Dear Editor,

On several occasions I have posited the view that Guyana has a problem with its leadership (both in and out of government) that has precipitated and, to some extent, stymied economic growth andáencouraged negative social attitudes and behaviors. The Trinidad and Tobago political crisis and the politically mature and respectful response of its leadership, has served to reinforce this contention. Trinidad shares similar historical milestones and a diverse ethnic makeup yet, unlike Guyana, they continuously strive to raise their standard of behavior to a level that impacts their bottom line directly and earns the respect of the international community. As I tip my hat to them, I say shame on the Guyanese leadership. Can you imagine what would happen if the PPP and PNC were to ever tie at the polls?

My background is in the military and I am forever thankful for the foundation in discipline this has had in my life. One of the many things that have remained with me is that '... there are no bad soldiers, there are only bad leaders...'. Time and again this has proven to be accurate, and the examples are all around for all to see. The good leader stands up readily and says with all humility, "I am sorry". The good leader accepts the failings of those he leads, as a personal failure and strives to ensure that it is not repeated and the system profits from the mistake. The good leader has vision and the knowledge, skill and experience to motivate those he leads, to accept this vision as their own. The good leader is decisive and, wrong or right, stands by his decision and its consequences.á The good leader does not see the glass half empty, but sees water in the glass. The good leader sees himself as the tip of an inverted pyramid.

This attitude of good leadership is a learned behaviour but requires a significant amount of critical self analysis. Our leaders have to indulge in this type of introspection if they are to ever be of service to the people they represent. Moreover, Guyanese must demand and hold their leaders to a higher standard of behavior and performance, if liberty is to remain true and democracy to flourish.