Dear Mr. Editor,
IN Monday’s edition of the Stabroek News (8/6/2020), Ms. Denise Murray showed in a short missive that she is knowledgeable in an aspect of the Guyanese reality, which, in my opinion, has not been adequately promoted as necessary for our development as a people/nation. However, I am aware of the fears in her questioning what hand would be dealt the Independent progressives.

Would they be cultivated or exorcised? A look into history would find examples of how different authorities have dealt with such Independent Progressives, and the jury, in my view, is still out on how to treat such persons (not group), in order to maximise on the benefits they conceive for all. From a macroscopic position, there are cases where independent and progressive leaders coalesced and continue to do so, for the betterment of the world. On the other hand, we have had clashes between such leaders, each not seeing beyond his/her immediate (flawed) frames of reference.

There is no doubt that President Obama is truly an independent progressive, as far as American presidents go. Likewise, the former Libyan leader, Col Muammar al-Gaddafi should be considered an independent progressive. Yet, they did not see eye-to-eye. Within Southern Africa, the same can be said of former President Robert Mugabe and his nemesis, Morgan Tsvangirai. The same can be said also about the relationship between President Cyril Ramaphosa and EFF leader, Julius Malema.

The scenarios outlined beg the question: Does their independence of thought somehow cloud the needs for working together? Though this, of necessity, is not always a fair question, for it is the one with power that generally makes the decision of whether they can coexist or not. We have the classic case of Dr. Fidel Castro and Ché Guevara. Where they agreed that Ché should simply export Communism, supported by Fidel. Guyana is in no position to internationalise the Cooperative Philosophy, so that model would not work for us. Mr. Ori, referenced by Ms. Murray, focused on finding the independent progressives, while Ms. Murray wanted to know what we’ll do when they are found. I say we should harness their energies; channel it to the benefit of all. A difficult task, since they are independent, and pride themselves on that seeming independence of thought\s and actions. But, guess what? The Chinese did it, albeit in a massive country, where it is easier to not walk on people’s toes. However, the idea/ingredient of allowing others to bloom while working towards the same goal was the key. A song popularised by the Guyana National Service’s Culture Corp asks, Can we do it? The answer lies with us and those in authority.
Regards,
Elton McRae