ARE Guyanese allowing influencers to imprison their minds? Maya Angelou knew why the caged bird sang. Or, will the campaigners be the change they want to see? Winston Churchill was being practical when he suggested, “To improve is to change, to be perfect is to change often.”

Each day reflects new dialects scripting blasphemy for the government, attempting to taunt the leaders of governance and drilling holes with each project suggested and/or executed. This trend patterns a programmed and systematic schedule to guarantee that there is no peaceful day designated for the “One Guyana” theme as initiated by President, Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali.

The government has always welcomed criticism to build and better the growth of this nation, but, it must be constructive so that ideas must translate productively and not destructively, which may harm Guyana. The PPP/C has always promoted peace, not conflict, realising that peace comes within and one cannot seek it without, as taught by the Buddha.

The country’s current administration is paying heed to Harry S Truman’s advice, “Our goal must be not peace in our time, but peace for all time.”
No wonder, Cheddi Jagan’s slogan of “Peace, Progress and Prosperity” remains the untouched, unmoved and unfathomable foundation which nurtures the PPP/C party to build the future of Guyana in a safe, friendly and rewarding environment. Only a limited few can claim to preach and practise non-violence and to adhere to Albert Einstein’s dogma, “Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.”

There are some who genuinely show smiling faces and remain unperturbed, not to be ruffled by antagonists. “Peace begins with a smile,” Mother Theresa edified. While being disgruntled with no reason to nurture animosity but wanting to extend a greeting, it is worthy to be wary as Mahatma Gandhi perceived in his statement, “You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.”

Those who live in an abstract world and cannot see the tangible metamorphosis Guyana is slowly but surely unfolding into, should take heed of Leo Tolstoy’s caution, “If you look for perfection, you will never be content.” The pursuit of justice engineered three successive wins by the ruling party at the Caribbean Court of Justice, the country’s apex appeal court. Achieving one’s right must be processed in a legal manner and that entails showing one’s hand, not refusing to show your cards! That is why the PPP/C was legally and legitimately sworn into government and has the authority to govern this land until the next election. Those who live and rule by cheating, rigging, defrauding, corruption, violence, raping the Treasury, bankrupting an entire nation and refuse to abide by rules and regulations, will never confess to accountability and transparency.

While many profess to know better by looking into the telescope from outside, those with eyes from the inside are being realistic and practical for fairness and equality. Those who negotiate not to be friends of the government want to hold the nation at ransom by placing their knee on the leadership of the country. Certainly, foes and not friends to Guyanese, those naysayers reclaim their devious nature by resorting to threats, tongue twisting and even treason by using every foul option at their disposal, concocting lies, distorting the truth and not working in the true interest of Guyana, but, deviating to selfishly satisfy their personal needs and wants.

Luckily, with the eye of a hawk and working assiduously, tirelessly and selflessly, this government remains conscious of any wrong move by enemies of the nation, and, with opened eyes, rightfully strive to correct the shortcomings of their predecessor and work in the best interest of Guyanese. Fittingly, we can be reminded of that icon of peace character, Mahatma Gandhi. In his wisdom, he attested, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” We can all work harmoniously to provide, protect and promote a “One Guyana” and still be differently indifferent. Be like a flower, survive the rain but use it to grow.