Dear Editor,
Progressive Guyanese often criticise like-minded political leaders for failing to do enough to fix our racial problem. Indeed, such leaders seem afraid to talk about it, and terrified of taking any bold steps to bridge the gaps. The fact is though, politicians are creatures of popular opinion, and they will do little unless their supporters openly push for action. Therefore, the solution to the dilemma lies first with ordinary Guyanese who want change, not politicians.
Editor, many Guyanese may be most comfortable with a leader of the same ethnic background. That is the unfortunate reality. Too many of us consider ethnicity instead of issues. And therein lies the dilemma. Progressive Afro-Guyanese leaders may be cautious of pushing for inclusive governance owing to a fear of alienating traditional supporters. And forward-thinking leaders of Indian descent are scared to reach out to Black Guyanese, for similar reasons.
Therefore, while patriotic leaders may genuinely desire to work to heal Guyana’s wounds, they feel constrained by the potential for loss of traditional support. It follows then, that the solution lies squarely with the supporters, who must reassure their representatives of their continued backing, if and when leaders reach out to the other side.
Of course, not all politicians are progressive; some are self-serving, power hungry opportunists. Guyanese know that opportunistic politicians deliberately play the race card. And they will not stop, as it has served them well in the past. Those opportunists will never be part of a solution, and progressive Guyanese must actively resist their attempts to manipulate minds. At the same time, citizens must reassure progressive leaders; we need to encourage them to reach out and include all Guyanese; we must force them to take bold steps. Progressive Guyanese spend a lot of time criticising the actions of self-serving opportunists, while not enough energy is exerted to giving positive reinforcement to pro-democracy leaders. Without positive feedback, our representatives may hesitate to commit to the required courses of action.
Editor, things are not looking good for Guyana: Parliament has been prorogued, allegations of corruption are rampant, our infrastructure is falling apart, and freedom itself appears to be threatened. Time may be running out. Meanwhile, political leaders appear unsure of what to do; they may feel caught between a rock and a hard place.
Surely, now is not the time for us to be wasting energy on arguments about what happened half a century years ago when Cheddi Jagan dominated politics, or over four decades in the past, when Forbes Burnham was president. In fact, more recent officials may have little relevance to the present reality; what difference does it make whether Hoyte was good or bad, or if Jagdeo was a nice man or not. Will debating such nonsense put food on the table tomorrow? Will arguing about history pay next month’s bills? Editor, we have what we have, and we had better wake up and work with it.
In modern times, leaders are a message away. Instead of filling up Facebook threads with time-wasting arguments, progressive Guyanese need to inbox representatives and tell them to reach out to the other side. As creatures of popular opinion, leaders may to hesitate to do some things unless we make them feel comfortable. We depend on them to steer the ship, and they depend on us for reassurance and support. And we must openly push them in the right direction.
Yours faithfully,
Mark DaCosta