Dear Editor,
SINCE assuming office as Prime Minister two and a half years ago, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has since become a remarkable leader in the execution of his duties. He had the choice of following in the footsteps of other Prime Ministers before him, but he did not.
Instead, he carved out his own niche which allowed him to be flexible and at the same time candid with the public.
His transition from being the Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to Prime Minister and to politics was smooth, which leaves little or no doubt in the minds of many of his political and leadership skills.
Brigadier Phillips did not become the Prime Minister by chance or by accident, he was carefully selected by members of the PPP because of his talents as a senior military person and because of his ability to lead as he had done in the army.
Despite his lack of political experience, many believed that Prime Minister Phillips was the right person for the job, and they were right. But is there a “right” person to be the Prime Minister of Guyana?
The answer is yes, mainly because he is the ideal person with the ideal set of skills necessary to fulfil the role of Prime Minister.
The former Chief of Staff of the GDF possesses a wide range of qualities, an impeccable integrity, is a credible and pragmatic politician and a leader with vision and the ability to compromise.
Cool, calm, and enthusiastic, Brigadier Phillips has surprised many with his sound leadership style, his requisite skills, knowledge and understanding of the role of Prime Minister and the first Vice-President.
In many of his visits to various rural communities, he told the residents that his most important mission as Prime Minister is to work closely with President, Dr Irfaan Ali and the Cabinet to solve their problems, improve their lives, and unite and develop the country.
Since becoming Prime Minister, the former army chief has exhibited all the characteristics of a gifted politician and a leader who adapts readily and easily to new situations.
He is a keen listener and an extremely good communicator with very strong analytical and negotiation skills.
Self-motivated, original, creative, and judicious, and having an advanced vocabulary, Brigadier Phillips is always concerned with right and wrong, good, and bad.
Sociable, and known for his unique and clever responses, he is unwilling to accept authoritarian pronouncements without critical examination.
Not only is he a strong believer in good governance, accountability, and transparency, but he is also an unyielding advocate of an animated opposition that would not criticise for the sake of criticising, but one that would genuinely highlight tangible problems and articulate sound policies.
Prime Minister Phillips is a firm believer of the government’s commitment to inclusiveness. To this end, he has he brought on board persons from other political parties, welcomes criticisms and values and respects those who may disagree with him on positions taken.
Owing to the Prime Minister’s military experience and his superb management style, President Ali has entrusted Prime Minister Phillips with enormous responsibilities, such as the leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, the Telecommunications Sector, the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC).
The Office of Prime Minister is also responsible for the Energy Sector which in part includes the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc, (HECI), as well as the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA).
A son of the soil, Phillips is a competent, trusted, and valued member of President Ali’s team, who is instrumental in assisting in providing policy direction to advance the welfare and development of all the people of Guyana, regardless of race, ethnicity, or party affiliation.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Asquith Rose
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