Every vote is needed in order to determine our next government

Dear Editor,

Guyana is a democracy. We previously were never encouraged to pay attention to the meaning of democracy and the role we as individuals play in maintaining it. We need to start doing so and embrace, and take responsibility for our democracy.

A democracy cannot stand by itself. It has to be instituted, fought for and defended. Our founding fathers fought for our democracy. We and our generations have to defend it. We must never again allow our democracy to be overrun by would-be tyrants, despots and dictators who raise themselves above the law.

Intrinsic to our democratic responsibility is our vote. Our vote decides who and which party is better suited to administer the affairs of our government.   What we cannot and should not do is fail to vote on the assumption that a particular party ‘will win,’ ‘all politicians are crooks,’ etc. Guyana has a crisis in government and this time is when every vote is needed in determining our next government.

The charge of PPP supporters having reason to fear domination by APNU is upended by recognizing the fact that African Guyanese voted against the PNC, and in the process helped to install Dr Cheddi Jagan as President and the PPP as the new government in 1992. Ultimately then, the PPP’s propaganda and fear-mongering among its supporters is ill-conceived, misleading, and without basis. African Guyanese long ago extended support to both Dr Cheddi Jagan and the PPP. Finally, if this is not enough, the AFC’s embrace of APNU going into the upcoming elections is proof enough that APNU and African Guyanese embrace and are in solidarity with PPP supporters for a fair, just and competent government.

Many Guyanese, myself included, are heartened and overwhelmed that APNU and AFC have been able to find compromise through negotiations for the benefit of Guyana. I have always considered this pivotal in moving Guyana forward. Examining the leadership and policy positions of both of these parties, it is clear they have much in common, and little in the way of differences on how Guyana should progress. They are both strongly against the corruption, injustice and abuses of the PPP, and they both are of the opinion that Guyana can achieve much more with a better government, and stronger adherence to governance and Guyana’s legislative framework, as well as the fact that there is dire need for constitutional reform.

The recent Mash celebrations gave rise to some truly wonderful scenes of respect and brotherhood of our African and Indian cultures under the common nationality we share. The coalition is an expression of the intense hope its leaders have that Guyanese can indeed move away from racist/ethnic ideas and politics to making choices and decisions on policy issues without fear of oppression by either ethnic group. The coalition is, to me, Guyana’s greatest promise for our future.

On May 11 everyone should ensure that they take their friends and family to exercise their franchise and vote for the government of their choice.

Yours faithfully,
Craig Sylvester