Dear Editor,
Given the emergence of political movements such as the “Vigilent” Political Action Committee (VPAC), the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) and the People’s Movement (TNM) among others, that are passionate about disbanding the tentacles of racism and oppression in Guyana, it is important for both the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), as well as all the other opposition alliances of A Partnership for National Unity, to remain committed to this cause.
Many Guyanese are currently living under a despotic society where respect for our laws is being undermined.
Press freedom on the other hand is intensely politicised and targeted, especially against those few independent media outlets who are extremely critical of the government and are known for exposing the veracity of corruption and malpractices.
Moreover, there have been alarming incidents of brutalisation and murder committed by law enforcement against civilians.
Recently, 29-year-old Rondel Clarke, a construction worker of Foulis, East Coast Demerara, was a victim of such an ordeal and is left to mourn his friends, family and those dearest to him.
Let us not forget 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, whose murderers are yet to be held accountable as her family demands a commission of inquiry into her gruesome death.
Our country is faced with so many injustices and societal ills, and our opposition must remain focused and divert their attention towards regaining the confidence and trust of our electorate.
While the attention may be towards the development of manifestos and working towards the dethronement of the ruling PPP/C, the opposition must not forget its commitment and leadership to its people.
It is not about how many votes the PNCR, AFC and other like-minded opposition factions can attain at this year’s General and Regional Elections, but it is about bearing the interest of its citizenry, and that begins with unity and harmony.
Opposition Member of Parliament Amanza Walton-Desir on Wednesday urged the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC), to reach an agreement for a coalition ahead of the upcoming elections in September.
Talks between the APNU and AFC came to an end over the past few months, and political leaders from both sides have publicly traded blame for their failure to reach an agreement.
Walton-Desir, in a statement, reminded both sides that the majority of their supporters, including herself, are deeply frustrated and fed up with the ongoing negotiations between the coalition partners.
While she isn’t directly involved in these engagements between the two political alliances, the Opposition Member of Parliament has been advocating and upping the ante for both APNU & AFC, to unite and develop a proposal that both their supporters and the people of Guyana can have a sense of confidence and pride in.
Regrettably , six months later, both the APNU & AFC have not brokered an agreement, but instead have appeared more divergent than ever.
According to Walton Desir, the opposition in its current form is failing the people who are looking to them for leadership because they are feeding them a diet of division and public bickering that is draining their hope and trust.
“We are failing the people who believe in us, all the while enabling a corrupt and incompetent government that is running unchecked. The future will not forgive us, history will not absolve us. It is time we all wake up and realize that leadership means actually putting people first”, the Member of Parliament admonished.
Sharing similar concerns was Member of Parliament and AFC Member Juretha Fernandes, who distanced herself from her party’s position for there to be a consensus presidential candidate for the coalition.
Fernandes said that at this juncture in the lead-up to elections which are slated for September 1, 2025, it is important for there to be leadership for the people and leadership that understands the plight of the people.
In her Facebook post on Wednesday, she posited that it is not a moment to “be hijacked by any group that perceives itself to be better than the political leaders who have stayed the course”.
Like Walton Desir and Fernandes, others are displeased with the infighting and non-consensus between the two parties, and both leaders must take this into consideration.
Napoleon Bonaparte, a former French general and statesman, once said: “The inevitable end of multiple chiefs is that they fade and disappear for lack of unity”.
It is imperative for both leaders, Aubrey Norton and Nigel Hughes, whom I hold in high esteem to arrive at a consensus regarding the presidential candidate and ratio of parliamentary representation, encourage all members of both political organisations to respect whatever decisions were made, and put aside ego and power consumption, as this will not lead to victory at the 2025 polls.
Our leaders must be reminded that our young people are observers, and they must set a great example for us to follow, as our citizens can no longer exist in a society where racism, victimisation, totalitarianism and lawlessness are pervasive.
It is important to note that my statements and opinions are premised on neutrality and grave concern regarding the glaring divergence between the two political alliances.
I have not stated my political allegiance as it’s unimportant at this juncture.
As an aspiring attorney at law and a young man who has a penchant for youth and national development, I urge our leaders to unite, as their decisions will determine who will govern us in the next five years, for Guyanese deserve betterment and this only result if both leaders place servitude and nationhood above ego and self-interests.
For the ball remains in your court, play wisely.
Yours truly,
Antonio Dey
