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Urling is about public service

Jul 23, 2014 Letters

Dear Editor,
I read the headline in the Sunday Guyana Times and wondered why the editor of that newspaper felt the need to headline the newspaper with my name. It seemed to me and I wondered if there is an unease and paranoia that is sweeping the corridors of political power that is driving an obsession and focus on me personally and the NGO “Blue CAPS”.
For the record, I want to firmly and clearly outline the following, which hopefully would alleviate the seemingly emerging paranoia.
Blue CAPS started a few months ago with a simple mission: 1.) Train young leaders 2.) Develop and advocate public policy solutions and 3.) Engage in community service. We also have been visible advocates calling for local government elections (LGE) and sharing a 10-point statement of values about what we expect from all political parties and leaders.
Clearly we have tapped into a long simmering national passion and conviction ready to burst with rightful force. The attention Blue CAPS has received is as startling as it is amusing, particularly from political policy makers and the media.
We have been labeled variously as pro-USA, pro-LEAD, pro-PPP, pro-PNC and pro-AFC.  However, most of the unwarranted criticisms have come from the ruling party because of our call for local government elections. The criticisms have attempted to overwhelm the dialogue from focusing on the real heart and soul of the Blue CAPS message.
The call for LGE is not a political criticism of any one political party. Rather it is arising from a deep, unconditional love of country that supersedes political partisanship. Our message underscores our fundamental individual and collective constitutional and civic obligation. That is what all of us must ensure should be administered without fail every three years. Regrettably, we have not fulfilled this most essential obligation for 20 years.
Blue CAPS is not focused on political blame or partisan favour. It operates on the most sincere premise: doing what is right for Guyana by honouring our individual and collective constitutional obligations.
We respect the roles of our political parties and leaders. Similarly, the people in civil society have equally important roles. The request is simple: we demand mutual respect for our roles as national citizens.
Blue CAPS is and always will be an NGO. If any member wishes to pursue an official political career either through an existing party or by forming his or her own, we would wholeheartedly support that individual’s choice.
There is nothing egregious about us accepting funding from any reputable entity whose priorities align with ours.  We always will reach out to all important stakeholders in our society, engaging them with deep respect while we advance our public policy positions and objectives for the best interests of Guyana.
As for my personal ambitions, full public disclosure is merited. I have developed a deep passion for public service and deeply admire the men and women who engage their lives daily in the service to others. My passion for civic duty has motivated me to serve the Georgetown Chamber, the Tourism and Hospitality Association, the Private Sector Commission and other private sector organizations for close to a decade.
Clinton Urling

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