Guyanese Americans – Documented and naturalised
On this last 2022 weekend – the cusp of a brand new year in our part of the world it is almost natural to ponder, wonder, cogitate, speculate, be curious as to what that imminent period, 2023, will present to us as a nation. Or should not it be what we – people and leaders – will do with the next year?
It is also seemingly “natural” for human-beings to disagree; to want more or different approaches; to make disagreements and disputes and contention trump peace and orderly progress. So we in little, relatively-peaceful Guyana also seem to be comfortable creating strife. Especially of the economic or political type.
So what elements could usher in and maintain Christmas-like peace and goodwill throughout 2023? Ho-ho-ho…
Two decades and more years ago when I was more politically-aligned and active, I knew – instinctively and as a matter of mischievous deliberate planning – just how and why so-called “leaders” would instigate followers merely by creating doubt, fear-factors even racism to maintain and motivate supporter-support.
Claims of discrimination – both very false and sometimes very real – would always be a tool and weapon to secure their group’s loyalty. Frankly speaking, evil, selfish, ambitious, political “leaders” know how vulnerable, a-political and/or easily-misled most of their following usually are. I’ve therefore always hoped that Guyanese citizens from around age sixteen (16)! should be aware of the roles of their influencers. You don’t have to be actively “political” to appreciate “politics.”
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Racism in our nation 2023
Our National Motto, (I think Dave Martins will agree), is merely aspirational. “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” constitutes just our hope for cohesive objectives and national existence.
But I’ve long appreciated that our human nature directs us to align to some group more than to others. It’s a cultural comfort, security and familiarity thing. It’s also natural to share common perspectives and beliefs. Communities in Linden, Canal Number Two, Tiger Bay, Buxton, Aishalton or Enmore each find their own commonality and human, social preferences and lifestyles. Nothing wrong! As long as there is peace and respect for others.
And there is nothing wrong also when and if communities are comfortable with members of their own race and ethnicity. Even Guyanese of mixed parentage tend to veer to some one group!
Racism occurs when just race or ethnicity is used as “qualification”; is used to discriminate; to give unfair, unearned preference. Physical, visible, open, aggressive racist behaviours tear societies apart, even leaving lifelong psychological, emotional wounds. Politicians – the cheap divisive types – employ manufactured racism for their own benefit.
Take care not to be misled in 2023. What does your religion say about such political “leaders”? Spend time next year to carefully assess those claiming support. Even our current generation can still qualify to be friendly, tolerant, understanding citizens of goodwill to all. So prefer your group. But respect the peace and existence of others. Even as you demand that government share our bounties equitably.
A safe, peaceful and successful 2023 from this columnist who appreciates every group.
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Prognostications, predictions, “fore-tellings”
It’s true. I love this word: Prog-nos-tee-kay-shun – prognostication, the prediction. A few from me for 2023.
The political opposition will use racism to “balance” the government’s structured positive incursion amongst opposition supporter-bases.
The Police Force/Service will established a more scientific and investigative department to pre-empt, detect and prosecute the large-scale-marijuana/cocaine sub-sector.
Budget 2023 will provide yet more salary and pension increases.
A more structured monthly account of oil revenues will be made public.
By May 2023 the PNC will decide how comfortable it is with Comrade Norton’s leadership.
The PPP’s Housing Programme will become the best ever since Forbes Burnham’s time.
Other states will seek to copy Mr Jagdeo’s Carbon Credit (REDD) strategy
At last something will be done about Georgetown’s disgrace of a jungle-cemetery.
Same-sex marriages will occur in our land! What’s your hopes, predictions for next year??
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Thousand, thousands of Guyanese Americans
From Green-Card resident-aliens to full-fledged American citizens – documented, naturalised and legal! Hundreds of thousands of born–Guyanese now enjoy their double/dual Guyanese/American citizenships. We are “naturalising” citizens here too.
Should we here be impressed or ashamed in topping CARICOM and this region in exporting our people through migration to the so-called diaspora? Well, my small family is also there. I’ll always live and die here. I’m documented and naturalised only here! For better for worse. Welcome to my many friends from the U.S.A
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Ponder, reflect before 2023
1) Last Friday a hard-hitting SN editorial – “Racial hostility and the mayor”- caused me to re-think what I learnt about offering comment on cases before courts-of-law.
2) My heart goes out to the hard-hit US States devastated by blizzards, snow and ice-storms.
3) List five (5) countries which would allow thousands of illegals to easily cross their borders, besides the U.S.A.
4) Facebook intrigues me sometimes. It is well used, often abused. Many will die without its presence. Many in distress often needy or hungry would see others in much more joyous circumstances.
A “Cotton-Tree Gyal” posted her Christmas Day lunch as: “chicken stew, curry duck, dhall, bhagge, karila, okra, mackerel, potato roti, potato curry, apple pie, black-cake, marble sponge cake, ginger-beer, egg nog and ice-block.”
There were photographs! If true I hope she shared with the “less-fortunate”
5) Try not to use the following for one week: “Journey, you guys, giving back”.
‘Til next year
