Dear Editor
I can recall in my senior year at high school my Literature teacher called me an “egotistical chauvinistic pig.” This was the new phrase that became synonymous with my name. In every genre of literature that dealt with the theme of women, I always found a way of presenting women as inferior to men. I never believed in the word equality, much less the sovereignty of women. Today all of that has changed. I would like to salute all women in this country and the world at large, for their unsurpassed contributions to the development of our civilization. For the past couple of weeks I have been taking a special interest in the works of our own Sonia Noel. I was moved deeply in my spirit having read and listened to many stories from my peers about how much her work had inspired them. Many women and men are today are living their dreams because of this great daughter of the soil.
The debate of equality is pertinent to our present day discourse on the empowerment of women. I have seen the unfolding revolutionary consciousness of Sonia’s fast-paced transformation. This cognisance that eventually established itself in her work is tantamount to the free woman that aims at transforming not only the fashion industry in Guyana, but also the way in which women are most times perceived by men. This year’s theme for the Model Search and Designer Portfolio which focused on domestic violence is evidence of the cultural revolution which has informed her work. It is a revolution that carries redemptive potential and can bring about the much needed change that we desperately seek as it relates to curbing the spate of domestic abuse which plagues our country.
The emancipation of my perception from deeply internalized chauvinistic propensities is testimony to the positive work this designer has been doing. Congratulations to Ms Sonia Noel for her startling contribution to Guyana. On behalf of all the people in Guyana, I would like to thank her for the work she has started, and hope that she continues to be a beacon and pioneer of women in our beautiful country. I urge all of Guyana to support the social and cultural programmes which are positively effecting good changes in the life of our people, especially our youth.
Yours faithfully,
Samuel Sandy
Mabaruma
