NATIONAL unity is an absolute critical prerequisite to any country’s development. History tells us that politics has been a key player in the erosion of Guyana’s national unity and political instability has been the destruction of our economy and development. The vying for political power has unfortunately lead to pernicious and venomous outcomes and it has been the ordinary citizens who bear the blunt of the repercussions.

The growth of our young people and our country as a whole depends on the willingness of our policy makers to compromise and offer concessions. Some may argue that that this is an implausible proposition and the right way is to pick one side and defend that side and concede nothing. However, it is time we think differently and reframe development through collaborative efforts which involves our policy makers, civil society, citizens, private sector, and other stakeholders.
The lack of consensus among our politicians is far too damaging to this nation. I often wonder if our leaders have forgotten that they were elected to serve the people and have miserably failed to realise that their unrelenting bickering and bitterness is leading the country into the shadows of failure. It is the responsibility of our leaders and citizens to work together as partners to achieve positive outcomes in our society. Let us not continue to repeat the same blunders of the past, it is important that we learn our history to understand our present but it is also important that we live in our present and not in our past.
As citizens, we must demand more from our leaders, especially when we reside in a democracy where the true power lies literally in the hands of the people. We are the ones who elect our policy makers! We need to start thinking for ourselves and refrain from buying into propagandistic narratives that aim to divide us and harm our country’s future. It is therefore absolutely critical that we question everything that we are being told, and sold, and not be passive participants and accept what is being preached as gospel from our politicians.
National unity will help to strengthen the political, social, economic and defense institutions of this country. Guyanese should ensure that we support national unity to achieve a prosperous life and a sound environment. The promotion of segregation by troublemakers must stop. It is not healthy for a growing nation like Guyana.
The Guyana of tomorrow starts with us. We are the ones that need to make the right decisions in the best interests of ourselves. Let us bring to an end these lethal behaviours and unite to move our country forward.

MARISSA LOWDEN
Blue CAPS