Guyana’s government has defended the “One Guyana” slogan on newly issued passports, claiming it promotes national unity. Attorney General Anil Nandlall responded to criticism from opposition legislator Amanza Walton Desir, who deemed the slogan as political propaganda. Desir insisted that passports should remain neutral. The debate reflects ongoing political tensions regarding national identity in Guyana.
The government of Guyana has robustly defended the inclusion of the slogan “One Guyana” on new 10-year passports, rejecting allegations that it serves as political propaganda. Attorney General Anil Nandlall asserted that the slogan promotes national unity and encapsulates the nation’s objective of uniting diverse cultures and races under one identity.
Nandlall responded to opposition legislator Amanza Walton Desir, who criticized the slogan as an effort by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to intertwine party affiliation with state identity. Desir argued that a passport represents all Guyanese citizens and should remain a nonpartisan document, free from government biases.
In her letter to the media, Desir stated, “A passport is not a party manifesto; it is a sovereign document of our nation. It belongs to ‘we the people’ and is issued in our name by the state.” She also expressed concerns that the move could undermine democratic institutions and manipulate national identity, viewing it as a sign of authoritarianism.
Contrarily, Nandlall emphasized that the slogan “One Guyana” has historical significance in various national initiatives, including its appearance on the GUY$2,000 banknote. He maintained that the government has the right to adopt a slogan reflecting its ethos of promoting national unity.
The Attorney General argued that the slogan is not affiliated with the ruling party’s political agenda but represents the government’s policy values. He emphasized that it has never been utilized as a political tool, thereby countering allegations of political association.
Despite the government’s firm defense, the discussion surrounding the slogan’s presence in official documents underscores persistent tensions between the ruling party and opposition factions regarding governance and national identity in Guyana.
The controversy surrounding the “One Guyana” slogan on new passports showcases the complexities of national identity and political affiliations in Guyana. While the government defends the slogan as a symbol of unity, the opposition views it as an inappropriate blend of party politics with state matters. This conflict reflects deeper issues of governance and representation within the political landscape of the country.
Original Source: www.caribbeannationalweekly.com
