KAMLA impresses Jamaicans
her tough talk and firmness of purpose – fully understands her role as a leader – an intellect that can be palpably felt – can openly see her leadership abilities.
Of late I have been very impressed by Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s positive stance on matters affecting her country. In the eyes of many of us in Jamaica, even those who find disfavour with T&T and its gaping trade advantage with Jamaica, her tough talk and firmness of purpose are indicative that she fully understands her role as a leader who must not only be perceived to be ‘working and working’ behind closed doors or in the cabinet, but must visibly stand tall in front of her people and effectively represent them on most levels.
She knows that she must not only be there in name and position. The name and position must mean something beyond what can be seen, heard and felt in the lives of the people she leads.
Her tough talk and action are always supported by an intellect that can be palpably felt. And readers, please do not infer that when I use the word intellect I am mistaking it for academic qualification and fancy talk that few can comprehend.
To me, academic qualification is merely a first step. When a person or a leader melds academic qualification and training with plain old-fashioned know-how in fixing problems and in generating new directions, plus having a bit of experience, that is the second step. When that person uses the whole to navigate his/her way in trying to understand his/her people, his/her environment in all its phases and the complex processes of global matters with a focus on where those intersect with his country, then that person is an intellectual, especially where the person is able to effectively communicate those ideas to the people.
I admire the lady on two levels. The first is direct, where I can openly see her leadership abilities. The second is disappointment, that gnawing emptiness I feel when I cannot find the same in our [JAMAICAN] own female prime minister right here at home, whether she is in our backyard telling us that she is working, working and still loves us or, on one of her many flights (25 in two years!) to foreign countries.”