Dear Editor,
Although the visit of the King is important it does not mean that the rights and voices of Guyanese citizens must be neglected. Although the alliance with the U.S. is important it does not mean that the rights of our old friends from Cuba must be neglected. We the Guyanese people are no longer subjects of the King and we have no intention of becoming subjects of the U.S. If Irfaan doesn’t understand and appreciate our history and the struggles of our ancestors for independence and self-determination, then he is no longer fit to lead our nation.
If our leaders cannot accept that our people have ideas of their own, have love for our country and are motivated to do what Guyanese think is best for our country without being limited by outside powers, then those would be leaders are unfit to lead. The rights of the citizens affected by the MV Barima tragedy are important, the rights of members of the opposition are important and the rights of every Guyanese are important. There is a thin line between democracy and dictatorship when ensuring a successful visit to Guyana results in the suppression of citizens’ concerns with the unnecessary use of excessive force and the thwarting of the rule of law. Shame on those involved in what could only be viewed as the suppression of freedom.
Shame on the Ali administration for preferring to act as subjects of the King instead of upholders of the rights of all free people. They have thrown away the sacrifices of our foreparents and ancestors in preference for kowtowing to those with money, power, and influence. And they have done so even though close allies and fellow citizens suffer as a result. Take not the ways of your past oppressors for if you do you too shall be at risk of being oppressed!
With utmost disapproval,
Mr. Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
Discussion