A former executive of the Democratic Labour Movement (DLM) says the party’s Open Hand symbol has been copied by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and called for it to be dropped.
In a letter to Stabroek News, Mohamed Z. Rahaman said that the DLM was a key member of the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD) in the run-up to the 1992 general elections and the Open Hand symbol remains dear to all of its members and it represents a struggle against, dictatorship and racism against the very PNC regime, which is a the major component in this new political alliance.
APNU unveiled the symbol several weeks ago and is due to formally launch its campaign for the general elections this afternoon.
Rahaman’s letter follows:
Dear Editor
In 1983 I joined the Democratic Labour Movement (DLM) and served as the Movement’s representative in the Washington, DC area until after the 1992 elections. The DLM of course, was preceded by the RWA-FDU (1982) which was itself preceded by the GRRS (1978). The DLM as you are aware contested the
1985 and 1992 elections. The symbol of the party was ‘the Open Hand’ with the Star in the middle of the hand.
Now, I note that the newly formed alliance of PNC/APNU symbol bears a striking resemblance to that of the DLM ‘the Open Hand’. I truly hope that this was an error or oversight by the principals involved. The DLM was an integral and leading member of the PCD and the Open Hand symbol remains dear to all of our members and furthermore it represents a struggle against,dictatorship and racism against the very PNC regime, which is a the major party in this new political alliance.
The DLM was a victim of fraudulent elections. You can recall Dr Festus Brotherson’s expose from inside the PNC that explained the significant number of seats the DLM won in areas like Linden and the West Coast but was defrauded of its seats and its rightful place in Parliament.
We therefore, respectfully request that the PNC/APNU immediately remove any references printed or otherwise of the Open Hand symbol from their website and or documents. Surely, there must be someone in the PNC/APNU that can summon enough imagination to provide an original symbol that reflects the interests and objectives of the individuals involved in the new political alliance.
Attached please find the DLM symbol.
Yours faithfully,
Mohamed Z. Rahaman
Former Representative of the Democratic Labour Movement (DLM -Guyana) Washington, DC Area
