2022 must awaken in us the sleeping giant- that indomitable spirit inherited from our ancestors who not only talk the talk but walk the talk. Many things have gone awry in society. Fellow citizens of this resource-rich land, there is need to move beyond complaints and resignations of the problems besieging us, to taking an unwavering stand for what is just and fair.
Guyana is blessed with many peoples and talents who should not accept living under conditions that are counterproductive to our development. This is a nation producing millions of barrels of oil and citizens, irrespective of race, class or creed, must equally benefit. This is a nation with a Constitution, in spite of perceived shortcomings, should it be upheld can guarantee a better life for all.
2022 must see us taking the bull of hatred, marginalisation, division and discrimination by its horns and making the changes we deserve. It is imperative to move past complaints about the Constitution when basic rights and freedoms- as outlined in United Nations Declarations- and a road map to inclusive governance are guaranteed within. We must unearth within us the desire to make things happen for us.
We must boldly charge forward in our demands for constitutional enforcement lest we allow wicked and evil men and women to continue their dastardly conduct, and force acceptance that the masses are powerless to demand better because the current constitution empowers government to violate and trample us. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
The Constitution expressly outlines how the political system must function. Article 13 mandates “inclusionary democracy” in the management and decision-making processes of the State on matters that affect our wellbeing. Under this system, the individual or their representative has a right to have their voices heard and input taken into consideration.
The push back the government has been receiving from Opposition Members of Parliament, national stakeholders, and individuals over amendment to the Natural Resources Fund is an act of people exercising their constitutional right as per Article 13. This must not be an anomaly but become the norm. Make no mistake, the people’s reactions have shaken the government, and should we continue in like vein it will bring pressure- both internal and external- to force all governments to govern consistent with the Constitution.
We must demand the upholding of basic rights, freedoms, and guarantee to our resources as outlined in the Constitution. We must not become distracted in meaningless constitutional talks but demand rigid adherence lest the criminal cabal will not only plunder our resources but treat us as if we do not exist. Take note, they are selectively importing foreign labour to deny us what’s justly ours.
The PPP leaders benefit when the masses engage in intellectual excursions and antagonise each other because these take our eyes off the ball. That ball is Guyana and the rich resources within her bowels which all are entitled to. The Ali/Jagdeo regime has no interest in fostering a nation of one people. They realise they and their cronies stand a better chance of plundering the nation’s resources when we are distracted, fighting among ourselves on issues that weaken our struggles against their tyranny.
Ours is the inalienable right to be treated with respect and dignity; to knowledge and information in order to meaningfully participate in the development of this country; to benefit from Guyana’s resources and live in a healthy environment, including one that is free from fear and want. When we get the fundamentals of our existence correct no government can stop us from demanding what’s rightly ours.
My wish to all Guyanese is a life imbued with consciousness that this land is ours and we all deserve to reap its bounty and peacefully co-exist. The Constitution of Guyana is the only instrument/guide that provides the opportunity and direction. We cannot continue to defer our happiness or be held hostage to the hope that a change in the constitution will bring about what the present constitution already provides for us.
2022 must find us a mobilised, conscious, vociferous, and awakened mass with zero tolerance for distraction, stupidity, and poor governance. Only when we direct focus in the right direction, as our ancestors did, could we have what’s rightly ours. Our eyes must remain on the prize and our struggles must be likewise focused.
An Energised and Productive New Year to all.
