I WASN’T born in the 1980s, but I am aware of what transpired twenty-three years ago. Many of my family members made it their duty to notify and tell us, the younger generation, about the cries, crises and suffering the older Guyanese had to face.

As a young adult, I feel that everyone has a right to vote; but with wanting to vote, one must have a strong and valid reason as to why he/she wants to vote for a particular party, be it APNU/AFC or PPP/C.

Don’t vote for PPP/C because that’s who your mom or dad says you should vote for, and don’t vote for APNU because you like someone in the party. Do a survey. Read history about when the PNC governed. Read all about what transpired under them.

An elderly woman recently asked a young man for whom he was going to vote. The young man replied, “I was never in Guyana during any of the elections”. The woman told him that he is here now, so he has to vote, as it is his right! He replied that he would go out and cast his ballot. She asked him for whom he would vote, and his reply evoked a literal ‘cuss’ out.

The woman then shouted: “Why will you vote for them? You young folks know not of the things we went through in the 80s, when I was in my 20s! You are only seeing what’s happening now! But if you go back to the history, you will realise that Guyana today is a 100% better!”

This just shows how many of the youngsters these days do not know why they are voting for the party they choose. So my advice to you youngsters is have a valid reason as to why you’re voting; and better yet, find out which party is responsible for Guyana’s development.

TERI PHANG