In a time of heightened political branding and divisive rhetoric, the sanctity of our national identity must be preserved. The foundational motto of our nation, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” serves as a crucial emblem of unity and historical significance that cannot — and should not — be altered by any political figure or administration.
The essence of this argument asserts that the national motto, firmly rooted in our struggle for independence and the call for unity, remains unassailable. It was originally articulated in 1958 by Brindley Horatio Benn, a key leader in our anti-colonial movement, at a time when the fabric of our society was threatened by colonial “divide and rule” tactics. Benn declared, “we must weld ourselves into ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny.’” This powerful pronouncement recognised the necessity for all citizens — regardless of ancestry — to forge a unified identity in the face of divisive historical legacies.
Following our independence in 1966, the motto became a part of our national psyche when it was enshrined within the Coat of Arms, a symbol of our sovereignty that also received Royal Warrant from the College of Arms. It was formally adopted by our House of Assembly on February 25, 1966, just before we lowered the Union Jack for the final time. The motto encapsulates the essence of our national identity, bringing together the diverse heritages of our people: “One People” acknowledges all races — Amerindians (Indigenous), African, East Indian, Chinese, Portuguese, and European. “One Nation” reflects a collective commitment that rejects the notion of separation, and “One Destiny” envisions a future of shared success that binds us together irrespective of our backgrounds.
In stark contrast, the recently popularised “One Guyana” slogan put forth by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Irfaan Ali- administration , lacks the constitutional standing that our national motto possesses. Emerging as a political initiative in 2021, it is tied closely to the present administration’s agenda and must be critically examined within a constitutional framework. The notion that a slogan can serve as a substitute for a deeply-rooted motto is profoundly flawed and represents a dangerous precedent. Efforts to elevate “One Guyana” to par with our legally established motto encroaches upon the principle of state neutrality, risking the essential character of our national identity.
Legal analysts and critics have raised red flags regarding this initiative. Notably, infusing a partisan slogan into official documents like passports may blur the line between State and partisan interests. As per the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s standards, travel documents ought to embody neutrality; thus, the introduction of a politically charged phrase undermines this directive. Should this trend continue, it opens the door for a fragmented national identity where each new government seeks to imprint its branding on our country’s sovereign symbols.
Further compounding this issue are concerns around “party paramountcy,” where the motto of inclusivity embodied in our national identity could be supplanted by the overwhelming presence of the ruling party’s narrative. The national motto stands unwavering as a testament to our independence struggles and represents “We the People,” while “One Guyana” reflects a mere extension of the current administration’s policies. Such branding risks alienating significant portions of our populace who may not align with the ruling administration’s philosophy.
It is crucial to assess the implications of promoting “One Guyana” as a means of state representation. By asserting that this new slogan embodies a fusion of our diverse identities, it is tantamount to suggesting that our long-standing motto is either outdated or inadequate. This not only undermines the historical significance of the motto but also repositions it in a way that detracts from the sacrifices made during our path to independence. Resistance to this narrative must be fierce; any attempt to replace or supplant the national motto is not only unconstitutional, but it is also fundamentally unpatriotic.
As citizens of this great nation, we must fiercely protect the integrity of our national symbols and ensure that they remain free from the machinations of partisan politics. The motto “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” is not merely a slogan; it is a commitment to unity, equity, and a shared future. The government has the right to pursue policy initiatives; however, it does not possess the authority to replace our sovereign identity with politically motivated branding.
It is imperative that we engage in vigorous discourse about the direction of our national identity. As we navigate the complexities of governance and representation, let us unite under the motto that has guided us through adversity. As Benn once envisioned, our strength lies in our unity as “One People” destined to flourish together in this beloved homeland. Together, we must ensure that our enduring motto remains a guiding principle — a legacy that no political leader can alter.
