By Pt. Ubraj Narine- Islam Awareness Week is meant to celebrate unity, justice, and equality. However, it is disheartening to see President Irfaan Ali using this platform to promote these values while his own government fails to provide justice and equality to the people of Guyana. President Ali should be ashamed of himself for his blatant hypocrisy.
It is undeniably important to recognize and appreciate the contributions of Islam and raise awareness about its principles during Islam Awareness Week. The religion (Islam) teaches its followers about compassion, respect, and fairness – virtues that President Ali seems to conveniently overlook when it comes to his own governance.
Under President Ali’s administration, Guyana has experienced a disappointing lack of progress in addressing the pressing issues facing its citizens. Promises made during his campaign about justice and equality have been conveniently swept under the rug, leaving the populace disillusioned and disheartened.
One of the most glaring failures of President Ali’s government has been its inability to address the rampant corruption that continues to plague Guyana’s political landscape. Corruption undermines justice and equality by diverting resources meant for public good into the hands of a select few, furthering the gap between the rich and the poor and eroding trust in the government.
It is distressing to see President Ali paying lip service to justice while turning a blind eye to this important issue. Let us not forget the Henry’s boys, Haresh Singh, Orin Boston, tragic homes demolitions in Cane View, Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, which left many families displaced and without shelter and 20 teenagers that burn up in Mahdia and I can go on more and more.
Furthermore, despite promises to prioritise economic growth and job creation, Guyana continues to face significant unemployment rates and economic stagnation. The lack of a comprehensive plan to boost industry and attract investment has left many Guyanese struggling to make ends meet(cost of living keep rising every day). This fundamental economic inequality contradicts the very principles that President Ali purports to champion.
Education is another crucial aspect where President Ali has shown a lack of commitment to justice and equality. It is alarming to witness the disparity in access to quality education between rural and urban areas, as well as the underfunding of public schools and free university education. Without equal educational opportunities, the government perpetuates a cycle of inequality, limiting the potential and future prospects of countless Guyanese youth.
President Ali’s empty words during the launch of Islam Awareness Week only serve to highlight his disregard for the principles he claims to uphold. The lack of concrete action and effective policies aimed at achieving justice and equality exposes his administration’s true priorities.
Instead of exploiting religious events for political gain, President Ali should dedicate himself to ensuring justice and equality for all Guyanese (One People, One Nation, One Destiny). It is time for him to deliver on his promises, address corruption, (his appointed Ministers must be able to answer questions that put forward in Parliament by the opposition) stimulate economic growth, and prioritise quality education for every citizen and stop discrimination among the Guyanese people.
In conclusion, President Irfaan Ali’s participation in the launch of Islam Awareness Week while failing to provide justice and equality to the people of Guyana is both disappointing and hypocritical. Guyanese citizens deserve a leader who actively works towards achieving these principles rather than one who merely pays them lip service.
Pt.Ubraj Narine, JP, COA is a former Staff Sgt.(GDF), Mayor City of Georgetown
