Dear Editor,

FOR 23 years, the political culture of our dear, beloved country was not one of complete maturity, and betterment of the lives of our people was not of primary importance.

Instead, politicians focused on means and ways by which they can just eat at each other, so as to ensure that they can selfishly gain more grounds over sometimes their own colleagues and, of course, their opponents from different political parties.

Today we, as a nation, are so blessed to have a President who looks beyond party politics and, in my opinion, genuinely for all the people of Guyana. It tells that we are heading in a positive direction towards political maturity; and of course it would not be an easy task. The first hurdle that we would have to jump over, and I believe we are halfway in doing so, is to make this coalition government work.

The President and Prime Minister would have repeatedly said that this government is solid as a rock, and that is excellent assurance for me. However, when one falls prey easily to the media’s questions, especially their constant demand for direct answers on sensitive complex matters, and the answers are provided without proper political sense, it reflects lack of strength, of which often times it is not so.

Considering the above, I wish to categorically state that Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, is a dedicated servant to the people of Guyana, and since his assumption to the office of Minister of State, he would have — both by way of government and privately — lifted the lives of many.

Not only has he made numerous donations to communities and individuals in the form of street lights, sporting gear, radio sets, school bags etc., but he would have also brought government to the people through the Ministry of the Presidency outreaches in the many regions. These philanthropic and dutiful actions of Mr. Harmon are nothing more than those of an action deliverer who gets the job done. As the famous saying goes, “The reward for good work is more work,” and that in itself is the reason why this noble man has so much responsibility within this government.

The President, in my humble opinion, knows his capabilities and entrusted him with the duties of ensuring that people’s issues are addressed. The sad thing, however, is that in his quest to ensure that actions are taken to bring relief to people, he seems to be powerful and this seems to make others feel inferior.

I don’t believe Cde. Harmon sees himself as being above any minister, and given the many negative stones that are thrown at him, I wish to say to him publicly that he must never stop meeting the public on a daily basis; he must never stop assisting the poor and vulnerable; he must never stop stepping out of his boundaries to ensure a smile is on people’s faces; and he must never stop being who he is: a noble servant of the people.

Minister Harmon, I know of thousands who are with you and will continue to be with you, because we know you are genuine.

Regards,
GANESH MAHIPAUL