Mr. JINNAH Rahaman in his letter titled: “A united opposition that puts Guyana first can win a landslide at the polls” on September 7, 2011 published by Kaieteur News, appears to be indecisive, ignorant and in denial of the fact that Guyana has done well under this current government. Being a former leading activist of the PPP does not make Mr. Rahaman a better person to judge constructively and impartially on the political, economic and social environment in Guyana. Instead of him talking of a united opposition party and claiming that he knows so much about Guyana and its struggles, Mr. Rahaman should try to make it reality and let us see how well he is in managing and governing a country. But, remember in the first place, you have to get votes, and you just lost one.
As a young Guyanese, I am proud of my country’s achievements and government efforts because I have done and still doing my research on Guyana’s progression over the years. The evidence and reports are available for everyone for evaluation and formulation of one’s judgment. This is a democratic country that means ‘the people rule’. If you are not pleased about a particular policy, do not wait for the politicians, pro-government or anti-government officials to say they will deal with it. It is better to voice our opinions and become part of the decision-making process than talk about feelings as Mr. Rahaman indicated. This time it is not about just what we feel, but we do to make a change for our future generation.
No one is denying that governments are to serve and protect the poor and vulnerable. Yes, Cheddi Jagan is praiseworthy for the struggle for a better Guyana, but present and future Presidents and governments build and develop on past experiences. Guyana is already integrated into the global economy and lived by the global and international rules and regulations. Hence, Mr. Rahaman needs to understand that Guyana is influenced both internally and externally. Guyana does not need a united opposition when the current and fragmented opposition political parties for example are not united or common in aims, attributes and plans for development. And, yes PPP has not been the same since Cheddi Jagan, but it is Cheddi Jagan who laid the foundation for future presidents to continue to develop this country. There may be policies in the past pursued by the Jagan administration, but may not be suitable for this globalised and contemporary era.