October 4,2016 Source
Dear Editor,
It was roughly 15 months ago that Mr David Granger became the first member of the military to become president of Guyana. The story of his leap from the military to politics grandest stage, without very many people knowing much about him, what he believes and who he truly is, is fascinating and quite remarkable.
There is so much that the public doesn’t know about President Granger. He is a very complex and complicated man. He’s very difficult to understand and to pin down what he believes in. Very few know his political beliefs. Because the President is quiet, soft spoken and of few words, it’s very difficult to figure him out.
Prior to entering politics and becoming president, very little was known about him, except that he was a historian, author and soldier. We do not know who are his confidants and friends, why he got involved in politics, who encouraged him, when he decided to go into politics and who were some of those who helped him to become president. Moreover, there’s so little that is known about the President’s personality and ideology. Like many others, I’m anxious to know if the President is a supporter of Mr Burnham and Dr Jagan’s political philosophy. Is he a capitalist, socialist, communist, democrat or republican? Is he an advocate for the working or the upper class?
Editor, there are so many questions about Mr Granger, but so few answers. What is his worldview, in order words, how does he see the world? Who are some of the world and local leaders who inspired him and whom he admires? What are his views on certain social issues such as same sex marriage, capital punishment, race and religion? What are his greatest strengths, weaknesses, achievements and failures? What does he likes and dislike about being president? What are some of the things he would change about the country’s history? What keeps him up at night and what makes him tick? What keeps him hopeful?
What are his views on the people in diaspora? Does he see them as people who abandoned the country and don’t deserve to be a part of the country’s future? Does he see them as patriotic Guyanese? Does he see a need for their resources, capital, knowledge and experience? Who are some of the people in the diaspora he admires and respects? Who were some of his mentors and role models? Why did he choose to become a soldier and president?
What does he want his legacy to be? What does he want to accomplish before he dies? Why does he not spend more time telling school children about his life story, which could inspire them.
Why is he so private and guarded with his personal life? Did he ever have a traumatic experience? What are some of his childhood memories? What are his views on the developing and developed countries? If he was given a choice between being born in any other country apart from Guyana, what country would it be? What country does he believe is the greatest country in the world, besides Guyana?
On a lighter note, what are his favourite songs, movies, books and TV shows?
Editor, Mr Granger is one of few presidents who is hardly known personally by the general public. I hope that will change soon. Like so many others, I feel like we don’t know a lot about the President. Therefore, together with the public I would like President Granger to answer these questions so that we can better understand him and get to know him more intimately.
Yours faithfully,
Anthony Pantlitz
