The APNU and You – Guyanese can only welcome this coalition

Jun 26, 2011 Letters

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Dear Editor,
On Friday 24 June 2011, Guyana recorded a piece of history, which can only be described as timely and necessary.
This historic happening to which I refer is the launch of the Joint Opposition coalition, initiated by the Peoples National Congress Reform.
The PNCR, since 2006 took specific steps to realize this noble objective, but unfortunately the effort then was not as broad-based as one would have hoped.
Nevertheless, the party still contested the 2006 National Elections with those who collaborated with it, under a new name the PNCR-1G. Today, the quest to construct and establish a government of national unity has become a desire of every sane Guyanese, who wish only to see Guyana transforms into that place where all of our people can experience that ‘good life’ that we all yearn.
A good life, which is within our very reach, if only we decide to think outside of the box and put the livelihood of our people first.
Over the last decade or so, Guyanese have begun to increasingly express the view that achieving that ‘good life for all’ was unachievable.
They looked around and saw hopelessness and desperation almost everywhere. In 2001 Late Leader of the PNCR, H.D Hoyte summed it up by saying; “young people just cannot see the horizon”.
A young man reasoned that to ’get wid it’ means that one has to be a part of the ruling bunch or a crony of the pack.
The government, not seeming to understand the plight of citizens and the frustration of our youths, caused the Prime Minister, Hon. Samuel Hinds, to refer to Guyanese youths as a bunch whose only intent is to get ‘rich quick’.
What the Prime Minister failed to acknowledge is that those very youths whom he referred to with such disdain, might have developed the attitude or culture he scorns from his government.
Since, the young recognize, like the rest of us, that the ‘good life’ he wants to experience seems to be out of the reach of ordinary Guyanese. For many it belongs, only to those who occupy the echelons of the society, or live in Pradoville.
With the formation of the JOPP coalition, A Partnership for National Unity, Guyanese have a renewed sense of hope and determination, which defines our true spirit and resilience.
It unearths that determination which defies the fear that engulfs us for so many years. People are beginning to exhibit that confidence and determination which says that we must, and will experience that ’good life’. Guyana has suffered enough from bad governance.
We have experienced unimaginable corruption and mismanagement; violent crimes; domestic violence; narco-trafficking; suppression of free speech; economic hardship (VAT); human rights abuse (torture); failing health and education system; lack of development of the hinterland; unsecured borders; out-dated foreign policy agenda; archaic security system; suppression of Labour Movement; massive unemployment; street families; executive lawlessness (abrogation of the rule of law); discrimination; victimization; moral decline (climax of which must be the President’s barefaced lie to the nation about his marital status), among other national ills.
The APNU is therefore, a call for action, action to stem the tide of this spiraling decline. I am confident that Guyanese will use this opportunity to put a halt to the mayhem occasioned by this inept PPP/C government.
This election is not about Granger, the PNCR the JOPP, or any single individual or political entity, it is about us, the people. Let us therefore, continue to vigorously embrace this needed arrangement for our own sake and that of our children and their children.
Let me congratulate Mr. Corbin and the leadership of the PNCR for again demonstrating that the PNCR’s mission has always been one that is committed to put country first.
There are many who take pride in the fact that you are again prepared to sacrifice so much to work towards achieving that national good.
I believe this is the testimony of a mature and evolving political institution. You’ve stayed the course despite tremendous obstacles.
Let me also congratulate all the other members of the coalition for the interest they have shown in putting Guyana First, you all I am sure must have given up something in order to arrive at this stage.
You have demonstrated that at a time of national crisis, and political quagmire, the interest of the nation triumphs partisan political interest. Your collective, political leadership have caused citizens to have a deeper sense of confidence that we can still bring out the best in our leaders.
I am not going to be naïve to think that all the well wishers will want to see this formidable coalition succeed, I therefore urge the APNU to guard against the ‘naysayers’ and the bosses they represent.
The success of this arrangement depends on all of us. Leaders are therefore asked to exercise great restraint and caution to ensure that the ‘gelling’ is careful and complete.
I ask all of us, voters, to be guardians of the coalition as our future depend on the success of this arrangement. Let us roll up our sleeves and work to ensure that the APNU is elected, in order that opportunity to pursue ‘a good life for all Guyanese’ is assured.
Lurlene Nestor

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