Dear Editor,
There was a time when we put country and solidarity above all else to achieve a common goal and a common purpose. We lived a little more comfortably then and had a share of the good life that came from the boom of the sugar industry and the great investment made by the British. Speaking to many who had experiences before independence, one thing that stands out is their insistence that things are better then.
Low levels of crime; a strong currency, where few would buy much in stores with shelves filled with all kinds of goods from abroad; and access to excellent education. It is interesting that, since independence and the decline of the sugar industry, our country has been continuously striving to return to the standard of living that pre-independence was.
Seeing and sharing has made it quite difficult over the years to make such an achievement possible. Then nationalize foreign investments; exclusions because of political philosophy; the resulting brain drain; followed by the influx of drugs and other illegal activities. All of this happened in an environment where the divide between key parts of our population increased.
Today, over 50 years later our country is still struggling to reach the higher standard of living that once existed. Decaying infrastructure and a badly changed global environment / climate, where infrastructure has not kept pace, are becoming more apparent as the years go by. Our oil wealth may come and go without achieving what it once was and is still being sought. The growing conflict between races remains unchanged, but gets worse as more resources are unlocked.
The fear of exclusion is growing and with that the fear of more racism. Who and what should we thank for this twist that leads to an unwelcome outcome? Is it lack of selfless leadership and lack of unity?
Where are the leaders who say I will not increase my salary any more than I will increase those who are helping to build this nation? If we can afford 5% at the top then we can afford 5% at every other level. It seems easy enough, yet in practice it remains largely a myth. We should seek unity, irrespective of party and political affiliation or belief; unity irrespective of race; unity regardless of thirst for wealth and wealth. The latter may have been the catalyst for change in traditional alliances, but it is a very shallow foundation on which to build. Health and family do and should take precedence over everything else and in some cases we witness this. The virus has been a wake-up call for many.
However, beyond that realm, what we achieve together is affected by how we look and interact with each other. Pre-independence the feeling of unity, the collective determination to achieve a goal, was more than an individual’s will, more than the desire of a single village or town. The men and women of our country achieved a level of unity that brought fulfillment that touched the hearts and aspirations of all of us.
There is a lost purpose that unites us in Guyana today and prevents our country from reaching that higher level of achievement that only resources and wealth can and will not achieve. We must seek it and reach it. Is it the motto of our nation that will bring about the goal of unity between all Guyanese? Will it unlock the majesty of our sleeping nation?
The alternative is quite desperate. Look at the examples of other nations created by those who do not care for each other’s presence. Though they have fought unitedly against a common enemy, their deep-seeded hatred, the hatred between an old master and a freed slave, continues to drive the wedge of envy between them. Usually displayed in sabotage, controversy and conflict during simple daily interactions. Is this the future of Guyana we are seeking? We must outperform the examples before us if we are to be competitive and achieve peaceful coexistence as a one-people nation. Yes, that can lead to the unity mentioned.
Otherwise, your people will not be my people and vice versa. Makes us a nation of people instead of what our motto wants us to achieve. Historical betrayal, hostility and a blood shed can remain in our history if we choose to, or it can destroy our tombs if historical illusion is remembered. Some may be different and prefer an unobstructed path, where peace is easily attainable and to each other makes for a more pleasant life.
Is there a different path possible or is Guyana’s fate fixed and unchangeable because of its history? Our leaders and our youth must decide which path is best for them and those they lead. Then and only then can a true and frank conversation with actions lead us to what is decided. Maybe one person is better or maybe people are better. Whoever decides as a nation must be supported by the way we govern, the way we co-operate and the way we interact.
The recent exhibition in the Senedd begs the question, is our motto one that our leaders today believe in. Neither path, unified or divided, requires unnecessary conflict and hostility if understanding is reached and clear expectations are set. South Africa and the USA took very different routes to where they are today.
Guyana must be honest with himself and choose. Never before in my life did I see such a divide as today in Guyana. We all know what our motto instructs us to achieve. Is it still credible and accessible? Only we Guyanese people can make our motto a reality. We all really need it, want it and want it to become the way it is.
Best wishes,
Mr. Jamil Changlee
