Dear Editor,
Guyana has long history of political sloganeering. The latest is “One Guyana” but what does “One Guyana” mean and what is it founded on? Have there been any studies done before announcing this initiative and what were the results? One Guyana suggests to me a call for national unity and if this is the case, as it appears to be then the programme should be understood, embraced, and supported by all political parties and civic society. No one political party and certainly not a governing one can make this call on its own and expect genuine results in our presently divided nation.
If these basic requirements are not met, then the programme is meaningless and just another political slogan which is doomed to failure until another comes along.
I must admit that the idea is a reasonable one but lacks the full understanding and inclusiveness of all concerned to achieve its goals and objectives.
Given our hostile political climate, one will obviously have to take many variables such as party political preferences, equal opportunities at all levels, a sense of genuineness, fair play, sincerity and more importantly it must be bought into by all and sundry, political leaders, religious groups, and the wider civic society
The common question which will be asked by all is, “How would this be of benefit to me”?
When all these variables are known, and studied thoroughly, it is then and only then can we launch a serious “One Guyana” programme with the fanfare necessary for nationwide communication.
The recent disturbances and hostilities on the East Coast are just another example that we are not “One Guyana”.
There is only one way to do this and that’s the right way. My suggestion is that the idea, good as it appears must be bought into, and be acceptable by all especially at the people and political levels.
Sincerely,
Bernard Ramsay
