Guyanese can no longer wait years for something to happen

Dear Editor,

As observation is taken of the appeals to divide us over the years which have heightened within recent times, it becomes necessary for us to find solutions. If you look at Guyana’s motto, ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’ it tells you that whether or not you came from slavery, indentureship, colonialism or a different background, it doesn’t matter. Once you are Guyanese the motto tells us that we are one people, living in one land and working towards one destiny.

This is the point in time where Guyanese can no longer wait for another 10 to 15 years for something to happen, because all the younger generation – 35 years and under – knows is that Guyana is sliding downwards. We, collectively as Guyanese, need to work towards Guyana’s development, financial independence and create our own identity. For example, Jamaica, Trinidad and the United States have their unique identity. Guyana must take its place among nations by establishing its own identity/niche in the world. I say this because Guyana cannot prosper if the people don’t know why they are fighting and more importantly what they are fighting for.

The younger folks do not and cannot see a future in Guyana, and therefore if we want to call it home we need to invest in it so people will stay. And this is why we have to look at the prevailing culture of Guyana, because you cannot have loyalty if there is nothing to be loyal to.

Poverty does not evoke loyalty; it only produces misery, greed, anger and depression. Poverty cannot create anything but chaos. Poverty also affects the family structure and the moral structure because those who don’t have money cannot provide for the basic necessities of life. When the basic necessities of life cannot be met, simple core principles such as respect for laws, family values, pride in the community, love or fellowship for your brothers and sisters become challenging.

The basic ability to earn provokes pride, not in the sense of arrogance, but of belonging, because it fosters a level of self-esteem. For the average male it engenders a higher self-image which creates the ability to perform and look out for family and community. When one’s self-image is elevated it elevates purpose in life.What we need to do is invest in the younger generation so they learn how Guyana can be what it is meant to be – ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny.’ The sense of self-worth must no longer remain elusive as is happening today for so many. Guyana has to change, but for the better. In other words, the present leaders have to set an example of what Guyana needs to be or could be. Economic growth doesn’t happen unless people feel there is a possibility for financial stability. There is no doubt in my mind that we can do it. Guyana, going forward, must be nothing but prosperous. I observed the outpouring of grief from Guyanese of all social, political and economic strata to the brutal silencing of 40-year old Courtney Crum-Ewing who paid the ultimate price in his quest to change Guyana for the better – and better must come. Now!

As a part of the future of Guyana I am committed to helping the country become one of the most prosperous Third World nations on the face of the earth. Period.

Yours faithfully,

K Sharma Solomon