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A call to all Guyanese
DEAR EDITOR,
There has to be a metamorphosis in the thinking of the two major races in terms of the way they view their political leaders, both those who are in office and those who aspire for office.
Both races have to face the harsh reality that politicians who do not have the country’s interests at heart, but who are bent on enriching themselves at the expense of the suffering working class, are detrimental to the welfare of all races in Guyana.
We must not differentiate on the basis that ‘our leader is less evil than their leader’; evil is evil and a rotten fish stinks whether it is in one house or another.
This type of thinking requires that we have to remove that insidious veil of tribalism and racism that have entered into the psyche of both races, and have created that fertile ground for greedy and corrupt politicians to grow and prosper.
This will not be an easy task, but it will represent a pivotal turning point in the political process in Guyana.
With this type of approach and thinking, people will begin to look for leaders on the basis of the content of their character and their capacity to serve the country and advance the welfare of all Guyanese, and not because of their race.
Of course, we do not expect leaders to be flawless in character and virtue, but at a minimum, they must have a strong respect for truth and moral integrity, and a demonstrated commitment to public service without any ulterior motive or vested interests.
The historical experience in Guyana has been that the ‘racial pattern of voting’ has always trumped any type of rational and objective thinking and analysis.
The leaders that have emerged over the years know this very well, and almost all have been masters of manipulation, division, and exclusion. They know that they can violate all the rules and norms of good governance and financial propriety and they will always have that safety net of tribalism and racial voting to catapult them into high office.
Well, the time has come for Guyanese to break this pattern. If a person votes for a presidential candidate, then it must be so on the basis of that candidate’s demonstrated performance and leadership, his/her capacity to serve in the best interests of all Guyanese, and to promote the growth and prosperity of Guyana, and at no time must his/her race or any other narrow affiliation enter into the equation.
Voting for a presidential candidate is a serious matter, and there will be serious consequences for the people and the country when someone who does not have the character and the attributes to work for the welfare of all Guyanese, is propelled into that office.
No emotional sentimentalism or show of blind loyalty to race or tribal interests must thwart the exercise of right thinking, objective judgment, and rational and impartial analysis.
But all this is not enough. Those who oversee the electoral machinery must ensure that elections are fair, both in appearance and in substance. The integrity of the votes cast must be upheld and protected. There must be no interference, manipulation or substitution of valid votes cast.
And this begins with the accurate and complete preparation of the electoral list of eligible voters, and sufficient time for the review and correction of this list.
Also, the results of the elections must be made known in a timely manner, considering logistical and other unforeseen circumstances.
It is also critical that the young people in Guyana play a more meaningful and impactful role in the political process. It seems that there is widespread discontent with the present crop of leaders. This offers both a challenge and an opportunity for the young people to articulate their position and agenda, and hopefully take on the mantle of leadership.
This is the way forward for Guyana, and in living the spirit of our motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”
Sincerely,
Haimnauth [Cecil] Ramkirath
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