I write to you with reference to the recent Independence Day celebration held at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Five. It is known that the achievement of Independence in Guyana runs though the blood of every single Guyanese regardless of race, creed, gender, age, political affiliation, religion, etc. It is also known and understood to be a national event, where all Guyanese join hands together and dance to the music of the various cultures in Guyana.
The Independence event at the RDC of Region Five started around 8:00hrs on May 25, 2012. The arrangement of the compound and the stage decoration were nice, and I was impressed. I sat there enjoying the show which was full of dances, songs and a little drama. It was then time for the Regional Chairman (Bindrabhan Bisnauth) to make his remarks.
The chairman‘s remarks changed my mood and left me saying to myself and a few friends sitting next to me “Oh I really sorry I came to this event, it is merely politically inclined.” Bisnauth said to the gathering that former president Dr Cheddi Jagan was the one who fought for Independence in Guyana, full stop. I was ashamed that the newly elected chairman was not aware of the history that follows Guyana‘s attainment of Independence or if he knew but doubted the facts for political reasons. I want to make known to the Chairman that since I was a little boy going to primary school, I always remember my Social Studies teacher saying that it was Cheddi Jagan and LFS Burnham who fought for Independence in Guyana. I therefore advise the Regional Chairman to pay keen attention to his speeches before he discloses them to the public.
The entire event took another turn from the time the regional chairman concluded his speech. My fellow Afro-Guyanese brothers and sisters present there were offended and voices were heard commenting on the Chairman’s presentation.
I then began to think a little further, when I realized that the guest speaker of the event was Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee. Nothing was wrong with that, but something was wrong when I saw that no representatives from A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) or the Alliance For Change (AFC) were called upon to say a few words.
The raising of the flag was the same. I could not see anyone from the opposition joining hands with the Minister to raise the Golden Arrowhead.
The people of Region Five have voted for the PPP/C, APNU and the AFC. The RDC belongs to the people of Region Five not the Regional Chairman and the PPP/C.
I had recalled the Mashramani celebrations at the named region where the Minister of Education, Ms Manickchand was the guest speaker and where she did a wonderful job delivering her remarks. PPP/C Chairman Bindrabhan Bisnauth, APNU Councillor Carol Joseph and AFC Councillor Cindy Sookdeo were all present and were given the chance to give their remarks on the activity.
The two councillors were also holding hands with Ms Manickchand as they raised the Golden Arrowhead; it was a beauty to look at. Why the change at the Independence Day celebration? Who implemented such changes? I ask the Regional Chairman to stop the political behaviour and represent all the people of Region Five; bear in mind some 13000 or more voted for the APNU and the AFC.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
