We can participate in the general elections and be a part of a specific political party without the prejudice of another race in the very process.

Sometimes, I am a bit skeptical to talk and discuss politics and the culture/tone of it with others. I share that same sentiment with my writings as well. Politics, in this context, Guyana politics – can be a very sensitive topic. Of course, in our country, the words ‘politics’ and ‘race’ often goes hand-in-hand. I am uncomfortable at times because of the discussions and issues that arise during the election season. I am discouraged sometimes to even practice my democratic voting rights because of the upsetting mood our country is in during this time.

As a writer, my mind wanders off sometimes to dark, unusual and augmented places. A while back, my mind generated a question; “What if we had to send away all of the racist people of Guyana to another country or something of the sort, how empty do you think Guyana will be?” I cannot fully answer my own question. However, from assumptions based on my Facebook timeline, overhearing conversations in public transportations and personal experiences with strangers and family/friends; I’d say Guyana would be very empty.

Our National Motto is, ‘One people, one nation and one destiny’ but the meaning of such a significant slogan gets lost and even misinterpreted during the election season. Friends become foes and people ‘hit heads’ on whose party is better. Surely enough, almost every country faces such dismay at times but I expected better from my country and its citizens for many reasons. I expected better because our oppressors are nowhere to be found here anymore and we have fought to gain our Independence–together. I expected better because Guyana has been hurt many times because of racism and hate and she while she is still healing from old wounds, we still try to inflict more on her. I expected better because my parents are both of different races but yet still never gave up on their love despite the discrimination they faced. I also expected better because I see many young people campaigning for public offices and we’re still stuck on old rules and systems. I guess new faces do not always equate to new ways of getting things done. I expected a whole lot from Guyana and her citizens but what else could a naive girl like me think I’d see change? After all, mummy always told me that, “expectations always lead to disappointments”.

By any means, none of what I said was meant for a specific political party but if you feel offended by my propositions on racial tactics and politics, then you should reconsider the manifesto of your choice. I am of mixed heritage. I have always been in the middle of these arguments, overlooking the causes and outcome. I strongly disagree with anyone who thinks that race and politics should be correlated. Newsflash: we can participate in the general elections and be a part of a specific political party without the prejudice of another race in the very process. You do not have to agree with every statement I have made thus far but I do hope you at least understand that if we want to develop as a nation there is no space for unwanted hate and discrimination. I was told once that words are perhaps the most weapons of the world. So, here I am, yet again using my platform to enlighten you all on an issue that has plagued our country for decades– it’s about time it stops. Let’s not only remember this when it’s election time, but we should also make it into a lifestyle. Hopefully, by 2025, we worry less about race and we focus more on the actual political change we need in this beautiful country we all call; home.