Change and development: Vote for issues, not race

Dear Editor,
As a young and responsible citizen, I would like to urge every Guyanese who is empowered to vote in the June 12, 2023 elections to cast their ballots taking into account ‘issues’, as opposed to ‘race’.
For too long, Guyanese have given in to the temptation and lure of voting according to which party ‘looks like you’, and would presumably advance ‘your interests’. We, as Guyanese, fail to take into consideration the ‘issues’ that are affecting our areas, communities, and our local democratic organs.
We sometimes forget that these large parties and their candidates have not done what they said they would do for us, and we give them a free pass, or entertain the garbage they spew when they come to us for our votes.
We fall in love with them again, not learning from our mistakes and holding them accountable or transparent for the state of roads; drainage and irrigation; community, social, and health services; and other plans that they are supposed to see to fruition. We live in the same flooded communities and traverse the same deplorable roads. Our community centres are falling apart, and buildings like health posts and recreational centres are in a state of disrepair.
I have seen them use us, discard us, and throw the promises they made to us in the bin. Once they get to hold office as a municipal councillor, town councillor or local government councillor, they then do the same old thing that they are known for – politics, grandstanding, and holding back progress.
Yet we still vote for the same party that has failed our communities, because it is safe and easy to vote ‘race’.
I want to plead with you to break the generational curse or trend that has seen us voting for race in our community or area. It has not done a thing for us since independence. For example, Georgetown, Linden, New Amsterdam, Bartica and Mahdia are still facing the same issues, and are still underdeveloped when one looks at the full potential of those areas to transform Guyana since 1966.
You can blindly blame the ruling PPP/C, but the APNU+AFC came to power in 2015 to August 2020 and did absolutely nothing of consequence in Georgetown, Linden and New Amsterdam, to name a few towns. At least those towns that are managed properly by the PPP/C have seen rapid development and positive change, albeit they face minor setbacks in certain areas.
Communities along the East Coast and East Bank Demerara, and much of the country that put their trust in the PPP/C have all been transformed at the local level, compared with the ones that are aligned to the PNC/APNU+AFC, who have been fighting against the tide of development and change that is taking place in Guyana. They were voting race in the past, but this year I want to urge all citizens to look at the party’s track record and promises before making an informed decision that could result in change, progress and development, or the same status quo continuing well into the next election.
In order to feel the importance of the power of a ballot, one has to think with the heart, mind and consciousness, leaving the eyes and other physical inclinations behind. You cannot be bought or influenced to change your loyalty for one party unless you consider the truth, facts, and state of your community. And the fact is Guyana is developing and changing drastically for the better because it has a very workable, realistic and grassroots plan. It also has a political party that is concerned about its people, and wants to be given a chance at managing at the community level for the first time. Break the cycle and create change for your community, roads and enhancement!
I think the General Secretary and President of Guyana have realized this very point, and have been making inroads and gains in the communities across the country which are seen as Afro-Guyanese or APNU/PNC. They want development to reach every Guyanese community, regardless of the geopolitics or race, that serves as a barrier in seeing the dream of realizing ‘One Guyana’.
For young people, the ball is in your court as well. I dare say these are the group of people that can impact the future of their communities and areas: by just not paying attention to the tales and political philosophies of their parents, and looking in depth at the policies and issues of change and development that are before them now. They have to break the cycle and vote according to who can do it, and who has the 21st century mindset that can transform their lives and communities. I doubt that those are the APNU/PNC politicians at the local level, and am more inclined to believe that it is the youths and adults that the PPP/C have on their slate this time around.
Just look at the campaigns and you will see. The PPP/C is talking about progress and development, while the APNU is regressive in terms of policy issues.
Finally, if one puts makeup and cosmetics on a pig, it is still a pig. If one dresses a sloth as a roadrunner or cheetah, it will still move slowly, and not quickly. The lesson is to take risks and choose change, progress and development, and break the cycle of race voting in your community, and by extension Guyana.
On Monday, June 12, 2023, vote for progress, change and continued development. Vote for safer communities, safer homes and community enhancements. Vote wisely. Nobody owns you or your vote in these elections. You are not property or machinery that is programmed to vote a certain way. You are a thinker, and must be responsible in the decision-making process. Vote PPP/C, if it pleases you.

Yours truly,
Michael Younge