FORMER Prime Minister and President of Guyana, Samuel Hinds, has recently issued a compelling call to the APNU-AFC, urging them to confront the complete truth of Guyana’s political history in the pursuit of national reconciliation.

Hinds, who serves as Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), emphasised the crucial need for honesty and transparency in addressing the deep-rooted divisions within Guyanese society.

At the heart of this call is the ongoing dialogue sparked by Moses Nagamootoo’s recent book, “My Quest for National Unity – Dear Land of Guyana.”

Nagamootoo’s reflections on the events surrounding the 2020 General and Regional Elections have ignited debate, particularly regarding the loss of dignity experienced by Guyanese citizens during the transition of power.

However, Hinds contends that Nagamootoo’s narrative falls short of capturing the complete truth, especially concerning the role of the APNU+AFC in exacerbating racial tensions.
Hinds emphasised the importance of acknowledging uncomfortable truths to move forward as a unified nation. He pointed out the need for genuine national reconciliation, which requires a candid acknowledgment of past injustices and a commitment to forging a more inclusive future for all Guyanese.

Drawing from his own experiences, Hinds vividly recounted the atmosphere during the APNU+AFC coalition’s victory in the 2015 elections. He highlighted instances of demeaning treatment and the abrupt termination of changeover arrangements.

Moreover, Hinds delved into the historical context of Guyana’s political landscape, touching upon past injustices and divisions within the country. From the split of the PPP in 1955 to the challenges leading up to the 1992 elections, he stressed the importance of reconciling with the past to move forward as a unified nation.

Central to Hinds’ message is the call for a shared commitment to national cohesion and prosperity. He echoed President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s call for “One Guyana,” emphasising the need for collective effort and support, particularly in light of recent discoveries of oil off Guyana’s shores.

Also, in light of Freddie Kissoon’s critique of Nagamootoo’s book, which pointed out the glaring disparity between the narrative of reconciliation and the actions of the APNU+AFC coalition during their time in power, it becomes evident that embracing the whole truth is essential for genuine reconciliation.

Nagamootoo’s memoir may claim to be about the quest for political and social cohesion, but it must confront the reality of how his administration’s actions exacerbated divisions within Guyanese society.

Embracing narratives of whole truths, as advocated by Hinds, is not only a crucial step towards reconciliation but also a foundation for building a brighter future for the nation. It is time for all stakeholders, including the APNU+AFC coalition, to heed this call and work towards a more united and inclusive Guyana.