Dear Editor,
WHILE Muslims are not an insignificant minority in Guyana, they behave as such. For the upcoming elections, the Muslim community must take action for the betterment of their community as well as the betterment of Guyana. Muslims in Guyana are a minority;120,000 in a total population of 800,000 people. We are not insignificant. Even if there is only one Muslim left in Guyana, he would not be insignificant.

Every Muslim should be proud to be a Guyanese who can exercise his birthright to help choose his country’s political leadership. In previous elections, we Muslims advocated a choice of candidate, which was due mainly to us being guided, instructed and sometimes bullied by our main organisation into voting for one main political party. This time around, I simply encourage every registered Muslim to vote; our vote and our voice matters. We can be an agent for change, if we choose to be. We have no right to complain about what is wrong with our country if we don’t vote. We are citizens who work hard, pay taxes, send our children to school, and participate in community activities. In short, we are Guyanese to the bone, like ‘Cuffy’, Burnham and Jagan and Stephen Campbell. Unfortunately, we often don’t act this way.

We Muslims behave as if we are insignificant. Muslims voices are not heard enough concerning drugs, violence, abuse of teachers, domestic violence, racism, murders, crime and corruption. This is so because we Muslims; (1) Lack faith in the message of Muhammad (SAS) (2) Lack the proper understanding of our role as Muslims. (3) Completely underestimate our strength when dealing with the powers that be. (4) Are dis-united; and (5) Do not have a proper strategy in dealing with the wider public.

If we want our place in Guyanese political life, we have to earn it. If we want our voices to be heard, we should not need prominent citizens such as Pastor John Smith of the ERC to defend Muslim identity. We should rise up leaders from among ourselves who are capable of outstanding public service to our country; as Guyanese first, not as Muslims who happen to live here. Only then can we make a valid case for the issues that uniquely affect us.

I appeal to all Muslims to do their duty to the rest of the society, if we are to positively change the environment in which we live. We Muslims are not on insignificant minority in Guyana; no political party can win an election in Guyana in the foreseeable future without the support of Muslims. This why we Muslims should vote for the APNU+AFC Coalition so that we can exert greater influence towards building closer bonds of brotherhood and unity in our society; so that we can use our political influence to fight corruption, mismanagement, nepotism and the abuse of power.

Finally, as you my Muslim brothers and sisters ponder your choices these elections, I urge you to put Guyana first; to think about the large problems our country faces and how we, living here, can be catalysts for change. I urge you to Vote APNU+AFC

Sincerely Yours,
Tayab Alli