Dear Editor,
Please allow me space to share thoughts on the recent Mayor and City Council elections as I believe the unnecessary perversion of the democratic process requires a response from those of us concerned about our nation’s younger generations.
According to reports in the Guyana Chronicle and from persons who attended those elections, Councillor Sherod Duncan was prevented from making a nomination for the position of Deputy Mayor by a young Councillor Trichria Richards, who moved a motion to close nominations after one Peter’s name had been submitted; her submission was allowed by the newly re-elected Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green, and Akeem was declared Deputy Mayor.
It is my considered view that there was no need to ‘select’ Mr Peter in this manner and pervert the democratic process; the party he represents has a clear majority in the council and he would have won against candidates from any other party.
Mr Peter’s ‘election’ which should have been an occasion of joy for the youth of our nation, instead leaves a bitter aftertaste; he is now tainted by these unnecessary actions as is Councillor Richards for her part in the farce. They have been corrupted by the ‘old brigade’ by accepting something less than a complete democratic election. No doubt many a party sycophant will assure Mr Peter that his election was a foregone conclusion and this act was simply a shortcut. To this I offer Mr Peter the sage advice of former First Lady of the United States, Mrs Michelle Obama: “We learned about honesty and integrity ‒ that the truth matters… that you don’t take shortcuts or play by your own set of rules… and success doesn’t count unless you earn it fair and square.”
I look forward to seeing Mr Peter perform in his new role and I sincerely hope he can take my constructive criticisms on board as he gives in service to our city.
Yours faithfully,
Robin Singh
Administrator
Youth Movement Guyana
