From no qualified Afro-Guyanese to an Afro-Guyanese Foreign Minister

Oct 08, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,

Whilst it is only natural to look forward to a life with no problematic challenges or hurdles with stumbles, and knockdowns, it is also known by many that one learns more from one’s mistakes than from the triumphs.
There was once a time when it had been infamously asserted, during a previous term in office of the current Government, that there were no Afro-Guyanese persons qualified to hold a single ambassadorial post. Things are very different today. It was noted in a recent letter [KN, 6 Oct 2021, Sieyf Shahabuddeen] that the face of Guyana to the world is African in the person of Hugh Todd, who holds the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Perhaps this is a lesson about one of the positives of democracy as a political system. A huge mistake has been amended. Without being democratically unseated in 2015, and then seizing the opportunity to recalibrate and refresh during the following five years, it is quite possible that a complacent PPP might have continued with that repugnant approach, thus not presenting the credible international profile that it does today – and just at the juncture of Guyana’s journey when the international presentation of our country matters so much. The visible activity on the ground by a number of Ministers is also very refreshing to any Guyanese looking on with objective eyes.
Still, many old cracks remain. We’ve not stopped hearing about police taking money – and now the whole Brickdam Police Station burn down flat! What about that particular crack? There is now talk also about the alleged arsonist’s confession coupled with on-the-street incredulity at the speed of the clean-up operation inside the burnt-out police station compound.
I also noted with approval the closing comments of Mr Shahabuddeen, about the changing demographics of Guyana, rendering it foolhardy for any major political party to focus only on one group. In the immediate term it would thus be prudent to purposively apply the ‘One Guyana’ approach advocated by President Ali in his inauguration speech. In the medium term this will have to extend also to the Brazilians, Venezuelans, Cubans, Chinese, Caricom Nationals and others, many of whom will in time become citizens. One day their children will comprise a significant percentage of the eligible vote – completely unconcerned about the traditions of post-colonial Guyanese politics. Led decisively by the Government, we must all embrace and contribute to the ‘One Guyana’ approach so that we achieve voting solely for policies and track record well before the impact of the new Guyanese citizen comes into play.

Yours truly,
Ronald Bostwick

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