|
Dear Editor,
The heightened interest being displayed in the activities of the Alliance For Change (AFC) is indeed refreshing. Such interest can only serve to energize and propel us further.
The AFC has recognized contributions to the daily newspapers by Bro. Dr. David Hinds, an uncharacteristically benevolent article by Stella Ramsaroop, the concerns of Dr. Alissa Trotz following the slaying of Ronald Waddell, and recently, the more expansive review by F. Skinner now being supported by Paul Ramsaroop. As an aside, I have to concede that it is beginning to appear that the Ramsaroop family's concern for the survival of the AFC is genuine. We view these interests and the sometimes stinging criticisms as actual displays of genuine concern and support for the AFC, as we are undoubtedly and expectedly being held to a higher standard than is required by all others.
I hope Stella would not be offended if I borrow from her article in the Kaieteur News of Feb. 5, 2006, when she quite aptly stated of the AFC "...the people's third force alternative lies squarely on your shoulders now." Certainly, when the AFC was launched in October, 2005 those who participated in the ceremony and were in attendance felt the weight of responsibility that had been transferred from the shoulders of those who had been battling for a breakthrough for decades, to the shoulders of those of us in the AFC, and other parties, who have taken up the cause because we believe that Guyana can only survive if administered a strong injection of a healing serum.
The AFC has never doubted for one moment the significance and magnitude of the task, and quite frankly we have found it to be a humbling and at times an intimidating experience; yet we are persevering nevertheless. Today, some months on, the AFC remains intact despite every attempt to disturb and destroy it. We have thankfully remained on friendly terms with all parties which formed the now defunct GTF platform and resolve not to allow our relations with any party to disintegrate into open hostility though the provocations will be ever present.
The principals and other leaders of the movement have been on the road since its launch, introducing ourselves to Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora, and have commenced the arduous task of raising finance to fund our activities. We have been busy engaging and attempting to recruit the best minds and abilities to support and enable us to discharge the burden of responsibility that has been placed squarely on our shoulders. One truism which we accept is that we cannot do it alone, and it was to our great disappointment when the GTF platform went "caput," as Stella described its unfortunate downfall. Despite differences in approach, the AFC intends to continue to engage all the former members of the GTF and others, in our quest to do what is best in Guyana's interest.
Admittedly, we have not been doing enough to give prominence to publicly communicate our position on issues and are taking steps to remedy this situation. However, we have made various pronouncements included in the speeches at our Launch, released information to the media, and distributed materials. Unfortunately, because many persons living abroad feed on the material placed on the online versions of the newspapers, and on second and third hand information provided from friends and relatives, they are most likely to miss the facts as they are, as was recently the case with my sister Alissa a week ago.
As patriotic and caring Guyanese we in the AFC are concerned about crime and security, the economy and job creation, and good governance as being the issues occupying the minds of our brothers and sisters. To this end, the AFC is studying and refining every useful comment and recommendation on the above and more, that has been made by all stake holders whether they be in, or out, of Guyana. We have stated the AFC's position against the call for an electoral boycott, long before others expressed their views. We have condemned violence in all its forms, and at every available opportunity so much so that on a recent visit to Buxton, the AFC was invited to help mend relations with neighbouring communities; and have now publicly called for national healing and reconciliation in a recently published advertisement (SN & KN of Sun. Feb. 12, 2006).
Representatives of the AFC have travelled literally from Corriverton to the borders of Venezuela and Brazil and have entered villages and towns not because we wanted to share footballs and trophies, but because we were invited by the people to hear from them their anguish about how they feel about the decay that has set in on the body of our motherland, and of their sanguine expressions of hope for a change.
We acknowledge that all questions raised must be answered. Our commitment to the notion of servant leadership has compelled us to adopt a bottom- up approach for inputs to influence and contribute to designing an action- plan for change and development. We must listen to the voices of those who have experienced and suffered the most from the degradation that has taken place over the decades.
We recognize the need for expert advice from those at home and just as importantly, from those abroad and this is where the Stellas, Alissas, Davids, Skinners and Pauls, will prove invaluable if they decide to put their shoulders to the wheel. With the AFC putting its best foot forward, and with their invaluable assistance, we would be able to provide all the answers to the questions and more in the most reasonable timeframe.
The AFC therefore urges all those who believe in the inevitability of change and transformation not to snipe at it, but to blow wind into its sails by offering encouragement, objective criticism and tangible support. With the right attitude, support, faith, and timing, all things are possible.
Individuals who have an interest in the AFC and its activities may contact us directly at our offices at 354 Cummings Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, Guyana; telephone (592) - 225 - 0452 or 225 - 0455, or by email at alliance4change @yahoo.com; or by visiting our website www.afcguyana.com; or securing a copy of our monthly publication The Key.
Remember, Choose Change ...It's Time!
Yours faithfully,
Raphael Trotman
Chairman
|
|
