Taking Back Our Country!

by Peter R. Ramsaroop

It seems talk of the Third Force is everywhere lately. I cannot go anywhere without being asked questions about the newly forming group. This is a very good sign because it shows that the people are still able to wrestle up enough hope and optimism from somewhere in their weary spirit to still believe in Guyana.

It also shows that Guyanese still care deeply about their country. They have not given up yet and are even willing to redefine the type of politics to which they have become accustomed with the hope that an alternative form of government can yet bring Guyana out of this arduous cycle of masochistic politics. The optimism that now fills our nation is nothing less than an indication of our dire need for change – genuine change, life-altering change.

If ever there were a people who loved their nation, this land is where they would be found. Our rich soil has undoubtedly produced the most devoted, albeit fatigued, populace that has ever walked this earth. Despite death, poverty and conniving politicians – Guyana’s spirit is still very alive and finding an outlet in so many of its citizens.

This beautiful patriotism is so stirring that it moves me beyond words. It is similar to the feeling I had when my son was first placed in my hands and I looked into his eyes and saw my own future full of faith, full of trust. This is not a feeling that can be feigned, sincerity can be read in the eyes and unmistakably the eyes of the Guyanese people are filled with expectation and hopefulness for their beloved country.

This steadfast devotion is currently moving so many to action. The fog is lifting from the minds of the Guyanese people and we are starting to see clearly what is required of us by future generations. The future demands change. And we are decisively ready to give Guyana the change it exacts from us.

Recently a marketing company undertaking research for a potential investor took a poll of about 1000 Guyanese. It is standard practice to examine the political, social and economic climate of a country before deciding whether an investment in that region would be a wise one or not. I was slipped the results of this poll and the statistics undoubtedly show just how much Guyana is ready for change.

These results were not a product of a presentation for or against any particular party, nor did the poll ask leading questions that would provoke a biased response. The questions were straightforward and the results are very interesting.

The poll showed a significant increase in support for a Third Force movement over a period of time when asked the same question, “Now if a national election was held in Guyana tomorrow, would you vote for the PPP/C, the PNC/R, a so-called Third Force, or one of the other parties”? In fact, the Third Force started out with a significant 14 percent and gradually grew to a high of 24 percent.

What makes these results even more noteworthy is the fact that the most recent part of this poll was conducted in May of this year and up until very recently the Third Force has been nothing more than prospect being considered by some hopeful patriots. Just imagine the possibilities if this movement really does get off the ground and people start to rally to the cause! The people of Guyana could finally take back our nation and build a thriving and stable society with the ability to compete on a global level in areas such as education, economics and quality of life.

It is certainly difficult not to be optimistic when considering the possibility of Guyana breaking free of the chains that hold her back from her potential. It’s is almost as if hope just starts bubbling up without notice and before you know it you are swept away in a wave of rosy anticipation.

Further, when the poll asked, “From what you have seen or heard, overall would you say you approve or disapprove of a “Third Force” in Guyana politics”? – there was a whopping 44 percent who said they would approve and 34 percent who were still unsure. This is clear indication that our population understands that we must take our nation back. Also, my gut tells me the hesitation felt by some of those polled would not be as high now as it was last May and that many would indeed now approve.

The momentum has definitely started and this thrust could very well instigate the defining movement that initiates the long awaited turnaround we have so desperately sought for decades. This is a people’s movement by a nation who seeks advancement and progress in the face of stark poverty.

My enthusiasm about the prospect of a Guyana governed with the people’s best interest as the primary focus is simply un-containable. I have a passion to see my motherland positioned to embark on a better way of life. This vision is obviously shared by many others as well. We all have a vision of a Guyana free from political intimidation, censorship, dictatorship and poverty – and this is a vision that is very close to being realised.

Perhaps it is time to call for the Third Force to start meeting with the people in their communities. It would be a sign of support for the movement and a celebration of the bright future that is knocking on Guyana’s door. This would be a demonstration of our determination to move forward after decades in the wilderness – after decades of stagnation, political fighting and racial tensions.

There can be no compromise for failure, no compromise for incompetence and no compromise for a government that does not serve the people – but instead rules the people. We are ready for a government that will drill for oil in the Essiquibo and takes care of the police and armed forces by paying them well. We have set our sights on what a new Guyana can mean for our children.

It is time for the removal of the stagnate and impotent government of our failed past. We will no long allow any Guyanese to feel marginalised or inferior. We are all brothers and sisters of Guyana regardless of race or religion.

With the mighty thunder of our voices, the resolve of our determination, the strength of our will as Guyanese, the support of our families overseas and the fervour of our young generation, we will take back our country and we will overcome. We must and we will. Guyana, our precious Guyana, awaits our triumph.