Guyana’s Government Emphasizes Unity in “One Guyana” Passport Slogan

Guyana’s government defends the “One Guyana” slogan on new passports as a unifying principle, countering opposition claims of it being a political tool. Attorney General Anil Nandlall articulated the government’s vision of national unity, while opposition legislator Amanza Walton Desir argues that it politicizes a sovereign document. The debate reflects broader tensions regarding governance and national identity in the country.

The Guyana government firmly supports the inclusion of the slogan “One Guyana” on newly issued 10-year passports, refuting accusations that it serves as a political catchphrase. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall clarified that the slogan represents a national unifying concept, encapsulating the principle of unity among the diverse cultures and races of the nation.

In response to opposition legislator Amanza Walton Desir, who criticized the slogan’s presence on passports, Nandlall stated that it is a rallying cry for national coherence, asserting that the slogan embodies the objective of uniting the populace—”one people, one nation, one common destiny.”

Desir, however, alleged that the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) attempts to intertwine party and state through a national document that should remain neutral. She stated, “A passport is not a party manifesto; it is a sovereign document of our nation,” advocating for its detachment from any political undertones.

Furthermore, Desir expressed concerns over a potential manipulation of national identity and the erosion of democratic institutions, suggesting that using government resources for political branding indicates a decline in democratic principles.

Nandlall dismissed these allegations, noting the common use of the “One Guyana” slogan in national initiatives and on banknotes, reiterating the government’s prerogative to choose a slogan reflecting its ethos of unity. He emphasized that the slogan was not created for partisan purposes but represents government values.

The inclusion of the “One Guyana” slogan on passports has sparked significant debate in Guyana, highlighting tensions between the government and the opposition. While the government defends the slogan as a symbol of national unity, the opposition views it as an inappropriate political element within a governmental document. This ongoing discourse underscores the complex relationship between governance, national identity, and democratic integrity in Guyana.

Original Source: www.caribbeannationalweekly.com