Dear Editor,
Reference your news report (Nov 8), I salute and commend Mississippi Senate candidate Scott Colom’s (voluntary) service as an educator in Guyana for 16 months (2005/06). In following the Senate race in the ruby red (and red neck) state of Mississippi, known for harsh measures against advocates for equal rights and voter rights, Mr. Colom has come across as a down to earth, approachable, unpretentious, humble, caring, compassionate person who champions the small person (voter). It is exceptionally rare for someone with Colom’s background to dedicate over a year of their life to teaching in a small overseas village without any immediate political or financial incentive. By choosing to invest time, energy, and heart directly into the children of Guyana, Colom demonstrated a selfless brand of educational leadership that transcends borders, the like of which not known in diaspora except for a rare few and hardly any in Guyana.
The journey from a humble background in USA to a classroom in an impoverished rural village (not named) without electricity and water to being a lawyer and a state prosecutor, and now as a candidate for Senate (on the doorstep of a stunning victory thought impossible) is nothing short of extraordinary. (His Republican opponent blocked his appointment by President Biden as a federal judge). This is a testament to a rare and profound commitment to public service, the like of which has been hardly seen in Guyana as a volunteer teacher and even among the diaspora. In an era where leaders are often measured solely by political ambition, Colom’s story stands out because it is rooted in grassroots dedication, empathy, and a willingness to serve rather than be served that characterize the life of almost every politician, save the likes of Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, Gandhi, Mandela, and a few others. His service-oriented demeanour apparently has shaped his outlook in life. Hence, his decision to seek elected office to serve others and uplift lives just like Jagan. He truly belongs in office as he is not seeking fame and fortune as most politicians do. He is not the typical politician. He has made it clear he is not serving a political party (Democrat) but the people of Mississippi. He said he likes certain policies (lower taxes but not on immigration) of President Trump and will work with him for the betterment of his state.
In Guyana, Colom helped shaped the futures of poor, unserved children (albeit in a village) who needed dedicated educators the most to guide. I am curious to know who are some beneficiaries of his volunteerism and how did his work shape lives. And where are some of them today? Did they learn anything from him? Did they follow in his footsteps? Have they themselves volunteered to help uplift lives? How many of our politicians have volunteered time to help others? Who among our politicians are truly in politics to help others?
Colom stated that experience in Guyana fundamentally shaped his perspective on public service. Wow! And to know few Guyanese politicians behave like him! It taught him that true leadership begins with listening to the needs of the vulnerable youths, understanding the daily struggles of ordinary people, and recognizing that education can uplift lives. The patience and humility forged in those Guyanese classrooms laid the moral foundation for the public servant he would eventually become. How many Guyanese politicians can be so described?
What makes Colom’s chapter in Guyana truly remarkable — and worthy of the highest praise —is how distinct it is from the diaspora. Within both the Guyanese-American community and the wider global diaspora, over a million have successfully transitioned to life in Western nations, building professional careers in education, engineering, law, medicine, business, and even politics. During the period of the struggle for restoration of democracy in Guyana, 1966-1992, few of them showed concern about human rights violations, starvation and persecution of Guyanese. They left Guyana behind preferring to forget their terrible experience under the dictatorship. Few lifted a finger to champion restoration of democracy in the homeland.
Scott Colom’s service in Guyana as well as those who spent time combating the Guyanese dictatorship offer a powerful inspiration for others in Guyana, US, and elsewhere. It shows that the best leaders and personalities are those who have walked among, are caring, and sought to understand the people they seek to serve.
As Colom seeks to build on his political career, that service in Guyana as a volunteer and his desire to serve with dedication and integrity remains a powerful symbol of his character. Colom and those volunteers from the diaspora, especially those who spent time in Guyana helping others during the dictatorship and championing democracy, have set a gold standard for what it means to be an authentic, caring, compassionate person and a truly global citizen. Won’t it be wonderful if others could follow suit?
Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram
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