Clear indications of strong leadership

THE EDITOR: Dr Keith Rowley may not be the most charismatic Prime Minister we have had. He may not be the most elegant orator either. But somewhere beneath these limitations there are some definite leadership credentials.

And whereas there could be many areas of criticism of a prime minister, particularly in this country where criticism is a hobby, I focus on some clear indications of strong leadership.

Repeated calls for devaluation: I think the decision to avoid a devaluation is the correct one, in spite of the strong lobby from academics. Not only are there options to devaluation but devaluation would have a significant negative effect on the cost of living for those least able to bear it.

It is not just an economics issue, but it includes politics and social impact. I know some think devaluation is inevitable, but so far it is a good decision.

State of emergency: Again, there are a number of calls for a state of emergency. And again the Rowley administration has declined. Clearly, a respect for fundamental rights and freedoms is being balanced with national crises like covid19 and crime.

It takes clear-sighted leadership to maintain balance and see the long-term consequences and power of precedent. A state of emergency is not necessary at this time. It would only serve to add more psychological pressure on an already stressed-out population.

The Chief Justice issue: I maintain that there was more in the mortar than the pestle in the intense pursuit of impeachment proceeding against the Chief Justice. It took courage and the power of perception to see what was hidden between the media circus, the internal wrangling and the legal manoeuvres. The final outcome was the correct one.

Registration of Venezuelan migrants: I was not in favour of that process. But I recognise that it was done fairly smoothly and it has not created the major negative societal side-effects that many thought it would.

Covid19 response: There are many aspects of this issue for which the Government can be criticised, including the somewhat insensitive and authoritarian tone of the media briefings.

But when put in the context of the global crisis, the extent of the danger that we were told it poses and the lack of recent experience with anything like this anywhere in the world, I think the Government has done very well.

The definition of essential services was done in a way so that there was no risk of vital needs being compromised.

Credit where credit is due. Until I look at the flip side...

GLADSTON CUFFIE

via e-mail