FOR the first time in decades I have finally seen a senior public figure who youths respond to well, and that person is none other than retired Brigadier David Granger. Let me first begin with the Ninth and Tenth Parliaments of Guyana. Many of us youths in the lower ranks of the PNCR were happy to see the end of the Ninth Parliament, more so on the side of the opposition. With the new dispensation and the new Opposition Leader we have seen change. There are now several youths sitting in the opposition benches in the National Assembly and the majority of those youths have worked hard and continue to set good examples to the youths of the nation – this situation is unlike the Ninth Parliament where we saw one youth parliamentarian who, to this day, has not proven that she is indeed deserving of such a seat.
Judging from this new parliamentary make up for the opposition, David Granger clearly has confidence in the youths and unlike the previous Opposition Leader, is willing to nurture them into leadership roles.
The former Brigadier’s success with the youth population no doubt stems from the fact that in the beginning of his General Elections campaign, unlike any other candidate in the PNC, AFC or PPP, he stressed the importance of the youth and the next generation. He is steel and youths are magnets.
It is now eight months after the 2011 General Elections and I hear children singing the David Granger jingles, and a simple glimpse of him excites them to the core. Granger has indeed made his mark and has become a household name and a household face. I am yet to see Mr. Carl Greenidge, his opponent create that kind of impact. All the youths and public know about Carl Greenidge is that he is financially astute. What are his policies on Education, Health, Agriculture and the many other sectors our nation must survive on?
How can Mr. Greenidge help the youths of the nation by being the Leader of the PNC? I do believe that Mr. Greenidge has been misinformed and misguided because it is obvious that the better thing is for the Opposition Leader to hold the post as PNCR leader where he’ll have not only the power, but the support of the masses. Carl Greenidge will only make a powerless PNCR Leader. It must be asked if Mr. Greenidge as PNCR Leader plans to fight Granger for the Leadership of APNU?
Additionally Mr. Editor, even as APNU’s finance guru, I am yet to see Mr. Greenidge’s leadership skills shine through. I have had the pleasure of sitting in the National Assembly during a few sessions as of late and Mr. Greenidge’s presentations leave much to be desired. He cannot handle simple heckling by PPP members but has convinced himself or someone has convinced him that he is capable of being the PNCR Leader.
I can recall Mr. Granger stressing that he was previously not interested in leading the PNCR because Robert Corbin was at the time leader and he would never challenge him for such a position, but waited until Corbin announced that he would no longer contest PNCR Leadership. Mr. Editor this, on Mr. Granger’s part, shows respect, loyalty and decency. Mr. Greenidge should take a page out of Granger’s book. He should stick to what he knows best (Finance) and leave leadership to leaders. David Granger has led an entire army. What or who has Mr. Greenidge ever led during his political life?