EVERY Guyanese knows the adage, “Honesty is the best policy,” yet, many would agree that some of our politicians are often less than honest, some being less honest than others. This state of affairs is unacceptable. Guyanese must not allow people to get away with lying to us, particularly the people who aspire to positions of leadership.

Politicians should be held to account, indeed, they should be held to a higher standard of accountability and transparency, if only because they are the ones who will be in charge of our taxpayer-dollars, and will make decisions that will affect our lives and the futures of our children. Whether a politician is honest is, therefore, a major factor in all considerations, and an extremely important question that every voter should ask. Such considerations and questions become particularly important as elections approach.

We would all agree on what it means to be honest. Formally, the Oxford Dictionary informs us that to be honest means to be, “fair and just in character or behaviour, not cheating or stealing, free of deceit and untruthfulness, sincere [income should be] fairly earned (making an honest living).” The dictionary elaborates that honesty means, “The quality of being honest and truthful.” Evidently, to be honest is an admirable quality, and should be an essential part of a leader’s (such as a politician’s) character.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote, “Those who desire to treat politics and morals separately will never understand anything of either.” The philosopher wrote too, “The practice of politics not only can, but must be reconciled with the imperatives of honesty.” Rousseau’s words are important and carry great weight because he was the 18th century Genevan philosopher, writer and composer whose political philosophy influenced the progress of the Enlightenment throughout Europe, as well as aspects of the French Revolution and the development of modern political, economic and educational thought. In other words, many modern political and moral ideas are based on his work.

As Guyanese are aware, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), in what was clearly a most despicable, disgusting, contemptible, and most importantly, immoral move, attempted to grab political power at a time when they believed that President Granger was vulnerable because he was unwell. Of course, we know now – as the PPP certainly has learned – President Granger is as strong a fighter, leader, and servant of the people as he has ever been, throughout his distinguished career. It ought to have been quite an earthmoving awakening for Irfaan Ali and the rest of the PPP. One may refer to the findings of the noted philosopher that ‘politics and morals cannot be treated separately’, therefore, the immoral moves of the PPP must be considered in the political context. Do we want anyone from an immoral, dishonest party leading us, controlling our tax dollars, and deciding the future of our children, our communities, our regions, and ultimately, our country? Further, let us always bear in mind that the PPP’s presidential candidate has been accused of lying about his academic qualifications, lying about how he acquired his enormous wealth, and is currently facing 19 criminal charges for allegedly stealing money that belongs to Guyanese citizens. Such a magnitude of accusations of dishonesty against a presidential candidate may be a record-setter in the Caribbean.

On the other hand, the APNU+AFC’s candidate, President David Granger, has served with distinction as the head of the Guyana Defence Force, he has established a successful publishing business, he has written numerous books, and currently serves as President of Guyana where, in only four years, he has transformed the country from a narco-funded, gun-running, lawless state known for trafficking in persons and suicides, to a civilized, gentle country, now internationally recognised for democratic reforms, environmental awareness, and the rule of law. Further, David Granger has never been accused of immoral or dishonest conduct. Given those indisputable facts, who should sensible Guyanese trust to lead us, manage our country, defend our territory, and create jobs for our young people? Further, considering that oil revenues are on the horizon, do we not now, more than ever, need an honest leader?