Hope is Brimming in Guyana – New Force a People’s Movement

I can see the PPP cronies shaking in their boots even as I write this column. No one can possibly deny the strength of this “Third Force” or “People’s Movement” as I call it, that has been brewing for the last few months – or the fact that so many are taking it seriously a viable means by which to fix our nation’s broken political system.

The irrefutable undercurrent of this group is sweeping the country so quickly that, despite the current administration’s attempt to pretend it doesn’t really exist, it seems Guyana may not be shackled by the “existing political evils” choice for very much longer.

The “Third Force/People’s Movement,” which must be made up of many players including political, civil and people who are looking for change - the key to the success of this movement - will make significant inroads in proving itself to be a group for the people. It is not simply an opposing force to the current administration and their failing policies, it is an opposition to status quo mentality that has crippled our country economically.

However, what must be the most disturbing aspect about this group for the two political mainstays of Guyana has got to be its racial make-up and refusal to pit one race against the other to attain (or maintain) political power.

It is not often that a small country like Guyana is afforded such a life-altering opportunity like this one. In fact, it couldn’t have come at a better time since there are already signs of the old and deadly form of election time fury sprouting up. Another very suspicious crime wave is once again instilling fear in people’s eyes and a desire for retribution in their hearts.

Oh that the nation could see how obvious this type if activity is and require the resignation of both political parties so we can start over from scratch. Surely there is not one Guyanese who is naïve enough to believe their party has clean hands. No, there is blood dripping from hands of both parties…Guyanese blood…spilt in a selfish quest for power.

If this blood was sacrificed for a bright future of unity, peace and prosperity, then perhaps one could some how justify such a loss of precious life. But each administration produces nothing but more poverty, more racial separatism and a future of little hope for our children.

Indeed, we cannot say that we are “One People” or “One Nation.” We have been torn asunder by hands stained with blood – the same hands that steer our nation! When we stand by those who are guilty, the blood is then transferred to us and we become just as guilty as the tongue that ordered the death. We cannot let it be said that we are One People of death or One Nation of blood.

We will all, most certainly, share the same destiny – but what will that destiny be? More death and blood? More poverty and hopelessness? This is the choice we must make. Unless we choose to stamp out the fire of hatred instilled in us by these dogs of death, we cannot expect to rise to a destiny of greatness.

And so here we are, presented with the opportunity to chisel a new future and a bright destiny. We finally have an out. We finally have a choice. This “Force” is our chance to take back our country and to mould a destiny of our own choosing.

Not since 1992 have we seen a concerted effort of this magnitude. Though it is still in its infancy, this Force has garnered enough support to build a noteworthy momentum. It seems the people of Guyana finally understand that it is necessary to fix the car prior to selecting a new driver – and they are ready to align themselves with a group who has the type of potential they desire.

It is high time we were given the occasion to choose a group of leaders who have proven themselves in the areas of business, community and leadership. The days of voting by race, which is nothing more than closing our eyes and pointing with the hope of picking the best eclectic oddball from a group of clueless oddities, are over.

The “Force” is bringing together the best minds of the country to work together for the good of all Guyanese. The racial barriers and preconceived notions that create factions instead of unity are for those who wish to remain in the past.

Guyana wants to move forward and it is obvious that the PPP and the PNC do not have the same objective. So the people are gladly tossing aside their misplaced alliances with stagnate politicians to embrace a new wave of political fervour spawned by righteous indignation.

More and more Guyanese are turning their faces away in disgust from the putrid politics of the present and past. Our votes cannot be bought anymore. Our hearts can no longer be provoked by words tainted with racial hatred. We refuse to lift a hand against our neighbour. Our minds will not be swayed! Listen closely, you merchants of hate – we want our country back!

This rousing transformation is changing the way we view each other and our country in general. When we take up the struggle to regain control, we also shed our tattered justifications of victimisation and embraced a new approach to life. The New Force is exactly what we needed to infuse just enough courage in us to want to hope again…to believe there is still a promising future for our beautiful nation.

Our destiny is shared, but now it is bright. Our future is dazzling because it does not have to include the current political rulers. The PPP has 15 years to prove themselves as leaders, and preaching they really need 28 years to continue to do so, because the PNC had the same. Instead they have proven that they are crooked and impotent. Now is the time to bellow it from the highest mountains of Guyana - Our future belongs to us!

This is a new day for Guyana. The sun has set on our dismal past and a brand new beautiful day dawns on our land. The sun is shining brightly and smiling down on us with pride because it knows one day very soon, one glorious and magnificent day, we will finally say Guyana is a land with “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”!

Guyana, from the crashing waters of Kaieteur Falls to the tip of the steeple atop St. George’s Cathedral, awaits to celebrate this glorious day!