Dear Editor,

“THE position of First Lady has no rules, just precedent, so its evolution has been at a virtual standstill for years.” – Claudia, Lady Bird, Johnson

I disagree with this quote, Her Excellency Mrs. Sandra Granger has brought the office of First Lady back to a reputable one, with her humility, class, style, charm, finesse, competence and vigor, qualities the job has lacked for years; qualities that have moved the job of First Lady from that virtual standstill.

Not only is her husband, His Excellency David A. Granger sincere about ensuring a “Good Life for All”, but Mrs. Granger shares the same sentiment, and has worked tirelessly to ensure the promise is fulfilled. In 2017, the First Lady launched the ANIRA Foundation, a non-profit organisation set up to empower and educate vulnerable groups, especially young women. It has always been the mission of Her Excellency to educate and empower young women, instead of giving handouts; something she feels is not sustainable. With initiatives such as this, they can be independent providers for themselves and family.

Mrs. Granger has continued her quest by encouraging women to broaden their horizons through the use of Information Communication Technology, as she has initiated training for hundreds of women countrywide, with a clear vision in 2019 that “…cell-phones and the Internet should be used to build bridges; to share information, and to support and mentor each other.” The First Lady has also ensured that women seize opportunities that present themselves, and always purports that women and girls are the ones who drive development in every country. With many of the women who were trained, they have been certified by the Board of Industrial Training, and many were hired by the National Data Management Authority.

The First Lady has found her niche, as she has launched workshops in robotics and initiated robotic clubs all across Guyana; it is aimed at ensuring librarians and community groups get the relevant skills needed to carry out robotics training to children, and to encourage reading centres in all the areas. This vision is a great one, as we see the world around us changing. Mrs. Granger has ensured, through her good office, that the Guyanese people are not left behind.

Her Excellency is now a name synonymous with Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), and her intent has reaped countless benefits, as Guyana has won the Albert Einstein Gold Medal for excellence at the Robotics Olympics held in Dubai. At a ceremony under the Baridi Benab, she stated that although we were not victorious, “What was shown was the resilience and the flexibility and the stamina of our young people…” to always try harder and do better. This is the description of the woman; she just oozes charisma, a characteristic that cannot be taught.

Her Excellency has participated in several ReThink – Project Happiness Train the Trainer Workshops, with support from the Ministry of Education’s National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD), aimed at training teachers to help encourage emotional development and build self-esteem in the lives of children. Mrs. Granger participated in the programme, not only to empower persons, but to encourage empathy and practice being content, “recreating a Guyanese society that practices compassion.”

The First Lady’s vision has led her to implement projects such as Self Reliance and Success in Business in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on a mission to enhance the lives of residents in that region; training several women to be successful in their own businesses. While there, the First Lady posited that she would initiate training programmes for childcare and Care for the Elderly, programmes that were concluded soon after with massive success. Mission Accomplished, Madam First Lady.

I stood in awe of Her Excellency Sandra Granger as she articulated the Government’s achievements at a Women’s Conference, “Women in the Vanguard” at Linden, as she helped women understand the development achieved by women in the various Ministries during the period between elections, and His Excellency’s Vision for our nation as laid out in “Decade of Development”. Mrs. Granger has set a standard that will take years to match; a legacy that has re-established the Office of Her Excellency into the highest esteem. She is even a fashionista that displays her own style in public and at official events.

This is the definition of the woman, Her Excellency. From humble beginnings, a person who saw herself as shy and a very private person, now taking up the task of being First Lady of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the most public office in the land, she has surpassed expectations of the Guyanese public and maybe even herself; she has done the job her way and has reaped tangible benefits as she continues to show that she sincerely cares that Guyanese have a better life. Let us ensure that Mrs. Sandra Marie Granger, continues the excellent job beyond 2020, as we remember her accomplishments and how much more Her Excellency has to offer to boost “The Decade of Development”.

Moving Forward Together, Don’t Stop the Progress.

Regards,
Douglas Charles Gittens