Superficial offer by President Ali to return home, I would rather continue along the rocky roads

Dear Editor, 

In the struggle to see my country liberated from decades and decades of political oppression; corruption, racism, state violence and mismanagement of our nation’s resources, it is my personal decision to reject any superficial offer by President Ali to return home from the diaspora to participate in nation building. I see his call for us in the diaspora to return as hypocritical and his engagement in his usual ‘not so well thought out’ public relations stunt.

While it is my personal conviction to take such a principled stand, I would not dissuade other Guyanese from seizing the opportunity to be involved and benefit from what Guyana has to offer. There are Guyanese around the world who can offer various forms of expertise and help the national process.

Many Guyanese abroad have no vested interest in human rights struggle or holding government accountable for its deeds. Some are professionals in various fields and their interest is to explore possibilities in niches where they can contribute to nation building. 

I would rather go hungry and descend into destitution than to undo more than a quarter century of social and political activism against several PPP dictatorships just to pocket a few millions. I would not only be betraying my principles but would also be insulting seventy or more percent of Guyanese who continue to suffer and are languishing below the poverty line.

How can I drink (to satisfy me) from a vineyard of people who silence free speech and persecute freedom fighters? I would rather continue along the rocky roads that will eventually lead to regime change and a just and fair society for all Guyanese.

Sincerely, 

Norman Browne 

Social and Political Activist