A few occurrences this week exacerbated the chaos in Guyana. The world is experiencing transformation because of COVID-19 with the number of cases decreasing in some places while increasing in others. But here in Guyana it is not just the threat of coronavirus that has generated the sadness we see in the eyes of our fellow citizens. Though masks are concealing our smiles and our frowns many masks have been removed. This metamorphosis Guyana is experiencing has come with venom that has the potential to poison many generations to come. Hopefully when we will tell our children and grandchildren about this time, we will be able to say that we stood together as a Guyanese people in the end.
There is tension in the air. There are feelings of fear threatening the mental health of many Guyanese. It is not just about the lines we must now join before we can enter certain spaces. It is not just the temperature checks or the constant handwashing and sanitisation to keep us safe from this virus in the air. It is not just once-busy spaces that are now deserted or the hopelessness in the faces of many who are uncertain about the future. It is not just people who are at home and have not seen an office in months or children who are restless because they have not seen a classroom in months.
It is constant prayer and meditation that is preserving some people. And for some, it is the reassurance that the sun still rises in the east and sets in the west, so the end of the world is not just yet.
Many prayers are for peace in Guyana; that our citizens will not descend into further chaos.
We are hoping that we have seen the last of arsonists that were successful several times this week in burning buildings during the curfew hours. There was also an attempt to burn the Umana Yana again.
While the fires burned, coronavirus infections continued to rise, and a few names were added to the list of the dead. Some are not shocked or bothered anymore. Surely the desensitisation of the people has begun to take effect. Nevertheless, there are those who continue to panic. Those who wish the streets would be free from traffic and pedestrians, and buildings would remain closed to stop the possibility of too many names on the list of the dead.
The election saga continued. Supporters of the coalition took to the streets this week. The political parties are anxious for a declaration. Officials at the Guyana Elections Commission are being blamed for the rising tensions even as another court case is happening. The exhaustion, frustration and confusion of the people is evident, and the divide continues to widen.
This week also the international pressures continued to escalate in calls for a resolution of the March 2nd elections. The United States has started imposing sanctions on Guyana again. Some celebrated this announcement, and some did not care. These are indeed sad days for our country.
Some also took to their social media pages to blast the Americans. ‘How dare you threaten an Independent nation?’ they said. ‘Keep your visas and we will keep our oil,’ they said. It seems like the fascination about the American dream has lost its appeal for many. Corruption is rampant in the world and America is drowning in it. But nations built on the blood of Indigenous peoples who were murdered and the blood, sweat and tears of those who were enslaved still hold great power in this world.
I was reminded that this is a time of awakening and attempts of modern imperialism are recognized. The people are not afraid of those with the loudest voices.
In the midst of the chaos, one of the loudest voices on social media in Guyana, the Guyanese Critic continued to fuel the divide. This time he made a mockery of Hinduism again and posted an image with a message aimed at offending the African-Guyanese community. This post was quickly deleted as people retaliated in the comments but not before a screenshot was shared by many. The Guyanese Critic continues to have a large platform to spew hate. He offers nothing to help in the healing process of our nation. But why would he change when he has not been held accountable? Why would he see the need for behaviour change when the Ethnic Relations Commission simply made him issue a meaningless apology when he said Black people cannot read? Over a hundred and forty thousand people still follow him. I have to wonder if they are unaware of his crassness, if they do not care or if they are simply despicable as he is. It is sad that fools will continue to lead fools.
I worry about Guyana’s future. I worry about our leadership. I wonder if they will sit and watch us descend into further chaos with no attempts to put differences aside and work in the best interests of the people. I wonder if regardless of who is in power, if the Guyanese people will be left at the mercy of those whose only interest may be to covet our resources.
I have seen parents call for their leaders to stand for them for the sake of their children’s future. I have heard reports of young people weeping after court decisions. I have seen people talking about feeling hopeless.
My message to our leaders is that if they truly care about this nation, now is the time to stand for the people. Do not encourage a further divide. Do not incite violence. Do not sit quietly and watch your supporters take the streets. There should be no more shedding of blood. Demonstrate leadership that puts Guyana first. Be cognisant of the fact that some foreign agents who are quick to condemn the actions of some of us and issue threats do not see us as separate. They will not hesitate to condemn one today and condemn the other tomorrow as long as it serves their interest.
Every Guyanese citizen must exercise wisdom in this sensitive time. If only we could put aside the race hate and politics, we would be a united force to reckon with. We must repeat and encourage this until one day it is our reality. For the love of Guyana, we would stand together. For the death of Guyana, we will continue to stand apart. Where will we go if we sell our sovereignty? What will we do if a day comes when we cannot recognise ourselves anymore?
