Thanks to the SN editing, my question, “Where are we going as a country?” seem to have lost the original intent of being directed to all Guyanese, at home and abroad, to politicians, all political parties and not just the present administration. (The political parties getting ready to contest the upcoming elections need to address this question, pronto.)
But even with the editing, I feel, the letter as was presented demanded a response from patriotic Guyanese who are interested in Guyana’s development. Is it wrong to expect and look forward to massive improvements to the living standards in Guyana? Is the idea of writing down our goals bad? Really, what are our goals? What are our goals as Guyanese for Guyana? I would like to see some suggestions.
SN has provided an excellent forum, whereby Guyanese can have serious discussion and attach comments to each news or human-interest item. I have noticed relatively minor articles attract tremendous response, sometimes way over one hundred comments. Yet when the ultimate question is asked, a question, which in analysis could identify the reasons for our demise, and lay the foundation for recovery there is almost total silence.
There are many bloggers whose opinions are the most dominant in the comments section, but for some reason they were absent, silent. Are they comfortable with this seemingly non-existent road map or the more popular gadget, a GPS?
I do not care about one’s political affiliation. The question I asked was not about a political party; it was about Guyana. Why the deafening silence? This has me wondering why exactly do people take the time to comment about what’s happening in Guyana. Is it because there is nothing better to do, or hopefully, it is that they are extremely concerned and wish to help make it better?
How many of us are willing to admit boldly and say when one or our children is wrong? Are we just comfortable being quiet when they do something bad but create a raucous when something bad happens to them? How many of us can love a child but are bold enough to point out his or her faults?
Far too many feel too comfortable out here in foreign lands, but that is each one’s prerogative.
I believe, as in the case of Joseph, whose brothers hated him so much that they sold him into slavery, that our destiny is entwined with the destiny of those who remained at home and to the country as a whole. It is not just enough to send a few barrels. We must contribute to finding a way for our relatives and the country to survive rather than merely exist.
What I find extremely hypocritical are those who ran away from home because it was unbearable, now enjoy the comforts of foreign lands but continue to have a point of view which ensures that those who did not make it out continue to be consumed by restriction and under-development. Who the cap fits, shame on you.
We in the diaspora must come together in unison to help Guyanese back home, regardless of the misguided view they may have about us now.
Yours faithfully,
F. Skinner
