Latest update March 23rd, 2025 9:41 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

A change in political culture starts with small gestures of common courtesy

Jan 07, 2023 Letters

Dear Editor,

I am referring to the news from earlier this week that President Irfaan Ali bestowed Guyana’s second highest award, the Order of Roraima on Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. According to press release of the Department of Information (https://dpi.gov.gy/pm-gonsalves-conferred-with-order-of-roraima/), Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, former president Donald Ramotar, ministers Hugh Todd, Oneidge Walrond, Nigel Dharamlall, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud and other officials were also in attendance at the ceremony.

This was also documented and the photographs accompanying the report. Interestingly, all living former presidents (Jagdeo, Ramotar) were present at the ceremony with the exception of President Granger, the only opposition politician who held that office in the last 30 years. Why he was not invited? Established in 1976, the Order of Roraima is awarded by the people of Guyana, represented here by the President of the Republic, to any citizen of Guyana who has given outstanding service to the nation. Citizens of foreign nations, who are deemed eligible may also be appointed as honorary members of the order. Fittingly, Dr. Gonsalves was honored in recognition of his dedicated and sustained leadership and commitment to regional development. Given the prestige and honour associated with this national award, wouldn’t it have been appropriate to invite also all leaders of the parties represented in the National Assembly to witness the ceremony? This would also have elevated the event from one merely being staged for the ruling party and its dignitaries to one of national unity in the spirit of President Ali’s “One Guyana” vision.

On January 1, 2023, I had called in letters to published by Stabroek News and Kaieteur News, respectively, for a new political culture of mutual respect and reconciliation in Guyana. Sadly, my message was not heard to date by the political leaders of the nation. Changes in political culture start with small gestures of courtesy. They demonstrate mutual respect and common decency, which should be the basis of the political discourse. They set the tone and demonstrated appreciation and inclusiveness may trigger a genuine reconciliation for the good of the nation. We are just a few days into the new year. Hence, I still have not given up my hope for meaningful and sustainable change in Guyana’s political culture.

Sincerely,

Andre Brandli, PhD

Professor, LMU Munich

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 17th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Reliance Hustlers delighted for Youth Programme support from First Lady

Reliance Hustlers delighted for Youth Programme support from First...

Mar 23, 2025

Kaieteur Sports- President of Reliance Hustlers Sports Club Trevis Simon has expressed delight for the support of the Youth Programme from First Lady Arya Ali under her National Beautification...
Read More
Relentless Chase demoralize West Dem’ to remain unbeaten

Relentless Chase demoralize West Dem’ to remain...

Mar 23, 2025

AAG makes history with US$300K Adidas sponsorship deal

AAG makes history with US$300K Adidas sponsorship...

Mar 23, 2025

Historic NSC sponsored GGA 2nd Annual National Long Drive Championships set for March 29

Historic NSC sponsored GGA 2nd Annual National...

Mar 23, 2025

St. Lucia’s Elite Blazers takes aim at FIBA 3×3 World Tour in Edmonton

St. Lucia’s Elite Blazers takes aim at FIBA...

Mar 22, 2025

Petra/Milo U18 Football kicks off Round II action today

Petra/Milo U18 Football kicks off Round II action...

Mar 22, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]