Dear Editor,
The print media of yesterday highlighted a series of unfortunate events that took place the day before publication and I can no longer hold my tongue on such issues.
There were robberies and attempted robberies of all sorts that resulted in loss of valuables, and more importantly loss of lives. One particular instance resonates with me and it is that of the attempted robbery and killing in Guyhoc Park. I am saddened because I was born and raised in that wonderful community. I purchased many items from Fuzzy’s and know every immediate member of what is left of their family. More so, the gentleman that was killed was a quiet and humble individual who I am sure did not deserve such a demise. This specific wave of crime coupled with countless bouts of domestic violence, maternal and infant deaths, child abuse, trafficking in persons and trouble in our education system now has me at my wits end. I am a husband and the father of a toddler and what worries me most about the context of our society is that it appears to be progressively getting worse. My wife and I worry about our child’s future and our ability to continue to adequately provide for him and ourselves, especially when persons have become so desperate and ruthless. We have contemplated permanently leaving this beautiful land of ours on numerous occasions, but our patriotism has kept us grounded thus far. But I ask, how much more can we take? How much more of the reckless disregard for life, limb and assets must we endure before there is drastic change for the better?
The politicians and those in power (notice that I emphasize they are not one and the same) had a responsibility to steer us clear of such turmoil, and some of them momentarily succeeded, but we have taken too many steps backwards and they quickly outweigh those that we have taken forward. The power should now be in the hands of the young minds, hearts and bodies of Guyana to save us all.
Young minds, formally and informally educated, must unite. No more excuses, no more diplomacy, no more deadlines. Let us act now, smartly, decisively and with a plan for the future. Let us take back Guyana folks; the longer we wait the worse it will get.
Do not allow me the opportunity to repeatedly express condolences to grieving families and friends, but afford me the chance to instead cry tears of joy and feel proud again to say I am a Guyanese.
Yours faithfully,
Patrice Sekou Wishart
