Dear Editor,
GUYANA is a country that is abundant with great men and women. The great accomplishments of our sons and daughters of this soil must never go unnoticed and must never be forgotten. Some of the sacrificial contributions made by these past and present political leaders have all helped to shape our country.
I would like us all to honour our Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Dr. Moses V. Nagamootoo. The Bharath University in India conferred him a Honoris Causa Degree (Doctor of Letters) on October 5, 2016 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Also, on October 4, the Madras Development Society presented the Prime Minister its highest award, the Crown Jewel of Tamils, for his outstanding achievements in public life. He was hailed as the first person with Tamil ancestry who has been elevated to the post of Prime Minister and First Vice-President. This is a great recognition for not only him and family as a political stalwart and leader, but also for Guyana, as he belongs to us.
On this same thought, I was always very pained to take note of the fact that certain people in their political commentary have made a mockery of such great achievements of our people who receive awards and honours.

Also, it should not pass us, as a people, to recognize Former President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo for the twelve years he served as president. Prior to his presidency, he served as the Minister of Finance. Apart from his national contributions, he has received five (5) honorary doctorates and holds a number of global leadership positions in the areas of sustainable development, green growth and climate change. Serving as the Leader of the Opposition currently, this son of the soil must be celebrated for his service to Guyana.
In the same vein, I would like to honour another internationally recognized son of Guyana, and perhaps he can be called the ‘father’, the indomitable Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan. He was also mocked for the many great things he did for world politics and human development. His many books, moreso the popular “West on Trial”, has been paid scant attention to in his own country. His most vital contribution to world affairs was his book and explanation on the need for “A New Human Global Order”. Many in North America and Europe could not see it when he had expounded the wisdom; however, it has now been recognized as an important component for international human development, to the point that the United Nations had adopted resolutions.
We must recognize a true stalwart and nationalist in Former leader of Guyana Mr. Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. Many had mocked him on his ideas for independence and self-sufficiency, instead of joining hands with him to make it a reality. Burnham and his Government were attacked locally and internationally for being a pipe dream. He believed in Guyana and the possibility of this nation blossoming into a great economy. Moreso, he believed that Guyana could be the bread basket of the Caribbean.
And, of course, I could not end without mentioning my hero and spirit brother, Former President Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte, whose Economic Recovery Program (ERP) enhanced Guyana! Developed Guyana! At that time, it was touted by the then political opposition and many others as empty rice pots. He was the architect of the open economy and he opened industries which developed the country. It would also be fair to point out that when the PPP/C Government took power in 1992, they maintained the philosophy of Hugh Desmond Hoyte, and utilized it to the maximum benefit of Guyana (ERP).
My point and purpose, brothers and sisters, is to propel the idea into the mentality of us all — in a country of enormous proportions, mentalities and economic possibilities — that we must recognize our heroes and we must stop looking at the negatives. Each leader and each new Government has its own style of stewardship. Please, oh people of Guyana, let us look at the positives; let us honor our heroes!

Regards,
ROSHAN KHAN