Dear Editor,

Today is a kind of a national primary election in the US where voters of some 24 states cast ballots for their favourite candidate for President – selecting the nominee for their party. New York, where a quarter million Guyanese are settled, is among the states voting. Polls open at 6:00 am and close at 8:00 pm. Guyanese-Americans should come out in their full numbers and let their voices be heard. By voting they are showing their strength as a community and will attract the attention of the politicians in future elections as well as in obtaining services.

I also urge Guyanese to become actively involved in the campaign for their candidates; volunteer as a canvasser to get out the vote as I am doing or engage in fundraising to support your favoured candidate or some form of politicking.

I have been actively involved in campaigns in American elections since the mid-1980s for such figures as Ed Koch and David Dinkins for mayor to Bill and Hillary Clinton for president. I also worked for local district politicians. It is an exhilarating experience highly recommended to all. In recent days, I made telephone calls to potential voters to find out how they will vote – not a scientific poll. Among likely voters, I am convinced that Hillary Clinton will win New York State big.

Since America is now the new home of Guyanese-Americans, they should become active participants in the nation’s political institutions. For a starter, go out and vote! And those not registered to vote need to do so now so they can become eligible to vote in November.

Yours faithfully,

Vishnu Bisram