NEW YEAR’S REFLECTIONS: The Legacy of our Leaders
If you’ve read “The Alchemist” by Paula Coelho, then you would be familiar with the concept of ‘omens’ and that one must be open-minded enough to recognise and interpret them.
It’s the 1st day of 2024 and we awoke to the news of the passing of our first THA Chief Secretary, Hochoy Charles. We are going to bed with the news of the passing of T&T’s first East Indian PM, Basdeo Panday.
Now, if these deaths are not omens in and of themselves, then I would have wasted time reading that book.
The ensuing tidal wave of condolences and remembrances only serve to highlight the deep levels of hypocrisy and ingratitude that frequent our national discourse. The same players and public who vilified (perhaps deservingly at times) these two polarising figures, now rise in a din to sing them praises.
At the same time, we must face the truth: our leaders and their ‘legacies’ are very problematic. In their lives, one cannot argue that they achieved much and have left an impact, but in their deaths, we are forced to consider if that impact is more negative and positive; and indeed what are the real consequences of their leadership: is T&T better off, or worse for it? Did their personal achievements lead to sustainable national development? Did their actions actually hinder our fulfillment of our goals and potential?
It is clear from listening to them in the years after they demitted office, that they themselves were not convinced that they had actually delivered on their promises. This of course would certainly be due in part to actions by others and circumstances beyond their control, but regardless, the proverbial buck stops with them. Right?
In any event, the universe has signaled that their era is ending and we can only hope that their surviving colleagues will take a moment and make whatever changes are required to do better, to be better, to not pass on with a half-baked legacy.
It is not enough that they get the position but, they must do something with it!
No one should expect perfection, but leaders must strive to set the highest bars – otherwise don’t take up the mantle.
Both of these leaders also heavily criticised their successors – which really has a lot to say about their own mentorship and influence.
In this vein, the current cadre of similar leaders must take a deep dive into their succession planning and begin to facilitate younger persons to take the helm.
Further, it is time for those who have ‘mouth’ to act. After all, the spectators always think they can do better than those in the arena.
We will miss them and their commentary but, in many ways they made themselves irrelevant to younger generations.
Current leaders please take heed. Do you want the same response upon your own passing?
Younger persons must step up and take note of the omens – so they can successfully complete their respective personal legends. Learn from our predecessors and build a prolific legacy!