The Guyana government has defended the use of the “One Guyana” slogan on new passports, asserting it is a unifying concept. Attorney General Anil Nandlall emphasized its role in promoting national cohesion, countering claims from opposition legislator Amanza Walton Desir, who argues it improperly politicizes a state document. The ongoing debate reflects broader tensions in Guyana regarding governance and national identity.
The government of Guyana has firmly defended the use of the slogan “One Guyana” on the nation’s newly issued 10-year passports, rejecting assertions that it serves as a political catchphrase. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, clarified that the slogan signifies a unifying concept aimed at promoting national cohesion rather than advancing any partisan agenda.
Nandlall characterized the slogan as a representation of the national goal—”one people, one nation, one common destiny”. He described it as a call for the various cultures and ethnicities in Guyana to unite. This statement was prompted by criticism from opposition legislator Amanza Walton Desir, who claimed the slogan embodies an attempt by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to mix political ideology with state matters.
In a public letter, Desir claimed the government is using national documents to disseminate political propaganda, stating that a passport should embody neutrality and represent all Guyanese citizens, not a singular political faction. She denounced the utilization of state resources for such branding and warned that it signals a decline in democratic principles.
In response, Nandlall highlighted the prevalent usage of the “One Guyana” slogan in numerous national initiatives, including its presence on Guyana’s GUY$2,000 banknote. He asserted that the government has the prerogative to adopt a slogan reflecting its ethos of promoting national unity, emphasizing that the slogan is not equated with a political slogan of the PPP.
Despite the government’s justification, the debate surrounding the slogan on official documents underscores the ongoing friction between the ruling party and the opposition, centering on issues of governance and national identity within Guyana.
In summary, the Guyanese government stands firm in its defense of the “One Guyana” slogan on new passports, emphasizing its role as a unifying symbol rather than a political tool. The discussion illuminates deeper tensions between political factions in Guyana regarding the interplay of national identity and governance.
Original Source: www.caribbeannationalweekly.com
