Dear Editor,
Election year 2011 is finally here; the silly season as it is referred to so humorously but aptly, will afford some of us who are less informed, the anticipation of the hope and fear that the letter columns of your newspaper bring to the reading public. Frankly speaking I am often amused and amazed at the responses of some of your contributors when they are called to account.
A case in point is Mr Eric Phillips’ letter, ‘Fenty should read Ban Ki-Moon’s speech,’ which ended: “Perhaps Mr Fenty is saying to Africans, vote PPP if you want to survive in Guyana.” This was in relation to a letter entitled ‘Something tangible should emanate from the Year of the People of African Descent.’
What was Mr Fenty referring to when he said, “I am not qualified enough, nor given to fuelling or perpetuating under the guise of debate, rancour, bitterness, or racism sometimes masquerading as racial pride and activism.” (‘Elections “Mischief” cometh’ SN, Jan 14). My problem with Mr Fenty’s column, ‘Frankly Speaking’ has always been how seriously it should be taken. Revisit the ‘Frankly Speaking’ column captioned ‘Don’t waste your vote’ (SN, December, 12, 1997). For persons who for whatever reason cannot obtain a copy of that newspaper, read between the lines: “I advise you [the electorate] to choose real POWER. A party who can confront Evil. Stay with winners. Stick with the BIG ONES. There is strength in numbers.”
In politics perception is nine-tenths reality. If for whatever reason Africans and Indians have issues with their respective voting preference, the AFC has emerged as a very credible alternative in its short history.
In every general election in recent memory, Guyanese have been reminded that the country is at the crossroads, but this time in my considered opinion we are at the end of the road. Our destiny is in our hands.
Yours faithfully,
Lloyd W Davidson
