Dear Editor,
General and Regional Elections scheduled for September 1 are now just two weeks away. Guyana’s sleep-deprived President is set for a second term. Constitutionally, he is restricted to two terms. Future Presidents will speak of him with admiration and respect, but, deep down, they may not have fondness for him. His level of dedication to duty and the blistering pace he has set will be difficult to match – a hard act to follow – and that will cause them to feel an uncomfortable pressure to measure up. Of course, that would not be President Irfaan Ali’s fault.
In 1970, Alvin Toffler made big waves with his book “Future Shock”. It became an international bestseller. The central thesis of the book is that the rate of change is accelerating to the point where people become disoriented and have difficulty coping with it, hence the term “future shock” – the future came too quickly. Considering the dizzying rate of change and development in oil-rich Guyana, could Guyanese experience future shock?
President Ali is at ease meeting and mingling with all strata of society. The smiles and bonhomie are genuine. He enjoys it. Indeed, he thrives on it. At the same time, there is something hidden, unseen. He is actually on a spiritual journey. Aren’t we all? In his second term – when some might think that he can and will do as he pleases – there might be some surprises and subtle changes. Outwardly, he will be just as active, but there will be a degree of inner detachment. Paradoxically, in his second term, we might see a quiet and reflective demeanour, self-deprecation, restraint and even more humility; in short, a mellowing. The tree laden with fruits bends low.
First Lady Arya Ali must also be commended; for her noble and outstanding work in beautification projects and for her compassionate, humanitarian initiatives. She is the President’s equal.
Circling back, sleep deprivation is a real thing and it can have deleterious effects on health and well-being. The President is also a human being. He cannot do it all. In his second term, he should delegate more. He has earned it. At this time, his Ministers are (or ought to be) quite capable and experienced.
Am I too partial to President Ali? Perhaps I should nitpick and find something – no matter how trivial and petty – in the interest of ‘balance’. Let me cast around. Ah! Here it is: Excellency, in your second term, please retire the colourful socks.
Yours sincerely,
Sieyf Shahabuddeen
