Dear Editor,
On May 16th, 2015 the nation watched as President David Granger was sworn into office as the 9th president of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. For many who witnessed their country deteriorate under the combined weight of authoritarianisms, and massive corruption from previous administrations, this was a welcome change. Brigadier Granger is considered by most Guyanese a “good man” and the right man for the right time. He will stamp out corruption, restore order and preside over the transformation of Guyana into a modern nation where each individual can realize his/her fullest potential. This was the hope of many Guyanese at home and abroad.
Almost one year since that swearing in, this new found hope is beginning to wane as the Guyanese people once again brace themselves for a return to business as usual. Almost one year later an embattled President Granger appears somewhat out of his depth. With the exception of a successful clean-up campaign and a few slogan-type solutions, “Boat, buses, & boots” etc. the President who was elected to transform and give hope to Guyana seems to be offering more of the same — jobs for the boys, a few sweetheart deals for some of the old guard and several large no tender contracts. In so far as his appointments are concerned, it seems as if party loyalty, family ties and personal relationships trump experience, knowledge and ability. In other words meritocracy has been subordinated for familiarity. Certainly in politics in general and more specifically in a multi party coalition, one understands the need for compromise and accommodation, but Mr. President compromise and accommodation should not be at the expense of the nation’s business.
From inception to date the president appears to be leading from behind. As such he has found himself awkwardly defending and explaining away one embarrassing situation after another. Beginning with the 50% salary increase for cabinet members. This was done in order to prevent ministers from becoming corrupt said one of his advisors. Then he had to walk back and temper the expectations of the public based on the results of the forensic audits. Once again he failed to take control of the narrative until after the fact. Then there was the case of an alleged child molester on the ballot for APNU in the recent LGE. Again the president is looking into the matter and he will get back to us. Finally there is what appears to be at best an unholy alliance between Joe Harmon, Brian Tiwarie, and Baishanlin. Once again the president comes out after the fact and offers the feeblest of explanations. His response nuanced, and lacking in sincerity and moral conviction.
Each of these incidents separately are themselves cause for concern, but when taken together as a whole, they undermine the President’s moral authority, and lends a certain uneasiness about the leadership of a man who is considered by most Guyanese, “a decent chap”. It’s time to recalibrate, Mr. President
Yours faithfully,
Yvette Short
