Dear Editor,
March 18th 2016 will be chronicled in our history books as the return of local government elections. It was a day that all of the candidates and members of Youth For Local Government (YFLG) will never forget. While the polls did not go in our favour we refuse to view this process as a loss, for we have gained a lot. We have gained a wealth of experience and knowledge throughout this elections process. We have formed relationships and forged friendships and for this we are grateful. Most importantly, we have started a movement that will outlive us. We have done what no other group of youth has ever done in Guyana before, hence for these simple reasons we stand a proud group of youth committed to being real change agents.
Like all the other groups we expected more votes, even as we recognized very early that ‘blind’ voting would negatively affect the process as was evident in Constituency 13. We expected a low voter turnout but wish to place no blame, rather to say it was the choice of many not to vote and that they did. This clearly shows how we as a people value this fundamental right.
Shockingly there was also a disturbingly low turnout among our fellow youths which we will be working to remedy by engaging young people through the YFLG platform.
The Youth for Local Government congratulates the APNU+AFC coalition, the PPP/C, Team Legacy and Team Benschop, all of whom have earned seats on the city council. We wish all those to be sworn in as councillors success, blessings and guidance during their tenure, and we look forward to working along with the council whenever necessary.
In closing we wish to extend heartfelt gratitude to those who supported us; their good wishes and prayers were appreciated and will be our driving force for the next three years.
Yours faithfully,
Clayon F Halley
Leader
Youth For Local Government
