Breaking the chains of tribalism: a call for independent thought in Guyana

Dear Editor,
In a world rapidly evolving with new ideas, opportunities and interconnectedness, the insistence on forcing individuals to conform to outdated tribal loyalties is not only archaic, but is a direct affront to our constitutional rights and personal freedoms.
In Guyana, this regressive mindset has recently reared its ugly head again, as individuals are vilified for daring to think and act independently. One of the most troubling aspects of this is the targeting of Black Guyanese by other Black Guyanese for choosing to support policies, leaders, or movements outside of traditional ethnic lines.
A recent example is the attack on James Bond, a former Opposition supporter, who faced severe backlash for exercising his democratic right to support leaders he believes serve the greater good. This kind of hostility highlights the need for urgent introspection and a departure from tribalistic, divisive politics.
Our Constitution, the supreme law of Guyana, guarantees us the right to associate with whomever we choose, whether politically, socially or religiously. This right is a cornerstone of democracy and personal liberty. To impose ethnic or tribal loyalty on anyone violates not just this constitutional freedom, but the very essence of what it means to be human, free will, and the ability to choose based on reason and conscience.
For too long, many have clung to the dictates of dead ancestors, perpetuating cycles of division and mistrust. But the world has changed; it is no longer a place where loyalty to a group overrides the pursuit of individual growth, critical thinking, and the desire to support policies and leaders who prioritize development, unity, and progress over division and stagnation.
We live in a globalized era wherein access to information has empowered individuals to think critically, question traditional norms, and make informed decisions. Blind loyalty to ethnic lines serves no one, especially in a diverse nation like Guyana, where the potential for unity far outweighs the benefits of division.
Supporting a political party or leader is not a betrayal of one’s race; it is a choice made based on principles, vision, and the belief that these leaders would uplift the nation as a whole. To reduce political choices to mere ethnic loyalty is to deny the complexity and diversity of our identities as Guyanese.
There is no need to remain part of a collective that does not serve your interests or reflect your values. Being part of a community should not come at the expense of individuality and reason. Supporting policies or leaders that align with your vision for the country is not a betrayal; it is an act of patriotism and courage.
Those who attack their own brothers and sisters for stepping outside tribal lines should ask themselves: What progress has been made by remaining trapped in this cycle? Have your lives improved? Has your community thrived? The answer often lies in breaking free from these collective shackles and embracing a mindset that prioritizes progress over partisanship.
This is a call for all Guyanese, especially the younger generation, to embrace critical thinking and independent thought. Question the narratives that tell you your loyalty must lie with a particular group or party because of your ethnicity. Demand leaders who prioritize policies that improve your lives, not just their political careers.
Let us reject the notion that we must follow the dictates of our ancestors, especially when those dictates no longer serve us in a modern world. Respecting our heritage does not mean being imprisoned by it.
Progress requires evolution, and evolution requires bold, independent thinking.
Guyana’s strength lies in its diversity, not in its divisions. By stepping away from tribal politics and embracing a more inclusive and progressive approach, we can build a nation wherein every citizen, regardless of race or political affiliation, feels valued and empowered.
It is time to break free from the chains of ethnic and tribal politics. It is time to think critically, act independently, and choose leaders based on their vision for a united, prosperous Guyana. The future belongs to those who dare to rise above the past and forge a new path for themselves and their nation. Let us be those people.
Regards,
Marcia Hope, MIB, MA