And he is shrouded in controversies.