Dear Editor,
The erratic outbursts by the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana leave many of our citizens dismayed and embarrassed. Firstly, it seems that the death anniversary of former President Cheddi Jagan at Babu John, Port Mourant, continues to be used as a vehicle to create enmity and division, instead of what he may have stood for in the building of a nation. I wonder if the PPP/C Central Committee is comfortable with the use of the death anniversary of its former leader as a time for a ‘cuss out.’ I would hope not. The President must be seen as rising above gutter politics. The holder of the office must always seek ways and means of creating an environment which can contribute to nation-building and reduce the inequities within our society. The expectations of younger citizens especially, clearly are that the Office of the President should present a vision which will give them the opportunities for jobs, for access to education, and to be innovative and creative, etc. The 21st century demands that our President must respond to the present day realities confronting our nation and not have to defend his government’s programme by reaching into historical accounts which can be disproved and which could serve to create ethnic tensions which are anathema to the vision of our youth. For every accusation by the PPP/C there is a response by the PNCR, and where does that leave us in confronting all of the present day ills and maladies which retard the development of our young people?
Guyana needs an opportunity for rebirth. It requires all holders of public offices to exhibit decency and respect and ensure the time, place and tone of their responses do not contribute to degeneracy. It’s time for the President to cease and desist from such behaviour. We should be positive and make every effort to heal and build our Dear Land which has had its development deferred. I call on all other forces to desist from such behaviour and let us build a Guyana for all.
Yours faithfully,
Richard Van West-Charles
