Dear Editor,
President Irfaan Ali listens and acts on criticism in a historic break from the behaviour of all of his predecessors; this paradigm shift in the ‘presidential’ approach became apparent with the announcement of the imminent repeal of the Cybercrime Act of 2018. I (and others) have advocated tirelessly for the Act to be repealed due to the ambiguity of its language and the latitude it allows for abuse by those in authority. There are a few lessons all Guyanese can learn from the progressive actions of our President.
One, while it is always easy to criticize the incumbent when you were an opponent, it was much harder when you are a proponent; such actions were usually met with some sort of recrimination or petty retaliation. We now have a ‘listening leader’ that allows advocates to speak freely about the issues that affect them and one who responds with logic and care. We should all make the most of this period of heretofore never seen type of leadership to advocate with vigor; it is the truest freedom we may ever have.
Two, the lesson for aspiring leaders is that humbleness, not hubris, is the path to true greatness; ‘good’ propaganda will never be the equal of goodness. Editor, it is a most Guyanese thing to ‘give Jack he Jacket’ and I could not be happier to say Guyana is finally in the hands of a leader, from the people, for the people, and to encourage all Guyanese to keep advocating by writing and speaking out on issues that affect our collective well-being. As on the day in Wakenaam when I awarded him, Man of the Match, I say “Shabash Buddy! Shabash…” Irfaan Ali listens!
Sincerely,
Robin Singh
