`As a nation we must search our conscience'
by Brother Haseeb Yusuf,Head of the Guyana Islamic Trust
IN A matter of days Guyanese will go to the polls, to elect a government of their choice, a government which they hope will fulfill the dreams and aspirations not only of themselves but that of their children and succeeding generations. At least, so it is hoped.
In societies like ours which are so highly politicised, everything revolves around the political machinery which possesses the dangerous capability of grinding the engines of society to a complete halt and possibly to a destructive end. Absolute trust and confidence which should be reserved only for the all wise, all powerful God are reposed in petty humans who have no inhibitions in promising their hapless victims rivers of honey and milk and gardens beneath which rivers flow.
There is however no time and certainly no gain in lamenting the romantic promises and glib-tongue rhetoric that so characterise campaigning in "so-called democracies."
We have more important business than that. We must as nation search our conscience and unearth what is not apparent but what is at the very core of Guyanese politics: that is the real politics - as it is so beautified of "race".
It is at these very times that the ghost of race, clothed in the ghastly robes of "Apanjhat" springs to haunt us.
This political chaos; this Machiavellian philosophy - if it deserves that at all; this democracy of "hate" and exclusion from the time of our Independence from white colonial rule and through our Republic - and window dressing have created havoc in our beautifully woven tapestry of colours by God's own handiwork.
At the behest of a new century a new political culture must necessarily be born. One that is pure of racism. One which recognises the oneness of the human family. One which seeks to embrace issues and concerns of all Guyanese.
A political culture which is born from the innocence of our children unconscious of the pigmentation of their skins and the texture of their hair.
It is only such socio-political philosophy that can restore the sanity of our society, implant the smile upon our faces and lead us to once again have hope and faith in Guyana.
It is for this very reason that the theme for this year's Islamic Awareness Week is both fitting and timely; `Mankind One Brotherhood, One Community: A vision for one Guyana'.
May God bless us all.
 Follow the goings-on in Guyana  If you do not see the 'Guyana: Land of Six Peoples' drop-down menu on the left then please click here to enter through the front door which will give you additional options and information.
|