Working towards a cohesive society is a continual PPP thrust
IN the context of Guyana’s socio-political demographics, the question is being asked what, in the final analysis, is “national unity”; which, according to Ralph Ramkarran, is “… now a popular call”?
Our political history should inform us – and surely Ralph himself, together with Henry Jeffrey, Tacuma Ogunseye, as well as Grantley Walrond must be aware that the late Cheddi Jagan and his nineteen fifties PPP led the way in uniting almost a hundred percent of the electorate on the basis of national unity, despite the fact that we were then British Guianese.
Students of history are well aware of the imposed fate of that inspired policy of the PPP.
Yes, the question of national unity is not a new phenomenon that conforms to the basis of moving this country forward; and there is no need to have to proselytise on the virtues of unity.
The PPP have long succeeded in awakening the minds of the people on the necessity of closing ranks and getting together. They continue to practise the policy of togetherness, which is inherent in the call for a national democratic front.
But what is pellucid in this transformation, and in consonance with our socio-political demographics and relevant politics, is the accommodation of one party by the other.
In this regard, the PPP has led the way once before and naturally should be expected to again assume the responsibility for spearheading the initiative it takes to make a reality of national unity.
Over the long years those intellectuals and sundry professional commentators have resorted to “beating around the bush” when it comes to our political impasse. No one has attempted to say it as it is; that is, the perceived racial bias being promoted by the two dominant parties.
But an honest review of the history of the PPP will reveal that racial and working-class unity has been steadfastly embraced as a principled policy.
The People’s Progressive Party should again be given the mandate of welding the two groups together, as happened in 1953.
The next elections will provide the opportunity for Guyanese to show their appreciation of the PPP’s endeavours toward building a united Guyana
(By David Degroot)
extracted from the Guyana Chronicle
