Dear Editor,
Our political founding fathers’ collective vision back in the late 1940s through the 1950s & 1960s were to unite Guyana in their quest for an independent and free Guyana. Moreso, such a perceived unity was the needed force in the struggle for liberating Guyana and its peoples’ from the colonial masters and set a new beginning for the country.
However, as per history books, personal ambitions and self-interests, amongst some of our politicians from the outset to present day, have ruined this unity that we are all longing for. After 50 plus years of independence, we are still working to build a State instead of citizens & nationhood under the national motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”.
The concepts of “Social Cohesion” and “One Guyana” are both geared towards unity and prosperity for all Guyanese; yet we have Guyanese in the political arena still fanning the flames of discord and acrimonious sentiments in society. At this juncture, as Guyanese we should be looking at ways to bring an end to this so-called systemic racism and racial insecurity.
The following can be applied: Change our mindset; rethink how we build relationships; ensure that we are engaging constructively; use of privilege in a meaningful way; let’s be aware of the prevalence of stereotyping; let’s be more systematic about campaigning; reframe local and national structures towards inclusiveness, and, promote social involvement, openness & accountability
Sincerely,
Paul Ramrattan
