Almost every time I read the news, it seems as if the President is off somewhere. In recent times, his travels have spanned the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East, to name some destinations. Osten-sibly, he is buying, selling, bartering, negotiating, representing, lobbying, and who knows what else… It is because of the length and breadth of these excursions that I ask: what has become of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the responsibilities associated with that position?
First, some qualifiers are in order. No disrespect is directed at the invisible incumbent. Also, it is well within the ambit of the President’s reach to lead (or delegate) as he deems appropriate. Having said this, I think the nation is slightly befuddled, if not bemused, that the office of Foreign Minister has been relegated to a mainly supporting role in relevant undertakings, as opposed to the lead, and an invisible one to boot. Where some might see micromanagement, others will recognize leadership; and where there could be the selfishness of ego trips, there just might be the unselfishness of expert, hands-on grooming for later stepping out of the shadows and future stardom.
To retreat a mite, there were some blank stares when the Foreign Minister’s appointment was announced, given the pivotal nature of the office, and subdued misgivings about the new holder’s background. Still, on the one hand, many felt that she should be given every opportunity to grow on the job. But, on the other, there were lingering doubts that El Jefe would repeat the saga of Finance, but this time in the bright lights at Foreign. In other words, he would intervene and monopolise the latter, and could not trust himself that the right person was found, and that the prestige must be retained in person, and exhibited in no uncertain terms.
Of course, this leads to lots of press, timely absences, and convenient ceremonial distractions. The occasional dud is also part of the package, as in the scarcity of finesse and absence of diplomatic dexterity evident in a reported condemnation of the US. Room was neither left for manoeuvre nor escalation nor gentle rebuke for a lapse in judgment or errant phrase. The buck that stopped and was seized had led to a trip and near sprawl.
In the interim, the nation (and the Minister herself) has to ask what her real role is; how much value her controller believes she adds; how long she will be a second fiddle; and how much more of the External Affairs President will be on display.
At the same time, one has to wonder how much interest and energy he has left for matters with a domestic colouration. Presumably, it has already been decided that there is little of sufficient importance and urgency to merit the President’s attention. It is also possible that, given his travels, Guyana is simply another part of his itinerary which will be graced with a brief stop-over. I can see the Minister of Foreign Affairs greeting the visiting entourage with guidance from the Chief of Protocol. I would not worry if I were her – good things come to those who wait. And to those who don’t rock the boat.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
