March 20 ,2021
Dear Editor,
There was a time when we did put country and solidarity above all else to achieve a common goal and fulfil a common purpose. We lived a bit more comfortably then and had a share of the good life that came from the prosperity of the sugar industry and the large amount of investment being made by the British. In speaking with many who had experiences before independence, one thing that stands out is their insistence that things were better then. Low levels of crime, a strong currency – where a little would buy a lot in stores with shelves filled with all kinds of goodies from overseas, and access to an excellent education. It is interesting that since Independence and the decline of the sugar industry that our country has been continuously striving to achieve a return to the standard of living that was in place before Independence. Infighting and division has made it quite difficult over the years to make such an achievement possible. Then came the nationalization of foreign investments, embargoes due to political philosophy, the resulting brain drain, and then the influx of drugs and other illegal activities. All of which took place in an environment where division increased between key segments of our population.
Today, over 50 years later our country is still struggling to achieve the higher standard of living which was once in place. Crumbling infrastructure and an environment/global climate that has changed for the worse, where infrastructure has not kept pace, becomes more evident with the passing of the years. Our oil wealth may come and go, without achieving what once was, and is still sought. The increasing conflict between races hasn’t changed, but gets worse as more resources are unlocked. The fear of exclusion grows, and with it, the fear of increased racism. Who and what should we thank for this spiral that leads to an unwanted outcome? Is it the lack of selfless leadership and the lack of solidarity? Where are the leaders that say I will not increase my wage more than I will increase those who help build this nation? If we can afford 5% at the top then we can afford 5% at each other’s level. Seems easy enough, but yet in practice it remains a myth for the most part. We should seek solidarity, irrespective of party and political affiliation or belief, solidarity irrespective of race, solidarity irrespective of thirst for wealth and riches. The last one may be what has achieved a shift in traditional alliances, but it is a very shallow foundation upon which to build. Health and family do and should take precedence over everything else and, in some instances, we do witness this. The virus has been a wake-up call to many.
However, beyond that realm, what we achieve together is impacted by how we view and interact with each other. Pre-independence, the feeling of solidarity, the joint resolve to achieve a goal was greater than the will of an individual, greater than the desire of a single village or a single town. Our country’s men and women achieved a level of solidarity that brought with it an accomplishment that touched the hearts and desires of us all. There is a missing purpose that unites us in Guyana today, and it is hindering our country from attaining that higher level of achievement that resources and riches alone will and cannot accomplish. We must seek it out and attain it. Is it our nation’s motto that will bring with it the goal of solidarity between all Guyanese? Will it unlock the greatness of our sleeping nation?
The alternative is quite dire. Look to the examples of other nations created by those who care not for each other’s presence. Even though they fought united against a common enemy, their deep seeded hate, the hate between an old master and a freed slave, continues to drive the wedge of animosity between them. Usually displayed in sabotage, arguments and conflicts during simple daily interactions. Is this the future of Guyana which we seek? We must do better than the examples before us if we are to be competitive and achieve peaceful coexistence as a nation of one people. Yes, that may lead to the oneness that is spoken of. Otherwise, your people will not be my people and vice versa. Making us a nation of one’s people instead of what our motto desires us to achieve. Historical betrayal, animosity and bloodshed can remain in our history if we so choose, or it can destroy our tomorrows if historical resentment is embraced. Some may differ and prefer a path without resistance, where peace is easily attained and to each his/her own makes for a more pleasant life.
Is there a different path that is possible, or is Guyana’s destiny fixed and unchangeable due to its history? Our leaders and our youth must decide which path is the one best for them and those they lead. Then, and only then, can a true and sincere conversation backed by actions lead us to what is decided. Maybe one people is better or maybe one’s people is better. Whichever is decided as a nation must be backed by the way we govern, the way we cooperate and the way we interact. The recent display in Parliament does beg the question, is our motto one in which our leaders of today believe in? Neither path, united or divided, requires unnecessary conflict and hostility if an understanding is reached and clear expectations are set. South Africa and the USA took very different paths to where they are today. Guyana must be honest with itself and choose. Never before in my life have I seen such division as there is today within Guyana. We all know what our motto instructs us to achieve. Is it still believable and reachable? Only we, the Guyanese people, can make our motto a reality. We must all truly need it, want it and desire it to become our way of being.
Sincerely,
Jamil Changlee