Leadership most needed in Caribbean during times of crisis

Dear Editor,
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which is making its way through the Caribbean and Jamaica in particular, we have witnessed an exemplary display of regional solidarity and compassion from President Irfaan Ali and the Government of Guyana.
While several Caribbean countries have focused solely on the evacuation of their citizens from Jamaica, President Ali chose a broader, more humanitarian path, offering support not only to Guyanese students and nationals in Jamaica but also extending assistance to the wider Jamaican community affected by the storm.
This gesture is significant as it underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to the principle of Caribbean unity and a shared destiny. It also reflects a leadership style that is grounded in empathy, regional cooperation, and the understanding that true strength lies in standing together during times of crisis.
President Ali’s response demonstrates that Guyana’s role in CARICOM goes beyond borders and politics. It is about people, compassion, and genuine partnership.
Unfortunately, despite the government’s commitment to Jamaica during this crisis, recent statements emerging from the camp of the WIN party show another one of their desperate attempts at attacking the government. They are claiming that the government has neglected Guyanese students in Jamaica. This is not only misleading but entirely false.
The facts speak otherwise. The Guyanese Embassy and consular representatives have been in constant contact with students, ensuring their safety, providing updates, and coordinating with the Jamaican authorities to offer the necessary support.
The government’s intervention was immediate and proactive, focusing on the safety and well-being of all. If this move by the WIN party is any indication of what they will be like in Parliament, then we are surely in for a treat for the next five years.
At a time when misinformation is easily disseminated and spread, it is important to acknowledge the truth. Guyana’s leadership under the PPP/C has always been steadfast, responsive, and compassionate. Instead of using moments of crisis for political gain, we should recognize and commend efforts that embody the true spirit of Caribbean brotherhood.
President Irfaan Ali’s actions during Hurricane Melissa remind us of the kind of leadership the region needs most critically at this time: the kind that extends a helping hand rather than drawing lines between “us” and “them.”

Sincerely,
Shivesh Persaud