Reason for Guyanese happiness?

Dear Editor,

According to a recent Latin American Opinion Project (LAPOP) Poll, Guyanese were happier and less likely to migrate in 2014. Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee has since endorsed the findings of the poll. He has said that the PPP was responsible for the abrupt turnaround in public sentiment. I, however, beg to differ.

I can speak only for myself. I was indeed happier in 2014. After all, it was in 2014 that the APNU and AFC started to really put their foot down on government corruption and financial impropriety. It was in 2014 that a no-confidence motion was submitted to parliament, which would have ended the PPP’s anti-democratic reign. It was in 2014 that I was beginning to see the light at the end of the dark Jagdeo/Ramotar tunnel. It was in 2014 that I made a firm decision not to migrate; I would stay and work for positive change. It was in 2014 that I saw the first glimmer of hope. 2014 was the year that the prospect of national unity became a concrete reality.

Yes, I was happier in 2014, because I was hopeful that the opposition would succeed in removing the PPP from office. I’m even happier now that the campaign has started.

Perhaps, other Guyanese – including those polled by LAPOP – share that happiness, too.

Yours faithfully,

Mark DaCosta