Guyana deserves substance more than slogans

Dear Editor,
Please allow me a few lines to express what many Guyanese are silently thinking. A party’s manifesto is not a national budget. It does not require complex macroeconomic modelling, financial estimates, or weeks of parliamentary review. It is simply a declaration of intent—a clear set of promises about what a political party plans to do if elected. It’s not complicated.
To date, I’ve reviewed excerpts from the PPP/C’s manifesto. I’ve also witnessed the President, Prime Minister, and Vice President repeatedly outline significant aspects of their plans for the country across community meetings, public rallies, national addresses, and weekly press conferences. The AFC and APNU have also, in various forums, hinted at or shared elements of their ideas for the country.
But from the WIN party? Nothing. There has been no plan, no coherent message, no framework for governance—just vague rhetoric and political jabs. Suppose the leaders of WIN are unable or unwilling to sit down with their team, brainstorm meaningful policy proposals, and present even a skeletal outline to the public. How do they expect the Guyanese people to take them seriously?
Repeatedly telling the nation, “Very soon. Very shortly,” is not a strategy—it’s an insult. It suggests that the leadership is either unprepared or uninterested in actual governance. Worse, it appears that this presidential bid is less about national transformation and development and more about a personal vendetta with the PPP/C. In the process, the electorate—the ordinary Guyanese men and women—are being used as pawns in someone’s revenge fantasy.
Leadership is not about charming smiles or vague soundbites. It’s about clarity, commitment, and courage. Any serious presidential candidate would understand that. And any party serious about leading this country must begin by articulating a vision the people can debate, scrutinise, and believe in.
Guyana deserves more than slogans. Guyana deserves substance.

Yours sincerely,
Shazad Sookram,
MBA (Healthcare),
BSc (Sociology)