THERE is a lot of chatter taking place on social media about the need to move forward; and in most cases, it is perpetuated by young people who are eligible to vote, and who have not experienced any other government but the PPP/C. The main points being made are: let’s think ahead, the government is flawed and they want a change. I beg to differ from this and encourage young people to take a minute and look at the bigger picture; let’s separate sensationalism and false propaganda from facts. Not because you were born after 1992, means that the past does not matter; we all know as basic practice that before we make any critical decisions, we should understand the history of the issue and look at the progression of it, not from a linear standpoint, but from a multi-faceted lens. When you take that minute to assess what to do next or make the next big decision, you will begin to see what moving forward really means.
Moving forward: that we are now a country of freedoms; to information, to choose our sources of entertainment, political views, and education. These very basic freedoms that we now have to express ourselves did not come easy; it took 28 years of bloodshed and perseverance against an oppressive opposition. Now it is dangerously ironic that the same members of that oppressive opposition are using my young brothers and sisters to fight their frontline battle, knowing very well that they are misguiding them. They are still the same oppressive folks that the PPP/C struggled so hard to remove from office, so that we can now enjoy the benefits of a progressive Guyana.
Moving forward: that foreign investment is flooding Guyana and is quickly becoming one of the country’s largest employers of young people. Another irony here is that we are not able to produce enough young skilled people to fill these positions, even though we have achieved universal primary and close to achieving universal secondary education.
Moving forwar: that the PPP/C has educated more youths than any other time in this country’s history to become doctors, engineers, teachers and other leaders through aggressive bilateral and multilateral partnerships with countries and organizations. These young Guyanese specialists are now serving their country and bringing pride to their community and family. I can see the father sitting in his hammock with a smile on his face thinking that he would never have seen the day his kids would become great in this country.
Moving forward: that the PPP/C understands the history of Guyana and will take the time to educate the young people to make the right decision and I am confident that the PPP/C also understands that moving forward is only a natural part of our counry’s path and we also know that the youth will take us forward in this path.
I am truly happy to see my fellow young generation proudly voicing their opinions and taking a stand for something; but is it something we can achieve through the opposition? Do you fully understand what you are fighting for? And have you heard any tangible solution coming from the opposition? I challenge the youths to ask the opposition what moving forward means to them and how are they going to take you forward from where you already are with the PPP/C.

MALCOLM WATKINS