Freedom and democracy are cherished sacred values

Dear Editor,
To say that we are pleased to witness the triumph of democracy in the Guyana 2020 elections is an obvious understatement. It is more than a relief to have the results of the elections declared, which the people of Guyana, as well as the rest of the world, have waited for.
It was an agonising wait, but it has been worth it. Freedom and democracy are cherished sacred values in this country and others. It has come with a price and many have given a lot, with one young man, Seedat Hansraj of Cotton Tree, paying with his life.
Where does one start and finish to thank for preserving democracy? Thousands have worked diligently in and out of Guyana. However, we agree with Freddie Kissoon, who has repeatedly stated in his KN columns that Caribbean notables Bruce Golding and Owen Arthur, American Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch; Canadian High Commission Lilian Chatterjee; British High Commissioner Greg Quinn and EU Ambassador Fernando Ponz-Cantó played a unique role. I concur with Kissoon, who emphasised: “For the umpteen time, the Government of President Ali must make a bust of these people to be displayed in one of the most prominent parts of this country.” He also rightly observed, “If it weren’t for these democratic souls, then on March 14, David Granger would have been sworn in as President and from thereon, this country would never have seen another free and fair national election. For generation(s) to come, the people of this country would have known only one party controlling the Government.”
We also acknowledge the roles of media persons in and out of the country for constantly bringing the dilemma to the fore and eventually bringing the Government to its knees to accept the legitimate recount of the votes. There are far too many persons to acknowledge in this fight for freedom. However, it is vital to recognise the Guardians of Democracy who kept vigilance of the ballot boxes for months – day and night, in the sun, rain, and darkness – risking their health and shielding those votes with their lives. Guardians, we salute you wholeheartedly!
Thanks to all who have contributed in small and big ways to bring a just end to respecting the mandate of the people of the country. God bless you, and God bless Guyana.

Yours truly,
Dr Devanand Bhagwan