We must always remember

Dear Editor,
The Terror and the Time, which was written by the late great Dr. Roopnarine, should be included as compulsory material in the history syllabus in all our schools. It is a great account that showcases the history and the impact our founders have had on our country.
It is also a clear reminder of what we as a nation have gone through to gain our independence and freedom. The struggles of our people, which are clearly portrayed in this film, should always be remembered and serve as a guide to those in government.
As a nation that overcame oppression and colonialism, we must remember that there is no place for leaders who embrace the ways of our past oppressors. There is no place for those who exploit the have-nots to enrich those few who already have more than their share. As a people, we have come too far to continue to struggle unnecessarily in a land of plenty. We have sacrificed too much to have those seeking the approval of our previous oppressors continue to rob the poor and give away our patrimony and resources.
We saw it during the time of dictatorship and betrayal, and we see it now during this period of plenty. The resources of our homeland are for the benefit of all Guyanese. We must not put our fellow countrymen and countrywomen in debt so they can provide for their families. We must not restrict access to opportunities, and, most importantly, we must not allow strangers to come into our land and exploit us.
For years, our citizens have spoken up concerning the exploitation occurring in the extractive sector. Our gold primarily benefits those from abroad, and so do our oil and bauxite. In this land of plenty, every Guyanese should be able to wear gold in safety and dignity. Every Guyanese should be able to easily afford gasoline and the safe byproducts of the oil and gas sector.
Every Guyanese should be able to see the bauxite of our nation converted into value-added products that are used in the construction of their homes and the construction of our roads. We do not need more of the have-and-have-not mentality that has plagued our land with exploitation since the time of Christopher Columbus.
Humility and contentment must take root, and greed must be uprooted. Those who prefer greed and a quick buck must be rejected at the polls, while those who seek justice and equality must be embraced. This will help each of us securely build a dignified, successful, and lasting future for our families, without others being sidelined and unable to do the same. Success is not only for the few to access but a right that should be available to all.
My fellow Guyanese, we are on a path that has come to a crossroad. One leads to an ever-increasing gap between the few who have and the masses who do not. The other leads to shared prosperity, where each man, woman, and child has equal access to the opportunity to safely prosper.
A path where our nation’s resources and strength are used to build our nation first and foremost. Where the ways of the oppressors are rejected and neglected, while the ways of cooperation and camaraderie are embraced to build mutual success. We must, as a people, decide which path we will take.
Understanding and remembering our past and the struggles that have brought us this far will help every Guyanese make the best choice for his or her future. For this, our nation should always be grateful to Dr. Roopnarine and his team, who were able to capture the spirit of our fight for independence and freedom in the film The Terror and the Time. May he rest in peace.

Sincerely,
Jamil Changlee