Dear Editor,
I once read a statement which said, “Fools lead when good people do nothing.” I cannot remember where I saw this or who the author is, but the words have stuck with me like rubber to crazy glue. Recently, they were resurrected with such force that my pen was infused with life again. What a time to write, days before the general election. But it is the right time. It is the time to invoke Martin Carter’s words, “All are involved! all are consumed!”
The outcome and future leadership of Guyana will affect everyone. Sitting on the fence like a quiet nesting bird oblivious to the message in the wind will not save us. Ducking heads in the sand has never worked. Turning a Nelson’s eye only makes things worse. And ignoring altogether is the worst kind of apathy. We all have a moral responsibility to our nation. This responsibility can be demonstrated in many ways. The surest way is by voting on Election Day. However, voting is not enough. It is time that good people in this country arise. They must stand forth like sentinels of this nation’s conscience. The electorate is looking for leadership from people whose track record has been good. While the seat of the next government is vacant, good people with Guyana’s interest at heart, and not personal gain, can tip the scales in a direction that will make Guyana a proud nation.
Whether we like it or not, whether we believe it or not, whether we sit on the fence or not, whether we vote or not – we are all involved and we are all consumed.
Yours faithfully,
Lennox Cornette
