Dear Editor,
Throughout history, politics has always been about the power struggle between the masses and their leaders. As human beings we easily get sucked into our roles in society that places us either in a position of power or in a position fighting to survive.
Guyana is no different; as a matter of fact this dynamic was written into our political code long before independence. Let’s just say it was a parting ‘gift’ from our colonial masters. That gift is embedded in our political system and it never left. However, the stroke of genius by the British Empire was its ability to keep us blaming and fighting each other instead of standing together against our true dividers.
But we stand here today in a country where everyone wants to have a good life and live in peace, and yet we are so far away from that.
The ‘gift’ still makes sure that only one side can have the good life at a time and not everyone together. The reason for this problem is that we are still being controlled by foreign powers that have no interest in our so-called good life. To them we are like worker bees providing their honey at a cheap cost.
Even though I do not expect the local government elections to be perfect, they will be the closest thing to giving some power and a voice to the average Guyanese, and at its minimum we can send a clear message to the powers that be saying Guyana belongs to us. The government must be complimented for delivering this election promise, but we must still be vigilant on its effectiveness in the political process.
Regardless of one’s political affiliation they have a right to participate and make their voice heard, and they should not let anyone judge them or tell them that they do not have the right to speak because of their political alliance. No one and I mean no one, has the right to tell anyone how and when to speak or how to take part in their country’s political process. They should stand with pride in support of any political party they choose because they have a right to do so.
Yours faithfully,
Malcolm Watkins
