Dear Editor,
On the eve of the auspicious occasion of joyous festival- Holi, I write to express my profound disappointment and concern over the recent decision by the PPP/C government to inscribe the party’s electioneering slogan, “One Guyana,” on our national passports, rather than the national motto of Guyana, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” For me, this rather strange and worrying move by government, is not just a lapse in judgement, but one that strikes at the very core of our national identity and the values that unite us as a people.
The motto: One People, One Nation, One Destiny” was adopted in 1976. Encrusted in that motto are the ideals of unity, togetherness, and shared purpose, regardless of our ethnic, religious, social, or political differences. It is an enduring symbol of our collective strength as a diverse yet united nation.
I think, the PPP/C party’s attempt to replace this national symbol with a party slogan used solely for electioneering purposes is not only callous but also disrespectful to the citizens of this country. The national passport, as a document of national pride and identity, must represent the collective will and identity of all Guyanese, not a political fraction’s slogan. However, the government’s decision to inscribe “One Guyana” is a sad departure from this tradition and raises serious questions about its commitment to promoting true national unity rather than partisan interests.
The PPP/C has, with this act, reduced an important symbol of our collective identity to a mere political tool. “One Guyana” has been appropriated by the party to advance their agenda rather than serving as a unifying symbol for all Guyanese. This must not be allowed to stand without challenge.
I call on all Guyanese citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, to stand up and speak out against this move. We must not allow the PPP/C government to hijack our national identity for its own benefit. We must demand that our national passport carry the emblem of our true unity- our national motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”- and that it reflects the spirit of a united, inclusive Guyana, not one divided by political slogans.
It is time for the voices of truth and justice to rise above partisan rhetoric. In fact, it is time for all of us to defend what makes us truly proud to be Guyanese. The preservation of our national symbols and mottos is not a partisan issue; it is a matter of national integrity.
Yours truly,
Roysdale Forde S.C M.P.
