GOOD LEADERSHIP, Mr PM

In the challenges of Hurricane Ivan, Prime Minister Manning has, in some respects (admittedly on a smaller scale) displayed a leadership style and acumen similar to Rudy Giuliani’s.   We hope that his follow-through delivery will maintain this commend-able standard.  

Today, September 11, marks the third anniversary of one of the world’s most horrific terrorist attacks in mankind’s history.  The tragedy, given the now famous 9/11 name tag, saw the destruction of New York’s most prominent landmark — the magnificent World Trade Centre.  The loss of thousands of innocent lives was the most tragic aspect of the historic disaster. In the midst of this massive catastrophe however, like a diamond in the darkness, was the beacon light of the splendid leadership acumen of the then Mayor of New York City, Rudolph “Rudy” Giuliani. The international community got a lesson in crisis management and leadership, as the dynamism and agility, went into high gear, showcasing the managerial mastery, which he had acquired through a wealth of experience, over the years. It was a crucial and critical defining moment in the life of Giuliani. It is said that the worst of times, bring out the best in us.  This is particularly so in the case of good leaders. It is also said that leadership is action, not position.

On the evening of Monday September 06, all of Trinidad and Tobago began getting “the jitters”, as news of a storm alert troubled our eardrums and hearts.  As the evening got darker, the news followed suit.  Things got more and more dismal, especially for our tiny twin sister Tobago.  Most people were naturally glued to their television or radio sets, extracting every bit of info, as the “terror alert” appeared to be fast climbing to red.  It was not a case of a Bin Laden strike.  But equally, or ever more devastatingly, it was an Ivan strike that was imminent.  Many comments, in the form of concerns, caution and technical advice came from various sources, through the electronic media.  But then came the voice of Prime Minister, Patrick Manning. To give Jack his jacket, the man came over with the sobriety, maturity and wisdom required in a leader, in a moment of uncertainty and fear.  The Prime Minister said all the right things, in the right tone and mood.  It was easy to detect that the troubling situation was engaging the priority attention of the Prime Minister and that he was well alert and attuned. 

Mr Manning also kept his comments and counsel free from cheap political rhetoric. What was particularly note-worthy about the PM’s remarks, was that, on the night in question, he seemed to be the only one cognizant of the presence of God in the whole uneasy scenario.  In fact, at the very beginning of his remarks, Mr Manning acknow-ledged the need for us to look to God in times of such difficult challenges.  He assured THA’s Chief Secretary, Orville London, and the rest of Tobago: “Our prayers are with you.”  His words conveyed reassurance, comfort and strength. The following night in his “post Ivan” address, “live from White Hall,” the Prime Minister was even more impacting.  Again, with the resolve and focus of a good leader, the Prime Minister began by saying that we “must first give thanks to Almighty God” for protecting Trinidad and Tobago from the kind of ravages we have seen done by Hurricane Ivan in neighbouring countries, especially Grenada. 

He quickly added his concerns for those Caribbean countries which were hit, and our nation’s willingness to assist. His Cabinet had already agreed to some ten million dollars in aid to Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines.  Local soldiers were also to be dispatched. Tobago was to have the presence of the PM “as soon as planes were cleared to fly,” along with heavy “emergency supplies,” shipped on a rented BP vessel. Manning also revealed that he was up throughout Monday night, monitoring the situation and keeping constantly in touch with the metrological centre and other relevant sources.  And there were not any negative signs of the added stress taking a toll on the PM’s heart condition either! In the challenges of Hurricane Ivan, Prime Minister Manning has, in some respects (admittedly on a smaller scale) displayed a leadership style and acumen similar to Rudy Giuliani’s.  

We hope that his follow-through delivery will maintain this commendable standard. So far he seems to be doing well, even as he has added Jamaica (including sending a BWIA plane to take TT students out of that country) and the latest local flooding woes to his list. May I reiterate and stress, the Prime Minister’s exhortation for us to be thankful for God’s mercies.  Mr. Orville London has asked that this weekend be dedicated to prayer and thanksgiving in Tobago.  This is another wonderful gesture.  Too many times we take God’s goodness and mercy for granted.  We can hardly find a moment to saya a meaningful, “Thank you, Lord.”  But let’s wake up and find an attitude of gratitude, remembering, “You may never miss the water, ‘til the well runs dry!”