ALMOST an entire generation would have grown up without ever experiencing Local Government Elections (LGEs). But these elections have found their way back into Guyana’s governance landscape and persons have the opportunity to elect their community representatives once more.

The elections made their comeback in 2016, but then Noah Rajak and Timothy Shiwprashad- both 19-years-old, were not of the voting age. This time around however they were, and they wasted no time in exercising their franchise.

“I feel like, for the first time, I can truly have a say in the way things are, and need to be done, in my community,” Noah explained and added, “It makes me feel as though I finally have a seat at the table, and I’m ready to place my order.” Evidently excited about being able to vote for the first time, he described it as an “empowering” experience (emPOWERing for emphasis).

“As eligible citizens, we are given a democratic right to say what we want done in our communities and in our country and voting is the way we express that right and express our voices,” he opined.

The young man also posited that the only way to effect positive change is by electing someone capable enough of doing just that- representing people’s needs and sees that they are met as best as possible. And for him, this is not just a choice, it is a right and a responsibility.

“Voting should not necessarily be an option, it should be a priority,” he stressed.

Shiwprashad, just a bit more mellow than Rajak, shared that it was important to vote so that someone in his community with a vision or goal would have a chance to represent and improve his community.

The young man shared: “I felt a sense of pride being a first-time voter. I felt I was doing my part as Guyanese in talking the first step in making a change.”

Shiwprashad, a student at the University of Guyana (UG), noted that there are some changes he would like to see in his community. And not just because he wants a nicer, more aesthetically-pleasing living space, but so that members of the community- particularly the youth- can dwell in a better community.

“Personally, what I want to see changed is the community centre- [it should] be repaired and maintained, so as to allow the youths of the community to have a place to spend their time rather than idling or engaging in illicit activities,” he noted.

Just like Shiwprashad, 19-year-old Kenita Roberts shared that she was filled with a sense of pride.

“It’s kind of a very proud moment when you walk into the polling station to cast your vote because you’ve finally reached the age where you are officially legal and you’re able to help to make decisions within your community,” she said.

For the Georgetown resident, she believes that the alleyways in her community need regular cleaning.

Furthermore, she highlighted: “Voting is important because it gives you the right to have a say in what goes on, in this case, in your community. It helps you to choose the person that you think is fit to move your community forward.”

Rajak, on the other hand, highlighted that local governance is more than installing lights in the community and developing the garbage disposal facilities, but rather it is about creating safe and developed neighbourhoods.

“I’d like to see more community-oriented projects being done, and not just in my community, but in every community in every part of Guyana,” he related. These “community-oriented” projects should include safe spaces, such as recreational areas for young people to “thrive and explore”, he said.

Additionally, Noah advanced: “We need better infrastructure that will last decades, where we can pass down memories and vital lessons and experiences. We need places where no matter who you are, no matter your race or beliefs, you can feel free, safe and united with those around you.”

And in achieving this, he noted that faith will be placed in the elected local representatives with the hope that they will advocate for the communities and help better them.

The voter turnout for this year’s LGEs was quite low; in Georgetown- the populous capital city, it was recorded as 28.3 percent. Encouraging others to vote at the next opportunity they have, Noah said: “We have a chance to shape Guyana as a model nation in our region and the world. And it starts in the community level.”