Dear Editor,
We live in a bountiful country where daily, people stand by and criticise which government is underperforming, who is corrupt, and are constantly berating the current members of society who are politically involved. But have we reflected to ask ourselves, what are we as individuals doing to help?
Are you stepping up to the plate to advocate for your rights as a teacher? For the long hours you work daily and the lack of resources you have? Are you, as a labourer working for wages that cannot pay the hospital bill for your family? Are you encouraging anyone around you to change the situation and offering support if someone steps up?
The real question which each Guyanese should ask them self is, why aren’t you helping to make that difference we need? We can all use the excuses of not having the time, the resources, or the education, but is that the basis of having the ability to help? Do not underestimate your skill set. You may be good at writing, you may be good at managing social media. How about the challenge of fundraising? Sometimes it is as simple as privately advocating in your own home, or sharing a post on Facebook, examine what you are good at and bring those skills forward. There has to be a time when you put your personal obstacles aside to advocate and collaborate to make the difference for your country.
The fear of being affiliated with a specific political party has to be eliminated immediately. There should be no fear of reputation, loss of job or loss of business by speaking up for your rights as a citizen. But there is a larger penalty; our future and the future of our children. We want to be able to work together with you to extinguish this fear and transform Guyana. The harsh reality is that we cannot accept this type of culture any longer. No one party can stand up against all of us wanting to make a change. You can start by being an activist in your home, your community and watch it unfold on a national level. There are others like you, and we will all stand together and take the power back.
As a younger generation, we want a better future. We do not want to hear the same old politics being discussed year after year and get left further behind the rest of the world. We want to advocate for more action and less talking. Our older politicians will soon realise that it is time for a new wave of youth to be their own voice, for their own future. As the youngest member of ANUG, I have found that all of the members have not only been supportive, but have encouraged new ideas to come forth from myself and other younger members and are equally as respected and important. Yet, we still hear that it’s only “old politics” involved. When do we start to take ownership as the next generation?
This is my call to action for the youth of Guyana. This has now become our responsibility. We have a role to play as citizens of this nation, to learn from those with experience, then adapt it and contribute however you can; be the difference Guyana needs. Reach out and ask how you can help. We welcome you to do your part in advocating in any variety of ways. You just need to get involved. There is power in one seat, in one vote in Parliament and every single one of our vote counts. We need to stay true to our power as the youths of Guyana.
Yours faithfully,
Kian Jabour
A New and United Guyana(ANUG)
