Keeping our eyes on the prize and not being trapped in the silly season dramas

Jan 09, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

It is incumbent upon Guyanese citizens to stay focused, united, and resist the temptation to succumb to the customs of the ridiculous silly season dramas, which are frequently obscene and discouraging, as our nation is in its election year.

Historically, die-hard supporters of Guyana’s major political parties engage in vitrolic and uncouth behaviours that cause trepidation among the major ethnicities, i.e. Africans and East Indians, in a country that is regarded as a diversified and civilised society.

As a young man who is in his twenties, I have experienced the melee that transpired during the 2015 and 2020 General and Regional elections, respectively, which of course created a bad image of our unified society.

For over 60 years pre- and post-independence, our country has been subject to racism and divisiveness, which has undoubtedly led to a sense of distrust, superiority, and animosity among Guyanese of African and East Indian Descent.

We live in a society that is continuously evolving, which means that our behavioural patterns and outlook should change as well.

Since the ethnic composition of Guyana’s two major political parties, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), has obviously changed over time, the abhorrent practice of “race baiting” must stop as it has no place in the 21st century.

Regardless of our political inclinations, we must remember that everyone ultimately has the right to their own prerogatives, which essentially means that we must respect one another. We should never force, mistreat, or assault one another just because they may hold different views about a certain political party.

Furthermore, if someone is not interested in supporting a political party, we cannot conjure them into doing so. I find it extremely disheartening when friends and family who used to be unified diverge because of the political atmosphere, especially during elections. Does the motto “One People, One Nation, and One Destiny” really resonate with us?

As the younger generation in this beautiful country, I am of the staunch belief that when we examine the political landscape, there is a dire need for “maturity and respectability”. We have allowed our opposing beliefs to drag us into a state of disdain for far too long, even though we are aware that these destructive traits have led to our social regression, all eyes are continuously on us.

I sincerely hope that racism and division are rejected in this country because they are definitely impeding our progress as a nation. As the leaders of the future, we must assume the responsibility that our predecessors did not, and lead a socially cohesive Guyana.

Can we do it? Yes, we can!

Regards

Antonio Dey

Faculty of Sciences, Final Year Student

University of Guyana

(Keeping our eyes on the prize and not being trapped in the silly season dramas)

( eyes on the prize)

“maturity and respectability”, Keeping our eyes on the prize, People’s Progressive Party Civic, Peoples National Congress Reform, political landscape

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