Dear Editor,
September 19 had been declared by President Irfaan Ali as a National Day of Mourning on the passing of Queen Elizabeth 11 whose burial will take place on that date. This is indeed a fitting tribute to the late Queen whose contribution to British and global politics is unmatched. Throughout her long and illustrious reign as Queen and Head of the British Commonwealth spanning a period of seventy years, she carried herself with grace and dignity beyond comparison. I am no fan of the British Monarch but credit must be given where it is due. The late Queen must be credited for holding the Common-wealth together and raising the profile of Britain and other Commonwealth countries on the international stage. Guyana has benefitted substantially over the years from British and Commonwealth support especially in terms of our democracy.
It was Britain and other western countries that played a strong advocacy role for the return of democracy to Guyana in the October 5, 1992 elections after nearly three decades of PNC dictatorial rule. And it was Britain and the Commonwealth that lent support to democracy in Guyana in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional elections after an attempt was made by the APNU+AFC coalition to subvert the will of the Guyanese electorate. Britain and the Commonwealth have also taken positions favourable to Guyana in defence of our territorial integrity. A new era has begun in terms of British and Commonwealth politics with a new Monarch, and coincidentally, with a new Prime Minister of Britain.
Sincerely,
Hydar Ally