Dear Editor,
Over the past five years the media has seen significant gains in press freedom. This freedom has allowed for many to share their perspective without fear of retaliation. This is essential to fostering a constructive debate on key topics affecting our nation. Thus allowing decision makers to have a more complete perspective which helps in better decision making from which we all benefit as a nation.
In addition, there have been substantial gains in the use of peaceful means for conflict resolution. One must remember the circumstances prior to resolution of this lengthy election conflict. Many of our citizens were in the street and in some cases on the verge of conflict. Also prior there have been questionable circumstances that have led to the death of innocent protestors which had spurred change and concern over the course that Guyana was on. It is paramount that any leader who aspires to take our nation forward in unity and peace that the use of peaceful resolution to conflict continues to be the preferred path.
My fellow Comrades, the positive gains we have seen in these two critical areas should not be lost during the next five administrative years and it is important that we all remain both vigilant and vocal if such progress begins to be lost. The continued strengthening of our justice system and our institutions must continue to be a high priority for ensuring that these two pillars (press freedom & peaceful reconciliation of conflict) of a unified and peaceful society are sustained.
Yours faithfully,
Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans
of Guyana
