PPP supporters want youthful leadership
Dear Editor,
In my travels throughout Guyana in October to conduct an opinion survey, supporters of the PPP related that they would like to have a “youthful leadership” (Central Committee, Executive Committee, etc) arising out of the party’s Congress that will be held next weekend in Anna Regina, Essequibo. In earlier NACTA surveys, conducted last March, July, and last year, PPP supporters complained about the ineptitude, incompetence, slothfulness, lack of capacity, lackadaisical attitude or “coorheeness” among some, as well as arrogance, desire for personal wealth, and allegations of corruption among some in the leadership that cost the party the Government in May 2015.
The supporters yearn for change towards a younger enlightened leadership who can bring modernity and rapid development to Guyana. They want a leadership team that can build a strong attractive civic alliance.
As found in the surveys, some in PPP leadership are most despised for their lack of human relations skills. Some of them do not know how to speak with people – an essential requirement of a person desiring to be a leader. People complain they don’t see PPP MPs or leaders in their communities. Many don’t even bother to go among the supporters, preferring instead to be in “town” for nice time rather than grounding with people in their time of difficulties. At any rate, people simply don’t want to see or hear some of them – as they turn away support from the PPP, and in fact some of these characters cost the PPP the Government.
Supporters note that some in the leadership are very archaic in their thinking. They are relics of the past who only speak of the greatness of socialism and communism (that collapsed thirty years ago) and advocate for Palestine, Iran, defunct Soviet Union, Cuba, North Korea, etc, that has no relevance to our conditions in Guyana. They don’t understand geo-politics that define which party will govern Guyana because they lack political intellect like those of us who study and are experts in international politics.
Voters complain that some have been paraded before the nation for too long; people are weary of seeing them. They must now excuse themselves from a public presence — especially those who were given opportunities and failed the people in leadership and in government positions. How many chances these characters want, supporters ask.
Party supporters want a new generation of leadership that have time for them and with whom they can interact. They want to see new, charming, attractive faces they can relate to. They want more females and will love to see a female head the party. They want smart, modern thinking people in the leadership in whom they see a bright future and hope for the country. In looking around, they don’t see many in the current leadership offering hope for party supporters or the country. As one person rhetorically asked, which employer will give some of them in the PPP leadership a second look for a job? Outside of politics, most may not find work. But in fairness to them, many gave their entire life fighting the dictatorship for the country’s freedom. They neglected their education and families. They had no or little time to pursue formal tertiary education like others as they worked to better the lives of others. So, they must be recognised and credited for their decades of commitment and dedication in serving the nation.
People have pointed out that a large majority of the party supporters were not around when the PNC outlawed the consumption of roti, alou, dhal, channa, etc. So they cannot relate to arguments made by these old timers on banned foods and the various “isms”. But the old timers should not be altogether dumped. They can play an advisory role to the younger generation of would-be leaders.
The party supporters are fulsome in their praise for Bharrat Jagdeo as President. They note he did a lot of improvement for Guyana during his tenure. But he may not be able to contest as President again because of term limits he consented to when he was President. So the party will have to find an effective leader who is likeable. There are not many choices – Irfaan Ali, Anil Nandlall, Frank Anthony, etc. And in the polls, the ratings were in that order for a successor. But it is a tall order to fill the shoes of Jagdeo as none is universally acceptable like him to win a majority in the next election.
The delegates at the Congress should select the Central Committee wisely and listen to the voice of the supporters – give the younger potential leaders a chance.
Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram
Sorry to re-post Prince,this is an important piece of information,needs to be in the forefront.
Looks in my lifetime i will see,what i have desired,a nation where politicians are held accountable.
Bring it on,people of the homeland show the crooked politicians the power you can wield..
