Today, Guyana is observing its 49th year of nationhood, with what is expected to be observances that will reflect the theme of unity and working together as a nation. It is no co-incidence, that such an auspicious occasion is celebrated in the almost immediate aftermath of a change of Government, when during the recent election campaign, one of two main contesting parties, the coalition of APNU+AFC made the unity call, one of their major platforms.
If the announcement by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) did result in an uproar of joy and jubilation by those who supported the APNU+AFC coalition, then the historic swearing in of its leader as the country’s Eight Executive President, can be said to have ushered in a feeling of euphoria, and a sense of something new beginning to occur, as far as this nation’s affairs are concerned.
President David Granger’s address, to the thousands gathered around Parliament Building, is one that has echoed a plea for ALL of us, as Guyanese, to unite, and work together for a better life and country.
Immediately, there has been an overwhelming response, as manifest by the print media Letter columns, from Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora, endorsing the Coalition’s success, at the May 11 polls and offering their support in whatever manner, possible.
We do agree that on the basis of the final official results that it was an intense contest that resulted in a very narrow win. Moreover, it also brings home the disappointingly sad reality of a divided nation, still wounded by the odious historical peculiarities of race and ethnicity. It is precisely this schism that the APNU+AFC coalition has sought to confront when it effected the Cummingsburg Accord – to chart a new understanding of national cohesiveness, with the clear and unambiguous understanding that Guyana is our own, where we live, and that this should be done without apprehension and fear of each other.
It is time that we as a nation, begin to put the divisive past that continues to hinder our progress as a people, behind us.
Already, as an example, the new administration, led by President Granger has let it be known to State workers that dedication and professionalism in their daily employment functions is what are desired, among other relevant attributes, to fulfil his Government’s vision of a better life for all.
So, however very narrow the win, it has lighted a spark of willingness in the heart of the nation to make Guyana the desired land of ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’. An example of this, is the current exercise now underway to renew our capital city, that highlights the restoration of the Independence Arch and its site, at Brickdam, where today’s Independence Day flag raising ceremony will take place.
Of course, it is an endeavour initiated and commenced by the coalition Government; but the many agencies that have since willingly answered this call, thereby pooling resources for its eventual successful completion, is overwhelmingly encouraging with to a city that has descended to abysmal depths relative to its sanitation and care for its national monuments.
It is a meaningful example of what working together can achieve for the common good.

It would be a great disservice to our children and their children, should we, of this generation, bequeath a future nation that is still d by the deep and dangerous division of race, and all its known poisonous condiments. Those descendents would be within their rights to damn us, for having failed them!
It is time that we all, as Guyanese, understand that whatever the cultural differences, that such does not have to mean separatism and hatred because of differences of race and ethnicity; for such narrow, and dangerous distortions does not allow for mutual respect.

In fact, racism must not be allowed to continue to germinate, thereby raising its ugly and divisive head, in a nation where our motto is still ‘ONE PEOPLE, ONE NATION, ONE DESTINY’.
Therefore, let our homes become the starting point for nurturing especially our young, about the need to continue to live in harmony with their fellow youths, irrespective of race; our places of worship, preaching the gospel of love and respect for each other, rather than sow the sinful seeds of divisiveness, which can only lead to national tragedy, that can consume all of us, as Guyanese.
Finally, there is an unchallenged recognition that now resonates nationally – that another opportunity once again beckons, to begin to chart an entirely new understanding of ourselves as Guyanese, and the urgent need to work together for unity.
Let us grasp its outstretched hands, and never let go, until we achieve this worthy goal that has been eluding our grasp, for so long.
This is our plea, for country and people.