IT is a very critical issue when it comes to business, that is, being in step with the customers. Without this core principle any businessman will suffer the consequences of being alienated, isolated, and his enterprise ruined. I have used a crude example, but nevertheless it brings home the message that nothing successful will come your way if you distance yourself from the people.

They are the central theme of any discussion where political leadership is concerned. People are a very critical issue for anyone accessing a leadership role in any country that is to identify with them.
The fact is they are the ones you will have to rule over, and they are the ones you depend on to vote for you. So, it behoves political leadership to be cognisant of the fact that before you lead you must serve. Serving people should always be the focus as you broaden the entire outlook in life with a positive expectation for the future. Mrs. Elisabeth Harper has fitted that description perfectly, she has served her people with distinction and now it is time for her to take the mantle on to the national stage.
It is this people concept that has caused President Donald Ramotar to name Mrs. Elisabeth Harper to be on his team. Making this strategic move places him miles ahead of his political counterparts. His detractors are now running scared and frightened at the thought of running against an intelligent, young, female technocrat. How would they fare against such a strong woman?
President Ramotar realised that the time had come for his prime ministerial running mate to bear a new face. Not that the party is severing ranks with Mr. Samuel Hinds; far from it. I think there will be room for him in the new government in the capacity of Advisor to the President.
But we need a change, 20 continuous years of quality service is more than enough time for Mr. Hinds to step aside in grace. Our heartfelt thanks to you, Sam!
So, let me get back to my main idea: President Ramotar has embarked on a new era in our political sojourn here in Guyana by choosing Mrs Harper. She is young – taking political age range for a leader – educated, intelligent and one who carries a dignified personality. She is also a woman, which means that she is sure to bring the female voting public with her.
Women form a major portion of voters in any jurisdiction and Elisabeth will make a huge difference in the way women vote in the next election.
Mrs. Harper allows for the distinct possibility of choice when voters go to the polls. We would not be ‘burdened’ with the task of only selecting a group of men. The voting public can now look at a fresh, new female face with which they can identify.
This is something that the Opposition never took into consideration: that a female technocrat would have been the prime ministerial choice for the PPP/C. They were caught off guard.
And Mrs. Harper will cause a major political shake-up come May 11th.

NEIL ADAMS