Dear Editor,
In my last letter titled ‘It is time we start telling the truth about ourselves’ dated October 14, I called on the Guyanese people to face the music and start telling the truth about themselves. I decided to focus on the real culprits of our demise of our nation; its people. In fairness, completely blaming those who remain and live on the knife’s edge in Guyana is disingenuous simply because many of those who fled helped create this mess before running. But the truth remains that of those who remain the majority have made the same egregious error time and again of voting wrong. Then there are those who repeatedly engaged in the absurdity of denying an entire group its right to vote. In response to my letter some commentators have suggested a change in the education process is the key to solving this problem. I agree to a certain extent. But it isn’t ever going to happen in Guyana. Expect no change or challenge to our consciousness. It is not in their self-interest. I have also contended economic improvement could lead to a change in the voting patterns of the nation. Expect no reasonable change there too. It remains a utopian pipe dream for Guyana.
So education is dead and buried as a strategy. Even when the teachers here and there in the system try to instil values, dignity and decency in those under their watch there is a whole wide world out there in homes, at street corners, in places of worship and most dangerously in bottom houses during election season where mis-education takes place. Where stereotypes, generalizations, prejudices and biases abound. Tolerance, truth and reconciliation have no place in Guyana as long as we keep this political mockery up.
So, where does this leave the poor Guyanese people? With nothing but the eternal hope of dashing for freedom into the arms of Uncle Sam. But before they run under the cape of Captain America while Captain Guyana gets his cape with their vote, the Guyanese people must make a decision for the future of the nation of their birth. They must make a stand and express themselves with fairness, integrity, truth and morality where it matters most. In that polling booth. The solution to this nation lies with its people moving beyond fear and voting truth. The solution lies in minority governments. No more majority governments for any political party until there is sign of real change. It is the only way forward. The rule for the foreseeable future should be if you win an election in Guyana it will not be by a majority. Politicians must work to prove themselves to the people. Governments will be accountable for fear that any public outcry will lead to a backlash and them being turfed from power. If they aren’t accountable and transparent they will be changed. Incompetent and inept ministers will be fired for foolish decisions and actions as the government fears being dissolved and sent to the polls again. That dangerous constitution will be changed for the betterment of the people. With more and more of them being exposed and replaced due to their loss of absolute power to the people their ranks will be filled with decent, skilled and honourable men and women willing to serve their nation and not their friends. Honourable people will change the education system to help us heal. Over time, the new system will bring many talented upstanding people to the fold of politics. It is the only hope for a decent future. Even if someone runs to America they should ensure they leave a legacy to which they can return if they want to.
Yours faithfully,
M Maxwell
