Dear Editor,
In a few weeks, both Guyana and America will remember the tragic events of November 18, 1978, when Congressman Leo Ryan was killed investigating Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple in Jonestown. This dark chapter, with more than 900 lives lost, left a haunting association with Guyana that has lingered in American memory ever since. For many, Jonestown remains a painful reminder of the risks involved when foreign affairs become deeply entangled.
Today, nearly 45 years later, as the U.S. presidential election on November 5 approaches, there’s been some debate about which candidate Guyanese Americans should vote for. While those with U.S. citizenship should absolutely exercise their voting rights, it’s worth considering that Guyana as a whole might benefit from staying out of the fray. We’ve come so far as a nation, making huge strides forward, and it would be best to keep the focus on that progress rather than revisiting the shadows of Jonestown.
By steering clear of American political discourse, Guyana can continue building a new image—one that’s not tied to past tragedies but instead rooted in peace, growth, and optimism. Honouring those who suffered in Jonestown, including Congressman Ryan, means looking forward, not getting pulled back into divisive discussions. We have a bright future ahead, and it’s time for that to be the story people associate with Guyana.
Sincerely,
Keith Bernard