PERMIT me the opportunity to foremostly express salutations to all Guyanese on this 49th Independence Anniversary of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and to congratulate President David Arthur Granger and the Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition for the recent victory at the May 11, 2015 polls.This was a victory by the majority of voting Guyanese for all Guyanese. In the history of Guyana’s transition and evolution, this victory was timely. Guyanese are now ready to work with the Government to unite all the races, and provide the kinetic energy to move this nation from potential to actual; from vision to reality.
This letter is essentially dedicated to the presidential pardon President Granger is set to exercise, forgiving 60 young persons between the ages of 18 and 24 serving sentences for misdemeanour and minor offences. This act of Executive forgiveness is laudable, and it sets in motion the pursuit of national healing, for forgiveness is a critical precursor to healing and change.
It returns to those pardoned their freedom and independence on Independence Day, 2015. It affords those pardoned an opportunity to turn their lives around, and reintegrate into mainstream society to become citizens who can work toward developing themselves, families, communities and the country by extension.
Positioning itself as the truly transformational organ for every man, reMAN Guyana is a non-partisan nongovernmental organisation that aims at repositioning the man to embrace leadership and responsibility, focussing primarily on boys 11 to 17, and men older. This organisation is mandated to effect behavioural change and ‘transforMENtion’ through:
* The conduct of nationwide consultation and robust sociological research on issues that affect men, contributing to their behaviours;
* The formulation of policies that cater to the redemption, re-education, re-establishment, reformation, rehabilitation, reinstatement, reinstitution, rejuvenation, reorientation, repatriation, reposition, and or restoration of the man;
* Mentorship programmes for boys in schools and other institutions;
* Workshops and seminars that seek to inspire the man to appreciate and embrace leadership and responsibility, and be convicted that he is the architect of all things good and acceptable, upon whom a favourable human existence depends;
* Facilitation of governmental and international donor agencies interested in providing intervention;
* The establishment of: an Outreach Council for Prisoners and Prison Warders, an Ex-Cons Re-integration Programme, a Single Fathers Foundation and a Men’s Corps
* Initiatives that seek to reduce or eradicate crime, and positively shape the image of Guyana;
* Sporting and recreational activities that cater to the all-round development of the man;
* Representing the interest of the man at the appropriate stakeholder levels;
* All other activities complementary to the fulfilment of the aforementioned objectives.

It is reMAN Guyana’s sincere hope that these 60 young Guyanese given a chance to ‘go and sin no more’ will become model citizens, lead exemplary lives and help to build our country, vindicating President Granger’s decision. Their motto should read: “You pardoned us, we partner you.”
Unlike the unpardonable pardon of a convicted child killer by former President Donald Ramotar, this pardon by President Granger – by virtue of criteria and intent – is symbolic of the forgiveness of a caring father exonerating his errant children of their past misdeeds. And has this nation been in dire need of a caring father!

Mr President, this nation embraces you and your Administration, and reMAN Guyana looks forward to partnering with its Government to transform manhood in Guyana. In order for there to be true development, we men will have to do justice to our purpose, and honour our civic and moral duties to our women, children and to nation-building.

ALVIN A. DORIS
Founder/Executive President
reMAN Guyana