Independence has exposed us to a variety of experiences which should have strengthened our maturity, intelligence and strength of responsibility, President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has said.
In a message to mark Guyana’s 43rd independence anniversary celebrated yesterday, GPSU President Patrick Yarde said this strength should be enough that we are prepared to pursue our life in a manner that is beneficial to developing relationships of harmony and to reinforce our motto of ‘One People One Nation One Destiny’.
This can be achieved, he said, “if goodwill, unity and fair dealings are the fundamental principles that guide the way forward.”
Regrettably, Yarde said, even though this is still possible today, we have permitted unenlightened backward behaviour to infiltrate the decency that would normally exist among Guyanese people. This obstructs the goodwill that we could naturally share with each other because those entrusted with leadership roles are allowed to manipulate the people for selfish and narrow purposes.
Independence was a moment in history, he added, when all six peoples were brought together despite varying circumstances to celebrate proudly.
The common hope that united us before in our pursuit of independence undoubtedly displayed the potential for Guyanese, as a diverse people to live together and demonstrate that unity and harmony could be transferred to achievements of common good for the benefit of our nation.