Dear Editor,
Guyana has never seen democracy played out in its truest form in a way which benefits the people since independence. We saw our country subjected to a rigged system for 24 years, and even though the PPP/C fought for and brought some democracy and prosperity, it also had a few greedy and narcissistic people who held it ransom, ultimately leading to its loss of power. And now we are seeing that APNU+AFC is simply reactionary and fragile in its leadership, which leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
However, during this time, I have seen a revolution of minds, especially young minds who want something better than what exists.
They are seeing Guyana not moving forward as much as it is swinging from side to side. It is time for progressive young minds to rise up and be heard; we understand the modern world better for the purpose of leading our country; we have that rare ability to forgive and unite our country for the greater good; and we know how to work together.
There is a desire in our hearts for prosperity and peace to come to our land. We are the generation that is free from the colonial curse of divide and conquer, a strategy that kept us in poverty and violence for far too long.
We must demand that our political parties change the way things are done by beginning to listen to the people more and finding solutions for prosperity instead of using our resources to fight their personal wars and raise their salaries.
People are seeing how democracy has been taken hostage by a powerful few to gain control of wealth and power. We are seeing that sometimes they are enemies in public but sleep in the same bed in private, metaphorically speaking. So as the people fight each other on the streets, the people they are fighting for are sleeping together.
Let 2016 be the start of a revolution that sees people being represented fairly in politics and their needs met. Let’s see the government of the day lead objectively and not fill their pockets and provide only for their own voters. Guyana deserves the right to prosper; we have enough resources to have a good life. But that good life will never see the light of day unless we start opening our minds and removing the veil from our eyes.
Let’s continue to liberate our minds and dream for a better Guyana. We will continue to use all the tools available in order to be heard. The freedom of social media must become stronger and a game changer.
Yours faithfully,
Malcolm Watkins
