Dear Editor,
I WATCHED, with great interest, the interview with Sarwan on the Gildharie-Freddie show (September 9, 2022). It was refreshing to see someone truly from, and of, civil society talking about Guyana. The basic qualification for civil society as used here is that Sarwan did not go to that interview with a hidden political agenda. His answers were direct and constitute ample proof that freedom of expression in Guyana is alive and well.
Sarwan was asked what he would tell young people to focus on to realise both their personal objectives, as well moving the country towards economic and social progress. He answered the question with one word – discipline. A follow-up question concerned the driving culture in Guyana.  With great ease, the world-class batsman reiterated that for Guyana to move forward, people need to take more personal responsibility for their actions.

Nowhere do we need more discipline than in the quality of our political discourse and the conduct of political leaders. Two current instances come to mind.
The first one concerns the bewildering behaviour of Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton’s handshake performances. The refusal to shake President Ali’s hand, apart from being a display of bad manners, is also an indication that Mr. Norton does not intend to play by the established rules, norms, and expectations of civil and political society. Does this kind of behaviour indicate a new modus operandi by the PNC?

The conduct of the Opposition Leader is of utmost importance. It partially sets the tone of political engagement both in and out of Parliament. But perhaps most importantly, his conduct is a significant mechanism for socialising younger members of his party. The Opposition Leader has a great opportunity at this early stage of being on the big stage, to lead in ways conducive to order, stability, and economic prosperity.

The second point relates to how a disciplined politician conducts himself, and the difference it makes in the quality of governance. As Vishnu Bisram observed in Stabroek News (October 14, 2022) “…PNC Member of Parliament for Region 10, Jermaine Figueira, acted maturely and professionally and should be applauded and emulated for meeting, shaking hands with, and welcoming President Irfaan Ali to Linden.”
I feel certain that though Ramnaresh Sarwan does not comment on politics, he would very much approve of what transpired in Linden.

Yours sincerely,
Dr. Randy Persaud