Dear Editor,
The question of constitutional reform has once again surfaced and whether it will make the front-burner and be pursued earnestly and honestly is of course another matter.
On Tuesday, I read with great interest a column written by Henry Jeffrey in the Stabroek News titled “Constitutional reform: the Constitution at 40.”
Henry’s well-written analysis is useful and I believe should be read by all political party activists and concerned citizens, old and young
I share much of the sentiments and analysis in his letter, however, when the lawyers, constitutional experts and politicians complete the new draft, the intractable question remains.
Will Guyana be blessed with a breed of religious, business and political leaders who are genuine patriots and prepared to make certain sacrifices in the interest of the community and country?
After constitutional engineering, will we have conscientious statesmen and women with a vision, knowledge of our history and therefore with the capability to avoid past mistakes?
But far and above all this, will our religious bodies, institutions of learning and parental guidance facilitate the emergence of citizens with a solid, moral rudder?
The next period must also share the full history of those of who were here before the Europeans came, those who were enslaved and those who came as immigrants.
All done by the Europeans who came in search of gold and glory.
Our new leaders must be wedded to the idea that for a plural society to flourish, we must never ignore the haemorrhage caused by the European powers, which constituted the well-known divide and rule policy and unfortunately after Independence this became an internecine struggle between two ethnic groups.
Our new Leaders must also be conscious that deep down, there still exists attitudes, which determine who should be at the bottom of the ladder.
Look around the world that now influences Guyana and we see extant this – If you’re black stay back, if you’re brown stick around, if you’re white, you’re alright.
This is a serious matter and the educators, religious leaders, business leaders, parents and guardians need to take account of all the relevant factors.
I know this is the hardest nut to crack but if all of us, and I stress all of us are to benefit from the Creator’s rich bounty we must stop and ponder and hand-in-hand be triumphant.
I heard one of our enduring patriots, Dr. Yesu Persaud state that we came in different ships, but we are now in the same boat and may I add, we must all paddle, responding to the drum-beat, whether it be the tassa or the congo-drum, but it must be to inspire us and paddle together in harmony trust and love.
May I add this final caveat, if there is no trust, there can be no forward movement.
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green
