Dear Editor,
Two identical maps of Guyana are making the rounds on social media, one with our National Motto and the other with the political slogan ‘One Guyana’. Why? As a nation, we must stand united, especially at a time when our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is being threatened. Venezuela’s illegal claim and posturing for our land and economic prosperity should be a wake-up call for us to come together as one people with one mission. We cannot afford to send mixed messages to the population, as it will only weaken our resolve and give credence to our adversaries. The words of our Motto “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” are an embodiment of what we should strive for as a nation. The leadership of this country needs to have a clear, simple, and unified message at this crucial time in our history. A message that will foster national unity and ensure that we stand together in the face of any external threats.
Now is not the time for political gamesmanship when the enemy is not only beyond our borders but is in our backyard in every region and being arrogantly bold. Walking in our capital and painting the Venezuelan flag on their food carts, including our Essequibo, is taking our Guyanese hospitality and kindness and returning disrespect to us. Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are first and foremost non-negotiable positions for all Guyanese. Historically, it has always been that way and it must remain so today and in the future. The message should be emphasized that this land is our birthright, and we must preserve it for our people and future generations. We should not allow any nation to encroach on our territory or infringe on our rights. This message should be repeated over and over again until it is ingrained in the minds of every Guyanese. The government must embark on a robust national education campaign to educate Guyanese on the history of this controversy now more than ever.
Standing united is not just about protecting our land and economic prosperity, it is also about creating a united front to spearhead equitable development initiatives that cuts across political, religious and ethnic divisions in our country. When we stand united, we attract investments that benefits the investors and the people in an impactful and positive way. We can build a country that we can all be proud of and one that future generations will appreciate. But to achieve the aforementioned, we need to stand united as a nation in the face of the external threats to our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Now is not the time to score cheap political points, and clearly it is not the time for mixed messages to the population, but rather a clear, simple, and unified message that emphasizes our non-negotiable position. We must come together and make a clarion call on CARICOM, the OAS, EU, AU, US, our South America allies and other friends to support our just cause and be in solidarity with us, giving their unwavering support against this blatant illegality.
We must come together as “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” to protect our land and future generations. We are stronger when we stand together. All of Guyana is we own. All of Guyana belongs to us.
Sincerely,
Hon. Jermaine Figueira MP