Jubilee Celebrations—Were there not Six races?

Jun 02, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,

The most awaited event in the history of Guyana has come and gone, in fact it can be now considered history. Sadly, there are still some painfully lingering questions present, ones that need to be urgently addressed if we are anticipating another 50 as a nation, and not a nay-shun. It is with some degree of grave concern that I read about the fiasco surrounding the seating controversy for the Opposition Members of Parliament.

In addition there were also concerns expressed re: the absence of our Indian brothers and sisters at both the Flag Raising and the Float Parade. Kaieteur News, May 29, 2016: The missing link in the Jubilee Celebration. Both the incident and incidence speak volumes. Let us not be deceived, no set of statistics can fully capture the changes the country and its citizens have recently experienced.

According to Martin Luther King Jnr. love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy toa friend.On August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial before 250,000 individuals of all races and colors stood a man with a dream. A man who had the dream of justice and equality everywhere , with a clear vision that someday we will all embrace each other with open arms irregardless of the color of our skin. Now five decades later that fight still continues, not the fight of race only but rather the fight of love.

We can theorize to the last “t” but currently in Guyana our problem is not so much about race, but rather the lack of unconditional love and respect we show to each other. Needless to say, I am left puzzled, to the point where I cannot help but wonder if taking into account 50 years of independence, have we progressed or regressed as a society. And if we have regressed what are the causal factors?.Could it be that as a people we have not seen enough struggle to create the progress required for change? What solutions are we aiming for? Are we aiming for love and peace or are we simply creating more division between all parties involved?”

Helen Keller, the great American political activist said the only thing worse than being blind is having sight with no vision. As the country enters into a new era which brings with it a new 50th year era , again I cannot help but wonder if the government and its ministers have arrived safely into the 50th year but have brought with them their own pre 50th year vision/ attitude etc. We have developed into a culture where more time is spent by both parties profiling each other on a daily basis.

This has caused a resultant disconnect between what is right and what is wrong, thereby causing more harm than good. My firm belief is that as a nation the time has come to merge the separation that has been wedged between the two main races. The force that has kept us progressing for what is only right. As my native land looks confidently towards its post-Jubilee future, it is my fervent hope that this simple message finds its way into the souls and minds of the President, Ministers even of the Opposition, and the people that they may come to the mindfulness that a country divided will fall, but together will stand. Let us focus on doing the right things and not simply doing things right. In conclusion, permit me to once again quote Martin Luther King Jr., wherein he affirms, darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.
Yvonne Sam