Dear Editor,
On February 22, Mr Moses Nagamootoo made a bold and courageous statement on the programme, ‘Hard Talk.’ He spoke directly to the issues of race and its role in Guyanese politics. I commend Mr Nagamootoo, since I believe that openly acknowledging and discussing the matter is a necessary prerequisite to building a united Guyana.
In calling for an end to race-baiting, Mr Nagamootoo said, “We are all Guyanese, and should see each other as such. We need to send positive messages to our supporters and in fact all Guyanese. We have to learn to live out the creed of who we are; we are Guyanese and we are not Indo-Guyanese, Afro-Guyanese, Chino-Guyanese, Amerindo-Guyanese…we are Guyanese.” Referring to the upcoming election, he said, “We must not go there appealing to their racial or prejudicial side.” Mr Nagamootoo said too, that the focus should be on better governance and inclusiveness.
Editor, the reports of Mr Nagamootoo’s statements immediately went viral on social media. Guyanese lauded his forthright and candid comments. Clearly, citizens want a united Guyana, and they recognise that openly acknowledging and confronting the elephant in the room is a desirable and positive development. I sincerely hope that other leaders take note and follow suit. Solutions to our problems, big and small, can be found only when those problems are identified, acknowledged, articulated and openly discussed.
Yours faithfully,
Mark DaCosta
