Uruguay’s Mujica is a wisp of fresh clean air

Dear Editor,

I came across this little story on the net, courtesy of The Huffington Post. It says that there are still some caring and compassionate people in this world, even in the ranks of politicians.

The story is about Uruguayan President Jose Mujica stopping his official vehicle to pick up a lone hitchhiker. That he did so while his wife was in the vehicle is even more remarkable. But there is a larger, more inspiring aspect to the news item. It is that President Mujica dubbed “the world’s poorest president” donates ninety per cent of his salary to charity. Questioned about how he manages, his response was: “I do fine, because there are many Uruguayans who live with much less.” This is almost unbelievable, both the words and actions of this man, who comes across as humble and noble, and has a reputation for compassion in his country.

All I can say is that President Mujica comes across as a wonderful wisp of fresh clean air here in Guyana, where the reality is so different, so ugly. Before I may have found it in myself to exhort the local political ruling class, including its leaders, to emulate this stirring example of caring for the people, but it is too late now, far too late. I believe that the local group is structurally, psychically, and idealistically incapable of reaching anywhere near to such majestic heights. It is just not there; the people in the group simply do not have it in them, either individually or collectively.

When compared to His Rare Excellency President Mujica, one hears of the super salaries and the endless grabbing and accumulation by the local ruling establishment and their venal Praetorian Guard, the realization comes as to how far and deep is the decay and deterioration. As an example, think of that political welfare state called Office of the President, while the many poor in Guyanese society go without bread and basics, and fear the coming of day.

To President Jose Mujica I say God bless. All I can offer to suffering Guyanese is ‘bear your chafe.’ And if that doesn’t work, then raise your hand.

Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall