Permit me to clear the air on a few points regarding myself. I realize that some might construe this as self-serving, but it is a risk that I am prepared to take.
First, although we share the same surname, I am not the same person as the publisher of Kaieteur News. Any such association is a disservice to the publisher.
Second, I do not see myself as either anti-PPP or anti-PNC. On the other hand, I have been, and will continue to be, an advocate in the drive against anything associated with corruption, racism, and narcotics, to name a few of our graver issues. I share my abiding interest by calling things as I see them, and unflinchingly so. Our leaders and those who seek office must be held accountable. If this pits me against the thinking, actions, and supporters of both parties, then that is to be expected and accepted as part of the territory.
Next, while I value a dollar as much as the next man, I will not allow myself to be purchased in support of one state of affairs or another. By most standards, and in my own eyes, I can be considered as someone of limited material resources; however, I am not for sale. End of story. Moreover, given my stands, I could not be trusted to conform, or be controlled. That is just the way it should be.
Fourth, I do not write to unfurl personal patriotism or express expertise. It is either there, or it is not. Most of all, I do not pen thoughts and visions to score points, or to engage in the thrust and parry of now pointless arguments. The state of Guyana is not a game for me or some juvenile intramural exercise; there has been too much pain, just too much suffering and hopelessness for way too long. It is as simple and profound as that.
Fifth, I think that this independence of thinking is particularly invaluable, given the teeming political, ethnic, and social cauldron that is Guyana. For me, it has enabled a freedom from the warped allegiances that distort discourse and militate against neighbourliness. I am sure that there are many others who feel, think, and act similarly.
Sixth, whatever I have written is not of the abstract, from an armchair, or at a distance. Rather, it has been from the perspectives and distilled experiences of an observer, consumer, participant, visitor, taxpayer, and resident. Experiences gleaned from the level of the street, and not from air-conditioned car, home, or places of play.
In all of this – and above all – I have challenged myself to think and think deeply; to seek to build bridges; to reject the comforting allure of antiquated silos; and to dismiss pretences towards a forced or imaginary social ethos. Whether I have succeeded or failed is immaterial; again, there is no interest in scorecards. However, if this leads to even deeper thinking by others and the beginning of movement, then the interest and effort would have been more than worth the while.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
