Dear Editor,

THE Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) wishes to commend His Excellency the President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his government (May God Protect Him) for the range of measures aimed at mitigating the devastation caused by the recent flooding across our country.

It is well known that real leaders are those that are forged in crisis. As Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School Nancy Koehn asserts, “Real leaders are not born; the ability to help others triumph over adversity is not written into their genetic code. They are, instead, made.”

On this day, one year since His Excellency’s formal ascension to office, it is critical to contextualise what was endured during this period, making him the leader he is today. By March 3rd, 2020, it was known and verified locally and internationally that Dr. Irfaan Ali was Guyana’s new President. What followed is testimony of the faith, fortitude and patience of the man.

Thereafter, Dr. Ali endured attempts to derail the electoral machinery and obliterating of the country’s democratic credentials. These issues were complemented by his personal trials. Nevertheless, His Excellency, forged in crisis, stayed the course

Immediately, upon assuming office in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the greatest global crisis challenge of our time, relief measures were announced; thousands of scholarships were made available for Guyanese; cash grants for students were announced and a couple of days ago, flood-relief measures have been announced. The benefits to the economy with these kinds of economic stimulants are well known and documented. What is often lost in the discourse is the real and tangible benefits that reach the ordinary people.

As one who has never been enamoured with the trappings of office, His Excellency Dr. Ali has a clear appreciation for a people-oriented approach to governance which has been demonstrated in his interactions with leaders and ordinary folk alike. This style of leadership has transcended to the ministers of government where their interactions and approaches to citizens suggest that we are well on the way in realising and fulfilling our motto of “One People, One nation, One destiny.”

In announcing the flood-relief measures that will benefit many households across Guyana, CIOG sees in His Excellency a style of leadership that is determined by his blend of personal humility and unparalleled will to lead others in service of a cause bigger than himself. This is leadership with Ihsaan — excellence.

The CIOG reiterates its support for His Excellency the President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his administration, and we pray for your every success as you fulfil your duty to serve, guide, and protect all the people of Guyana.

Yours sincerely,
Shaykh Moeen-ul-Hack
Director of Education