Dear Editor,
The efforts by both the PNC and the PPP to conclude the process of selecting their presidential candidate seems to be moving apace. As a young man and a first time voter, I feel a bit alienated and disconnected from the potential candidates being put up.
First of all, all the possible candidates from the PNC are in their late 60s coming with the heavy baggage from the 1950s and 1960s. The PNC has tried symbolically by putting up a young person in its list, but everyone knows that he stands no chance as the signs as clear who will get the nod.
Secondly, the PPP is worse as every one of its potential candidates is in their 60s. This too shows a party that is going back to the past. Most disconcerting is the fact that having established a track record as party of young people and leading programmes for the future, we now see that the PPP is ditching youth and the contest is now among a group of retirees making their last stand. The Office of the President is not a retirement home.
All across the world young leaders are popping up or are being giving the opportunity to lead. In Guyana, we want to go in the opposite direction. Those whose time has past, are trying to covet important roles. This is not being dismissive of experience. But new times call for a new generation of leaders. These candidates belong to the Burnham and Jagan era. The world is now totally different.
Where do our young people picture in this contest? Is it that these two main parties believe that youth does not count? Do they think that young people will be inspired to stay, develop and be assured of peace by a group of individuals who are from a period in Guyana many don’t even want to talk about.
Persons of my age group are feeling discontented about the choices they have. And the old parties seem to heading to the past rather than to the future. I see apathy and a feeling of uncertainty among our people. Is Guyana losing another opportunity to leave the past and move towards the future?
Yours faithfully,
Mark Mohansingh
