Dear Editor,
Politics that’s based solely on discriminatory practices and tribalism is a politics that is doomed to tear a country apart. It is a failure of imagination as we do not appreciate that this is not just what identifies us as a people, it is the tapestry of what makes us who we are.
We witnessed recently, Guyanese united for “One Guyana” in the border controversy with Venezuela. This was a great opportunity to have a unity parade or celebration with our own Adrian Dutchin singing, “I am a Guyanese’ and Terry Gajraj singing his hit, “Guyanese Baboo”
But the history of Guyana—which is both a cradle of human progress and a crucible of conflict—has demonstrated that when we define ourselves narrowly, and fail to consider that we are first Guyanese, then we will fail as a nation.
There are many Guyanese who may not be loyal to any political party, yet they have not had a piece of the proverbial oil pie. Editor, it is my belief that if we all come together with good intentions, then President Irfaan Ali’s ‘One Guyana’ vision will become a reality. We have a young President who has displayed efforts to bring all Guyanese together. But I don’t think this is enough. It has to be about bringing us together as equals in action and not words only.
Every Guyanese must have their share of the profits from the oil and gas industry. Qualified Guyanese in many areas must be able to provide their requisite skills to Guyana; they should be afforded the opportunity,
Our government has served for three years, with two years remaining. The Guyanese people want a government that talks the talk and walks the walk.
Mr. President, the ball is in your court to display your leadership skills to unite our nation. The youths are our future and we owe it to them to have them feel that they too are part of your ‘One Guyana’ dream and those who migrated to study or pursue greener pastures, must want to return.
The hostilities of the past must remain there and we must move forward in harmony.
I met with the President, he knows my plight and how it has affected me but I am not prepared to give up on the country of my birth. Only this past week I was fined for transactions for which I was granted State Authorization and was found guilty despite no documentary evidence being presented to the courts. I have suffered enough, been brought to my knees, and anyone with a conscience will say, “Time Served!”
Let us live as one people and let us respect the government in office.
If at the end of their elected term in office and we as a people are not satisfied with their performance, then we have the right to vote for the next best candidate at the next General and Regional Elections which serves as a pillar of our democracy.
I for one, am prepared to throw my support behind good leadership.
Sincerely,
Dorwain Bess
