While the flag-raising was the right thing to do, it was not done right

Dear Editor,

I personally love to see patriotic events like the flag-raising ceremony; I believe it revives a sense of commitment to country and for brotherhood/sisterhood. And even though it may be the right thing to do, I am not fully sure it was done right. For instance, the location of the ceremony is not on mutual ground in terms of political demographics, and therefore it implies an exclusion of a large part of the PPP base. This is compounded by the fact we are just out of the most divisive elections in decades and the wounds are still open. Therefore it would be clear that a large part of Guyana may not show up.

Leading up to the ceremony there was a deliberate show of recolouring that reflected the APNU party, and many feel it is party propaganda using taxpayers’ money. Some also believe that the upcoming one-month long events are simply an early start on APNU future campaigns. In a nutshell, it seems to some that we are seeing a rebranding of Guyana in the image and likeness of APNU.

On the other hand, it seems the Indians are deliberately not taking part in unity efforts, which seems to validate the above points. In any unity efforts everyone has to play a role, and I believe our Indian brothers and sisters have to rise to the occasion and seize this moment to secure our country’s future. The PPP have to understand sooner rather than later, that the political landscape has changed and they need to open their eyes and adjust to that environment. You cannot simply blame APNU for everything when we all know it takes two to tango, therefore the PPP must atone and restructure if they want to remain relevant.

It seems the air is filled with lip service for unity, but the acts on the ground are telling a different story. It is telling a story of state control, a solidifying of party power and a doubling down on both sides towards the anger and resentment of their respective bases. However, the upcoming local government elections and their aftermath will prove whether the government is serious about unity.

So far the government is showing great efficiency in celebrations, rebranding and party propaganda, but they are not showing any signs of competence in relation to economic recovery. Why are we not seeing the economic stimulus that will help to revive the private sector? Why is there no consumer confidence on Regent Street and other shopping districts? Where is the sense of urgency for these things as opposed to the grand celebrations?

Yours faithfully,
Malcolm Watkins