The root of Guyana’s problems: Religion or Politics?

Feb 10, 2013 Letters

Dear Editor,
Born in 1981, I remember living on the West Bank of Demerara in a street popularly known as “Race Dam” but correctly identified as Unity Street La Grange. Living in that street were handfuls of relatives, some separated by just a house or two, others occupying houses in one stretch.
Our immediate family was scattered along the street but as a child I remember hearing relatives say that the occupants of the houses that separated us from our immediate relatives were our distant relatives. I came to understand that everyone in that street was related one way or another.
While growing up I cannot ever remember hearing the word “religion”. I do remember having devotions with my grandmother though. Every Friday night she called all of her grand children and we read from the Bible and sang hymns.
Those were good days. We learnt about the God of the Bible. I am not aware of what went on in other households but I remember that in many homes I entered there was a sign that read “Christ is the head of this home…”. Religion seemed non-existent but then all knew about God. Even in the classroom there was rarely any talk of religion. Everyone would recite prayer at assembly and at lunch. Not once do I remember bowing my head to three different prayers in school. We all said one prayer and continued our activities.
As children living in Unity Street, we met to play and the adults would watch on sometimes. We lived in Guyana, and we loved Guyana. We heard about the “States” and England, mostly the “States”, but we were happy in Guyana and never once did I hear any family member cry out to go “oversees”. There was unity in Unity Street.
In those days you heard about “Burnham” a lot. I still remember the day news of his death spread. Women were seen bawling, everyone was in conversation. I remember standing by a fence listening to my aunts and cousins talk to distant relatives. I also remember hearing about “Jagan”. I barely understood anything. All I knew was that we were living happily and no one was crying to go “oversees”.
Today, with the introduction of the Ethnic Relations Committee, and so many political parties, Guyana seems to be going down a landslide. The talk of religion is widespread and politics has become a sanctuary for many. Many are crying to go “oversees” and when they can’t reach the “States” or England they are overjoyed to land on any Caribbean Island. What do you think has caused this? Is it the knowledge of religion and the total absence of a knowledge of God? Or has the introduction of numerous political parties and people into politics caused this problem. I would love to hear your views.
I am, by self-description, non-religious but one with a firm belief in Christ (you may smile and call me contradictory but I have never viewed my belief in Christ as a religion). I am also someone with a desire to enter the realm of politics. It is my sincere desire to help others – through varying means.
In conclusion, both the “States” and England are presently having their share of problems. When I think of the United States with only two political parties but the recent focus on religion, I have to wonder if religion really is the problem. On the other hand, when I think of England under the control of the Royal family with only room for a Prime Minister, I ponder whether politics (in this case the Royal control), with one party/group of persons ruling long term, weakens a country.
ChosenNChrist

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The root of Guyana’s problems: Religion or Politics?

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