Going out to vote in the local elections today is enough for me

Dear Editor,
I AM 95 years old and I always read the letters in the newspapers to get the point of view of my countrymen and women. At this late stage in my life I have put pen to paper to see if my voice will be heard too.

I have returned from casting my vote in the local elections today (Monday). It took a long time as I had to walk to the school and back, but I did it, and I must say that I am elated by the experience and so proud.

Proud of the fact that this government with this one action has given us the people our democratic right back on a local level. I have to confess that I did not vote for this government in the general election, as I am old enough to remember the great Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham who together created the PPP party. To this day, I do not understand why this historic partnership dissolved, and if we are honest with ourselves and our countries history, we would realise that the fallout of that break up still haunts our country to this day. It would be good for a Guyanese historian to look back at those great men and reveal the real truth. To free our country from the colonial “Divide & Rule” strategy that impedes Guyana’s development.

My apologies, I digress, getting back to my original train of thought.
The local elections, yes, the restoration of local democracy! I want to thank President David Granger and the coalition government for gifting us the people of Guyana our rights back. As time goes on, this government through their action (not just words), have proven that they are on the path of fixing our country. It is evident that they realise the importance of true democracy because true democracy can only be exercised by all the citizens of our beautiful country, Guyana. This government has given us, the people, back our constitutional right and entitlement to participate on a local level on how our communities are run. Only a strong and confident government would do this.

In my old age, it seems like everything that I do would be for the last time. I thank God for giving me this day to cast my vote. I won’t be around for much longer, but today, I am full of hope and pride for my beloved Guyana. Hope that under this government, Guyana will emerge as a united force that will take its place in the 21st-century global story and pride for the country I know that Guyana is destined to be. People around the world will look at Guyana for guidance and how to do things right.

Guyana’s story is just beginning, I won’t be here to see all of the benefits but my grandchildren will. Going out to vote in the local elections today is enough for me.
Thank-you President Granger.

Best regards,
Mark Thomas

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.