Dear Editor,
Politics is a complex and dynamic area that affects every aspect of people’s lives, with different interests and ideologies converging to seek power and influence, but when politicians use hate and racism to incite their supporters against a sitting government, the consequences of such actions can be grave for society as a whole. The recent divisive comments made by Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Tacuma Ogunseye, to incite and encourage members of the Joint Services in rejecting a democratically elected government are not without consequence.
Political activist and academic, Walter Rodney, must be turning in his grave to see the levels the party he founded has gone to. The WPA’s origins had their foundation in fighting autocracy, promoting democracy, and erasing ethnic divisions. A climate of polarization and division, creating an “us vs. them” mentality can lead to violence and civil unrest. This can further polarize society and make it difficult for individuals to work together to solve common problems. Despot politicians usually use this, and we all know the consequences of living in such a society; just look at the news and the lives of the people living under a dictatorship, and you will get the picture.
It is clear that President Irfaan Ali’s “One Guyana” vision is affecting certain sections of society striving for political power, and it is therefore important for politicians to refrain from using these tactics and instead focus on promoting democratic values and building a more inclusive and tolerant society since many of the persons propagating such a despotic narrative will not be around to see the consequences of their senility. All right-thinking members of society must condemn such actions. The President reiterated that the ‘One Guyana’ vision is about creating an equal society, guaranteeing that everyone can lead productive and happy lives, and reducing inequality in access to education, health, employment, income, and justice.
Sincerely,
Halim Khan
R3PSInc Head
