Guyanese don’t show nationalist feelings like other nations

Jan 05, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
I pen this letter from the confines of the quiet walls of a tiny, breezy, apartment in a foreign country, away from the political and racial negativities that obtain in Guyana, my home land. I highlight my location because whenever I travel, I feel a sense of inclusiveness and nationalistic pride in the behaviour of the citizens of the countries to which I travel. Conversely, Guyana seems backwards and blighted. Even nationally beneficial acts and activities seem to be collateral sacrifices on the altar of political, racial and ideological differences.
For instance, Georgetown now looks like Guyana has an owner. You could now take your visiting friends and family for a walk through town and not have to explain why the town is stink and oozing with stench from debris and garbage. Yet there has not been a note of praise or congratulation from the opposition. It is as if all this clean up and beautification is happening behind closed doors and they are oblivious to it. Even a nationalistic and public health initiative of this magnitude fails to get a formal acclamation from the opposition, because of political, racial or ideological differences.
A few days ago this newspaper published a letter I wrote on the political and bureaucratic hassles folks from the diaspora are subjected to when they try to offer their services in Guyana. It was an objective article, based on facts and actual, personal, experiences. Even that came in for biased and ideological massacring. I was reminded that the spoils of Guyana belong to those who remained through the tough times of Burnham and the PPP/C. I was told that Guyana was doing fine without the assistance of us “foreigners”, and that it will continue to do well without the input from those of the Guyanese diaspora.
Imagine, political, racial and ideological differences are causing Guyanese to behave in ways that will further stymie the growth and development of the country. Our ‘blightedness’ is so ingrained that we are willing to behave in ways that perpetuate and accelerate our own demise.
Local Government Elections are around the corner and again we see signs that we are prepared to shoot ourselves in our own foot. Every simpleton in Guyana knows that at the political level racism abounds. It would make nationalistic common-sense therefore for the political parties to abstain from direct involvement in the LGE. If the political parties get involve, race and ethnicity will be brought back to the forefront. Whatever little gains were made in the last 7 months will be erased, as race-baiting will raise its ugly head. Can’t the politicians not realize this?
Guyana needs a chance to breath. Every day we hear and read about sadness and cruelty- from acts of criminality to political naivety. It is as if the leaders – our politicians from both sides of the divide – are inoculated from our frustrations and tiredness. It seems as if every act on their part has to be tainted with one-upmanship and grand-standing. I often wonder who advises politicians in Guyana. There seems to be no parallel anywhere I have lived or travelled. They say they care but often act antithetical to the needs and desires of the populace.
Editor, Guyana sits on the crest of some very pivotal times ahead. This is make or break time for us. We are embarrassed and weary of being the laughing stock of the Caribbean and the rest of the world. The internet and social media constantly remind us that we deserve better. We are hardworking, intelligent, and God-fearing, just as much as our friends and family living in other countries and doing better than us. As a people we are both tired and optimistic. Since 2011 the country has shown that we are desirous of inclusivity and unity.
This current administration has a golden opportunity to do for this country what has never been done in 50 years; the uniting of the nation. I applaud the former Speaker of the House, Ralph Ramkarran, and join with him in his call for some national solution to the racial and ethnic divisions in this country.
We are not interested in the selfish and personal legacy of our politicians. This is a new era. We need to see plans and behaviours exhibited by our trusted leaders that are patriotic and nationally beneficial. Guyana needs the kind of leadership that will pilot us away from our learnt political, racial and ideological differences. Under God this will be achieved. The hand writing is on the wall.
Pastor Wendell. P. Jeffrey

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