‘One Guyana’ is a political gimmick

Sep 20, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,

It is laughable, somewhat of an insult as well for the PPP and President Ali to believe that Guyanese cannot see that their so-called ‘One Guyana’ Initiative is a political gimmick. ‘One Guyana’ is really the ‘One Man Show’, ‘the President Ali Show’. It is designed to use the aspirations and fantasy of a united people to win over votes and support from non-traditional supporters. Even the President alluded to this when he spoke of his desire for Guyanese to support him and his vision. Notice, he didn’t refer to ‘One Guyana’ as the aspirations of our ancestors, hundreds of thousands of Guyanese and a desire shared by all regardless of their political and societal affiliation and standing. He said it was his vision.

It is an insult to our collective struggle, vision and shared history that the PPP and President Ali refer to their political gimmick as ‘One Guyana’. So far, the PPP has demonstrated that ‘One Guyana’ means sponsoring concerts and other “feel good” activities, taking pictures with Guyanese who might be perceived as supporters of the political opposition, that is the APNU-AFC Coalition and investing in community projects in communities that have not traditionally supported the PPP. In other words, the PPP and President Ali are attempting to deceive Guyanese; this political gimmick has no substance.

For example, what results is ‘One Guyana’ trying to achieve, when, and how are they being measured? Is there a ‘One Guyana’ steering committee composed of Guyanese from diverse societal and political backgrounds? Does ‘One Guyana’ include legislative and policy actions designed supportive of autonomous regional administrations, transitioning from the Burnham Constitution the PPP loves to criticise but in over 20 years have not amended the Executive Presidency and winner-take all provisions? The Government includes multiple political groups, the largest of which is the APNU+AFC Coalition. Is there any representative of this Coalition working with the ‘One Guyana’ office or steering committee? Is there even an office of steering committee? Even the Coalition devoted a Ministry and several other initiatives to social cohesion. The PPP has committed, what, concerts, photo-ops and romantic sounding empty rhetoric.

There will be no ‘One Guyana’ and continued unequal distribution of resources until and unless Guyanese from all walks of life decide to be the authors of their own futures and existence. Sadly, many of us have decided to give the Government full control over our destinies and existence. Bob Marley was absolutely correct, “get up, stand up, stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up, don’t give up the fight.”

Sincerely,
Chris Singh