Dear Editor,
It is incumbent upon Guyanese citizens to stay focused, united, and resist the temptation to succumb to the customs of the ridiculous silly season dramas, which are frequently obscene and discouraging in an election year. Historically, die-hard supporters of Guyana’s major political parties engage in vitriol and uncouth behaviours that cause trepidation among the major ethnicities, i.e. Africans and East Indians.
As a young man, I experienced the melee that transpired during the 2015 and 2020 General and Regional elections, respectively, which of course created a bad image of our society. For over 60 years pre- and post-independence, our country has been subject to racism and divisiveness, which has led to a sense of distrust, superiority, and animosity among Guyanese of African and East Indian descent. We live in a society that is continuously evolving, which means that our behavioural patterns and outlook should change as well. Since the ethnic composition of Guyana’s two major political parties, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), has obviously changed over time, the abhorrent practice of “race baiting” must stop as it has no place in the 21st century.
Regardless of our political inclinations, we must remember that everyone ultimately has the right to their own prerogatives, which essentially means that we respect one another. We should not force, mistreat, or assault one another just because they may hold different views about a certain political party. Furthermore, if someone is not interested in supporting a political party, we cannot conjure them into doing so. I find it extremely disheartening when friends and family who used to be unified diverge because of the political atmosphere, especially during elections. Does the motto “One People, One Nation, and One Destiny” really resonate with us? As part of the younger generation in this beautiful country, I am of the staunch belief that when we examine the political landscape, there is a dire need for “maturity and respectability”.
We have allowed our opposing beliefs to drag us into a state of disdain for far too long, even though we are aware that these destructive traits have led to our social regression, all eyes are continuously on us. I sincerely hope that racism and division are rejected in this country because they are definitely impeding our progress as a nation. As the leaders of the future, we must assume the responsibility that our predecessors did not and lead a socially cohesive Guyana. Can we do it? Yes, we can!
Sincerely,
Antonio Dey
Faculty of Sciences, Final Year
Student
University of Guyana
