As the prospects of local government elections loom, the simple thought of meaningful participation by youths grips my mind. Active participation at the community level is very important for the advancement of that particular community.
Notwithstanding the complexities of our political system in Guyana, the role of youth in consolidation of local democracy and good governance is of vast importance to our survival politically. No longer can we sit idly by and allow elders to dominate our political space. For democracy to be fully achieved, we must begin our work immediately at all levels.
According to the Oxford dictionary of English, the word democracy means “a government by the people through elected representatives”. But democracy, according to many others, means “the right to exercise one’s fundamental and human rights in his country of origin or abroad”.
The role of youth in consolidating such a democracy is far reaching to the extent that Guyana has not catered for such an atmosphere with the full involvement of the donor community nor the youth themselves.
Former Communist leader of China Mao Zedong stated that “the young people are the most active and vital force in society. They are the most eager to learn and the least conservative in thinking”. It is perhaps time that we went beyond platitudinous statements to that effect that youth represent the future of this country but let them be so. It has become a firm part of the political rhetoric across the country to glorify youth and assure them that the future is in their hands but these public pronouncements by our leaders merely serve to heighten the fact that the bulk of Guyanese youth have had slim chances for high quality secondary and tertiary education, job opportunities and even participation in public life, since the story of youth is one of hope and broken promises.
Therefore, our role in the consolidation of a democratic society to ensure our full and active participation is pivotally important. We must challenge the status quo in order to be seen and heard. It is to this extent that young people must get involved. With this background, our role must be a sacrificial one, since it will determine our future. Our role is of pertinent importance and should be approached with prudence in order to have efficient and effective participation.
Youth around the country should therefore seize the opportunity at the upcoming polls and make use of all, so that hidden potentials can be revealed and personal skills developed and preserved.
To conclude, it must be reiterated that our role is as equally important as that of our dependence on water the world over for the sustenance of life.
Long live our youth and long live the Republic of Guyana.
Yours faithfully,
Randy Nurse
Youth Coalition for Democratic Change
Linden
