Dear Editor:
The drums are beating, frenzied some may say, but would the vibrations reach the Rupununi or the Corentyne coastline? Lyrics are sung laced with poison, but how many will take a drink of that cocktail, as Election Day draws closer for the mantle of leadership to change hands.
The critics, taking great advantage of free speech, are highlighting the alleged wrongs of the present administration, but there is unwanted danger in the hate, not even thinly veiled, it’s in your face raw and obscene.
For too long, since our forefathers bare feet touched this land, shackled or not, the dark shadows of hate, distrust and betrayal have touched our lives.
The political masquerade of the 50’s and 60’s dealt a severe blow to racial harmony and conspiratorial whispers in dark corners blackened many a fair mind as men of our own flesh and blood, of genius minds in the political arena fought for power.
The obsession pushed love and tolerance on the sideline as hate took centre stage, engaging intolerance, racism and violence.
The different colour of hands that could have joined together and make for us a nation of one, were not allowed to touch.
The sordid tales of our past no one wants repeated, hate, more or less the enemy of one’s thoughts that borders on evil had been a thorn in our side for too long.
This country and its people have come a long way from then to now and the love denied, then, is now embraced by most.
The Burnham era created and unleashed fear and intimidation in one race, the Jagan period, short though it was, brought some measure of relief and hope for a change, but his death shattered those hopes and fear returned, unforgiving, with a deadly venom.
The exodus continued, but for those who stayed, there were strong hopes and positive thinking that someone will come along to bridge the divide, that one day there will be change.
The hopes of a people were fulfilled when Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, young, dynamic and charismatic, a leader with genuine interests at heart won the love and admiration of the masses, as he held hands with the six races to start the rebuilding process of love and unity.
Race relations is of great importance in nation building and it is one of his successes in his role as President of this country that will take this nation forward and to greater heights for as long as his successor follows this trend and allow improved relations between the races to continue on a smooth path.
Critics will want to pour scorn on this fact, but if only they can for a few moments look around with a fair mind, not at the small picture where there are still pockets of race hate, but at the bigger picture of the camaraderie of the people, at work, at play, at school, in fashion, in dance, music and drama – it’s a beautiful thing, really, that has blossomed and should be allowed to flourish.
Let hate not be resurrected to cause segregation, let not the new leader be arrogant, selfish and pretentious, but truly dedicated and committed and even though, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s role as President of this Cooperative Republic was not perfect, no politician is, he is still loved by the people.
A country that is a paradise that we can love and appreciate, whether rich or poor, it’s people can hold hands as we strive for a better tomorrow.
Maureen Singh via email
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Dear Editor:
On behalf of the Government and People of Guyana, I am pleased to extend greetings to you on the observance of the religious festival of Holi.
Holi, known more popularly in our homeland as Phagwah, always presents an opportunity for the reinvigoration of our spirituality, compassion and service to humankind.
As we all know, Holi is indicative of the arrival of the spring season — a time for liveliness, vitality and positivity to perfume the atmosphere. This seasonal observance is also edifying to our own lives — it is a chance for us to purge ourselves of difficulties and strife, to reassess that which is important to our well being, and to ultimately concentrate our efforts towards the furtherance of virtue and elimination of vice. Moreover, as the popular story of Phagwah teaches, this occasion is a celebration of the triumph of piety over arrogance, devotion over indulgence, and spirituality over narcissism. The story, punctuated by the emergence of the beloved Prince Prahalad over the misguided King Hiranyakashipu, fortifies our need to think, speak and act in a positive and progressive manner.
The lessons of Holi are not only applicable to our daily lives, but to our beloved Guyana. As we embark on a new season, and by extension a new year in our country, we seek to magnify all that is good, and shun all that is evil. Let Prahalad's dramatic victory remind all of humanity of the need to let go of the pessimism in their lives and to let in purity, love and faith in its place.
As Hindus celebrate their holy observance, let us also not lose sight of the fact that Phagwah has grown into a truly national observance. All walks of life, all ages and all beliefs find commonality amidst the fun and frolic of the traditional abeer and abrack that color the air. Let the luminescence of these colors shine through, eliminating the shadows of spiritual darkness, evil, ignorance, hatred, pride, lust and anger, and instead reflecting richness in thoughts, words and deeds among all.
May this occasion bring countless blessings to your and your family, and may we all learn and apply the lessons that this great observance helps to teach us. Shubh Holi to one and all!
Sattie Sawh
Guyana Consul General (Ag), Consulate of Guyana
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