Dear Editor,
Our leaders should be open-minded. They should not regard all criticisms levelled against them as originating from mindsets that bear them a grudge and are involved in the intrigue of conspiratorial theories. People at all levels of our society are looking out for our nation. Some are feeling the squeeze of our wounded economy and some are affected by what they perceive to be bad governance. Some are mourning because of social disorder. They will speak out so that through their opinion we can all be saved from those anomalies in our society that can grow worse if not checked. A good sense of judgment will read between the lines of all criticisms for positive signals that can help in the process of converting what is bad into good. We must remember that a leader’s first obligation is to the people.
Good leaders are servants of the people they lead. Haughty hearts, deaf ears, selfish spirits and people who use power as an intoxicant should take note. It could be that you have not realised that you are in the wrong field. Leadership is a humane social endeavour. It should help and not hinder, build and not destroy, give hope where a spirit of hopelessness prevails. The Freddie Kissoons, Mervyn Williams, Lurlene Nestors and citizens of this caliber, have a pertinent and important role to play. They must be valued for the courage, honesty, integrity and frankness with which they express their criticisms. These criticisms are constructive. We can be critical in our disagreements without being disrespectful. It’s not about anger, it’s about the concern for the absence of solutions where solutions are most needed. These people are making valuable and helpful contributions. People who observe irregularities want to help but may not have the ultimate power to do so, hence, they will resort to the strength they possess, their ability to express the challenges our society faces so that those who have been placed in authority can take note and do something about it. They are helping in the process of problem recognition so that problem solution can be developed.
Small minds may perceive their contributions as condemnatory. We must remember that every country has a conscience. It takes people with tenacity and the right kind of perceptions to set it to work.
Yours faithfully,
Pastor Kwesi Oginga
