Dear Editor,
In every society the minority does not only have the right to be heard but to also actively participate in the governance of their business. In the current system where a government with a simple majority behaves as though it holds the transport for the country and the citizens are their subjects, this form of governance is reprehensible, outdated and must give way to new thinking and behaviours. This land belongs to all of us. The taxes belong to the people and not to any single political party or group; as such they must be used to benefit the society as a whole and must be properly accounted for.
Though we all belong to the human race, diversity is a socio–economic characteristic of our existence and it is here to stay as evident in our gender, physical traits, age, class, creed, interests, to name some.
Diversity can be positive when rooted in a belief that inclusive relations are reliant on working together, respecting self and others, developing a sense of community and collaborating with others to achieve a common goal, which for us as Guyanese has been the task to foster nationhood on the unified principle of One People One Nation One Destiny. When diversity is used as a wedge, as has happened from the creation of our society, and which intensifies today, even though our nation is signatory to universal human rights declarations and international conventions, also enshrined in the constitution, it opens doors to discrimination, distrust and division to the detriment of both the villain and victim, even though the former may have a false sense of security and longevity. In recognition of this and in efforts to create the environment for peaceful co-existence, underpinned by the principle of justice and equality; declarations, conventions and constitutions are structures put in place to forge harmonious and respectful relations among humankind.
These are principles we can and we must aspire to to lift this country out of the morass and put us on a path that will guarantee the rights, happiness, liberty and prosperity for all in an environment where the laws are supreme and the voices of all are heard and respected. This is Labour’s dream and it is a dream deeply rooted in the United Nations’ affirmation that: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” It is a dream being made possible in other lands and many of us leave these shores to experience these rights that others laid down their lives for – that now forms such a natural part of the lives of others that like air it is sometimes taken for granted.
Having a destiny that is intertwined means having a destiny to mould. It means we must no longer give in to flight; we must stand up together and take charge of our lives, our country and our development, just as our respective ancestors and pre-independence leaders did. Critical to making this possible is the need for advocacy and accountability. People of Guyana need to actively participate in a system of governance that respects our diversity, that allows us an equal share at the decision making table consistent with the nation’s political objective, and that respects the fact embedded in our national song- this land is my land as much as it is yours. This is the time for governance that respects and would zealously guard and defend the rights of citizens, uphold the laws and hold themselves accountable to the people.
The Guyana Trades Union Congress firmly believes that an inclusionary society can only be achieved where fundamental human rights, dignities and justice are guaranteed and protected for each citizen, where they can grow and develop and have meaningful participation in their country’s development, and that the law protects and holds each citizen accountable.
Ours is a nation to mould, pregnant with possibilities and potentials for all her children, if we can only commit to what is just and right as outlined by international laws and statutes and the constitution of Guyana.
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis
General Secretary, GTUC
