Dear Editor,
We, as concerned Guyanese, realize that it is our duty to speak out unequivocally, against the recent atrocities carried out in Lusignan particularly the slaughter of innocent children in their beds where they lay and the reign of terror that has since descended.
Such heinous and unlawful behaviour by a few deviants must not be seen as symptomatic of the feelings or attitude of a larger community however different ethnically or politically.
We, all Guyanese, must now usher in a period of healing and togetherness through the concerted efforts and cooperation of all of us.
The challenge is ours. Individually and collectively we must all combat the disease of racism and ignorance which for generations has plagued our nation, standing in the way of unity, equality and true brotherly love.
Unless we hold firm our determination to free our people from these maladies, we cannot expect the levels of peace and harmony we all wish to see.
All will agree that this era in the history of our nation is unique.
Unique in the sense that, among other things, the level of consciousness of our people has risen tremendously over the last few days since we were all outraged by the events at Lusignan. Corres-pondingly, rising expectations have saturated the will of our people, expectations of a more secure environment for ourselves and our loved ones, expectations that our political leaders will be part of the healing process and not agents of division.
Expectations of equality and fair-mindedness. Expec-tations that my brother will be my keeper and I will not hesitate to be his.
With patience as our guide, unity our strength, we shall together overcome this crisis but where change is required and the need to implement a reorganization it must serve the long-term purpose and objectives of the country rather than just the immediacy of the moment. Our leaders and every citizen must now work with diligence and responsibility, not only for their own conscience’s sake, but for the benefit of the nation as a whole.
All political leaders must now work to establish peace and harmony in our society and lay the foundation of a progressive nation; otherwise our condemnation of the atrocities in Lusignan would be meaningless.
The two main political parties are well aware of this obligation.
We can be successful in our endeavours only if our goals are in sync, properly defined and effectively and aggressively pursued. Guyana will succeed if we systematically mobilize our communities to work for the success of the nation as one.
We must all be aware that our success to a great extent depends on our capacity to eliminate ethnicity, sectionalism, favouritism, injustice and triumphalism.
Our political leadership must be at the forefront of this initiative not only by addressing themselves to the wrongs inherent in our institutions and practices but by getting into the field and working to bring about changes.
We must now collectively formulate practical solutions to our immediate problems beginning with our political system and the communities we feel have been left behind.
This is The 2008 Initiative.
Yours faithfully,
F Hamley Case
Member
PNCR Team Alexander