Dear Editor,
We take this opportunity to salute Karen de Souza on her nomination for the International Woman of Courage award. Over time, Karen has been part of the struggle in Guyana against authoritarian rule in political and social forms. A true revolutionary fighter, we recall that she fearlessly took her place in the trenches when others of greater physical stature found the going too hot to handle. Time and again she stood up, numerous arrests inclusive, for democracy and what was right.
Later, and seamlessly, she became more involved with the struggle for the rights of women and children. The work of the Red Thread organisation which she helped found, became her main focus not only in assisting entrepreneurial initiatives for working class women of all races but also in alerting Guyana to the many depredations against women, especially in the area of domestic violence.
The nomination by the US embassy will assist in attuning local and international attention to the issues that Karen and other women have fought so hard for amidst sometimes difficult conditions and the lethargy and inattention of many.
Hail up Karen. Keep it up.
Yours faithfully,
Keith Scott
Nigel Westmaas
