IT’S very cold and gloomy here in Canada today, New Year’s Day. The sun has not come out for the entire day. I have just finished reading the online edition of the Chronicle (January 1, 2012), including President Donald Ramotar’s address to the nation. And I must say I was quite impressed by the President’s humility and his message. 
To quote parts of his speech:  “I intend to look at all methods available to ensure value for money resulting from the government investments in development projects and to tackle inefficiencies and waste where they exist. We will work to root out corruption in our society, and to create more opportunities for our people to realize their fullest potential. At the same time, one of the priorities as a nation must always be the building of a safe and cohesive society, based on tolerance, understanding and solidarity, and on the rule of law.”
I was quite impressed in the way in which he views and respects government and its funds, and will seek value for its funds. It shows that this is a man who has respect for the people who elected him and for those who did not. Building a safe and cohesive society tells me that Donald Ramotar is humble and will work with all to create a cohesive and just society; is a humanitarian and leader, not a typical politician.
He goes on further to mention, ‘tolerance, understanding and solidarity’, something that I find our people in the West Indies do not eagerly embrace.
It is always a ‘my way or no way’, ‘must win at all cost’ mentality and at the same time, treating others that they do not agree with in a most nasty and intolerant manner. That way of thinking and behaving has to stop as we are a mature and intelligent people and should not retort to this form of degradation.
While we may not agree with each other, let’s have respect, tolerance and regard for each other.
President Ramotar goes on to mention the rule of law, which is so important, as without this you cannot have a just, fair and moral society.
To quote him again: “We can see this as an opportunity to work together to take this country forward in achieving national unity, security, and social and economic prosperity. To succeed in this, we must resolve to have genuine cooperation on important issues. To try to make deals or to gang up against one partner when we should be working for consensus, can be counter-productive, for it will continue to breed suspicion and mistrust.  We should be working together to find common ground in the interest of our people.”
This shows the president is a humble man, reaching out to others, seeking unity and co-operation for the good of the country.
In closing, I would like to say that President Ramotar, who has just been elected to the highest office in Guyana, strikes me as a man with enormous humility and experience, which he brings to the office.
Experience is the best teacher, and I believe that Mr. Ramotar will bring great changes, he will bridge gaps, heal wounds, reach out to the ordinary folks, and provide the services that Guyanese can truly expect. He has already started to reach out by bringing back the ex-advisor (Mr. Navin Chandarpal) that was ousted by the previous administration.
This is a great first step. Keep up the good work, Mr President, and continue to work to earn the trust and respect of your people; do not take it for granted.
All the best for 2012, hope to see you in Canada if you visit.