“Politics should only be about a battle of ideas” – GT councillor urges leaders, citizens to unite for Guyana’s advancement

Georgetown City Councillor Steven Jacobs has made an appeal for unity, calling on citizens to reject divisive politics and embrace a new era of development driven by ideas, policies, and shared national vision.
Speaking during this week’s episode of the Starting Point podcast, Jacobs urged young people in particular to use their voice and their vote in the upcoming September 1 General And Regional Elections to transform Guyana’s political culture.

“I keep my dream of a day that we can wake up and every single one of us come together for the betterment of this country.” Jacobs said. “We have a unique opportunity as young people. And I say young people because of the voting demographics, you know, heading into elections on September 1st, to break the shackles of racism. You see it extensively through the One Guyana Initiative, which tries to bring every single Guyanese together under one banner, His Excellency, Dr President Irfaan Ali. September 1st is an opportunity to vote for policies, track records, a list of the necessary skill sets and so forth to govern this country. And I mention that because I want young people to understand because we can make that change. And move away from that… move away from race-based inequality.”
Jacobs, who entered politics as part of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) after years of involvement in sport and community activism, emphasised that Guyana’s future rests heavily on its youth. With the voting demographics shifting towards younger citizens, he believes they have the power to break what he described as the “shackles of racism” and build a society where leadership is chosen on merit, policies, and vision.
He pointed to the “One Guyana” initiative championed by President Irfaan Ali, noting that it represents a genuine attempt to bring citizens together under a common national banner.
“This is a democratic nation. We should be able to choose or be aligned with any political party that we consider holds our same ideology, what we want to see for Guyana. We should be able to do that. I can tell you something, Akeem, the moment I decided to join politics and join the People’s Progressive Party as a councillor in Georgetown, I felt loved and embraced,” Jacobs recalled.

Personal experiences
Reflecting on his personal experiences with political division, Jacobs revealed that since joining the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, he has worked to bring a fresh, people-centred approach to governance. He acknowledged that the council has long been seen as a “cultured institution” burdened by inefficiency, stalling of projects, and constant arguments. But he believes real change begins with leadership, management, and the willingness to be hands-on.
He said better management and willpower, rather than constant complaints about limited funding, are critical to improving basic services such as garbage collection and drainage – services residents rightfully expect in return for their taxes.
“Often you would hear the argument of no funds. Often you will hear the argument of the Government’s tight limits. But for me, it’s management and will, from what I’ve seen. It’s management and will from the persons at the helm… I keep my dream of a day that we can wake up and every single one of us come together for the betterment of this country. Politics should only be about a battle of ideas. A battle of ideas. Because it should never be about personalities. It should never be about vile. And this is not just here in Guyana; you see it right across the entire world,” Jacobs explained.
Jacobs credited the “contagious energy” of the PPP Government, particularly President Ali and his cabinet, for inspiring a culture of hard work and results-orientated governance. He contrasted this with what he described as poor leadership at the municipal level, arguing that citizens deserve better.
Looking ahead to the upcoming elections, Jacobs was unequivocal in his support for the PPP. He urged voters to consider the Government’s achievements – from scholarships and training opportunities to tangible infrastructural developments – when casting their ballots. “This is a party that has served Guyana for over 75 years. It has the track record, the vision, and a president who is passionate and connected to the people,” he asserted.