Latest update April 24th, 2024 12:59 AM
Oct 16, 2010 Letters
Dear Editor,
I was very happy to read that Brigadier David Granger was nominated by some PNCR members to be that party’s presidential candidate for the 2011 general elections. My experience with Brigadier Granger in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has led me to the conclusion that he is a very good leader and the epitome of personal integrity.
His immense intellectual abilities, Christian up bringing, and his Afro Guyanese middle class ethos all make him a first choice presidential candidate. I am neither a PNCR member nor supporter, but I do assess people on merit and I have no qualms in saying that I have always had a very high opinion of Brigadier Granger and that he would make an excellent president should he be so elected.
Should Brigadier Granger be the PNCR’s presidential candidate he would face an insurmountable task in winning the general elections due to the ethnic voting patterns in Guyana. I am sure he is quite cognizant of this and perhaps that is why he emphasised that he was also tasked with unifying the PNCR and rebuilding it. I would love to see him as the leader of the PNCR, because I am sure he would produce a modern democratic institution that would attract all ethnic groups some time in the near future. However, his present day realities have already begun to surface with the utterances of my old friend and comrade Jinnah Rahaman (SN 10/01/10).
I was taken back by Jinnah’s remarks because I think he of all people should be able to separate PPP propaganda from facts. It is true that the 1973 elections were massively rigged and that the GDF took possession of the ballot boxes, but one should also examine the role of the PPP in affording the GDF the legitimate role of “safe guarding the elections” after the PPP issued orders to its supporters to secure the ballot boxes at the place of poll. Jinnah went on to hurl all sorts of accusations which were rebutted by Brigadier Granger.
Jinnah, although he was betrayed by the PPP in the late 1970’s and had to flee into exile, thought like a typical PPP leader when he sought to malign the Brigadier. This is exactly how the PPP will attack and discredit Brigadier Granger if he in fact becomes the PNCR’s presidential candidate. I may be wrong but I do not think Jinnah knows the Brigadier as I do.
Despite holding high rank and being the GDF Commander Brigadier Granger was a humble person. During the 1980’s on many Saturday mornings I would encounter him at the Kitty Market shopping for his family. Yes, he walked around with a basket, selected his fruits and vegetables, and chatted with the vendors as he paid them. On Sunday afternoons I would again meet him at Christchurch Anglican. Although I was a mere Lt., Brigadier Granger always stopped to say hello to my family and to talk with me at the market and at church. Humbleness was just one of his many admirable qualities.
I also found him to be a fair Commander who was well respected by all the troops. Soldiers fondly referred to him as “Bright Boy.” I remember well I once went to him with a problem. The CO of the GDF Credit Union had for the 2nd time turned down my application for a loan on the grounds that I did not have sufficient service. I knew it
was discrimination because she had twice given loan to another officer who had less service than me. I explained my case to Brigadier Granger and he was visibly upset. He called the CO on the phone and calmly said to her,” Mavis, I have young Harripaul in my office. Could you please bring me his cheque for the loan he applied for?” In less than five minutes she came huffing and puffing into the office with the cheque.
Although I would have preferred to see Brigadier Granger on a coalition slate I respect his choice to work with the PNCR. All of Guyana would still benefit from whatever role he plays in the PNCR. He is that kind of person. He is a great leader and he would make an excellent president. I wish him well. My one bit of advice,” Sir, now that you are a politician you have to remember to always smile for the camera.”
Malcolm Harripaul
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