THERE are many Guyanese in and out of Guyana who have a real fear of political forces in Guyana.

I have relatives who, after living over 25 years abroad, are truly scared. This fear stems from the fact that when they were living in Guyana they were threatened for taking a political stance. So, they then turn this fear towards myself and “admonish” me for writing to the Guyana Dailies.

I do not blame them for this as when they were my age they “did their time” in Guyana and have real experiences that they would like to explain to me.

I see it more along the line as they need to change their strategy and put things into perspective and realise that it is not my writing to the Guyana Dailies they need to fear. After over 25 years of living abroad they need to stop being afraid of the intimidation tactics and start discussions on how to help Guyana from being over-run by political forces that use intimidation as a weapon of political discourse.

Even my brother and sisters are afraid. They say to me that they cannot go to Guyana to visit because of my letter-writing. Again, they need to put things into its proper perspective.

It is not that I am not afraid. It is more along the lines that I will not let that fear rule my life.

This is the attitude that Guyanese need to adopt instead of cutting and running. After living over 25 years abroad Guyanese need to stop complaining about how things are in Guyana and put a little investment in Guyana. Human resource investment is just as important as monetary investment.

A telephone call (or a letter) once in a while to relatives and friends in Guyana can be very uplifting to our relatives and friends in Guyana. Most Guyanese with relatives and friends abroad do not complain about things being bad in Guyana. They are just happy that their relatives and friends abroad remember them.

And, advice for Guyanese with relatives abroad. Your relatives and friend abroad are just as happy to hear from you. A little letter once in a while does not cost too much to send.
COMMUNICATION that is the answer.
SEAN BRIGNANDAN