SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 that will go down in history forever. Americans got up, went about doing what they normally do everyday - the kids were the dropped off to school, teens got on the subways to go to their universities or to hang out in the beautiful Manhattan shopping and financial districts, parents went to their jobs, not knowing what horrible crime was in store for them, not knowing that someone had planed their fate, someone with a sick and demented mind and who personally detested America had planed to take their lives away from them.

Then it happened. One plane struck the northern building of the World Trade Center (WTC) and then another struck the southern building of the WTC. We all thought it was over, then reports came in that the Pentagon (America's military headquarters) was hit. Americans and the rest of the world woke up with news that the WTC (America's pride and joy) had fallen to the ground and that thousands of lives had been lost under all the concrete, glass and steel support of the WTC.

I was watching the Today show on NBC like I always do since I was back on vacation from university. I was horrified at what I saw - the explosion, the running of people from the buildings and the tears and blood of all those who had suffered in this senseless, sick act.

As I looked on and tried to understand what had happened, I too started to cry because it was not long ago when my family and I were in that particular building. And what a building it was. I don't think any Guyanese or anyone in the world can comprehend the beauty and splendour of what was truly an example of America's economic power unless they saw it firsthand.

What was even more sad was the death of all those heroes in the Police and Fire departments in trying to save lives. Their families will always be in my prayers (they are heroes in my book, God bless you all). I am very glad that Mayor, Giuliani and Gov. Pataki are heading this operation. I don't think that there is a better team than these two gentlemen in a disaster of this magnitude. May God bless both of them.

I don't know what action President George W. Bush will take, but I have full confidence in him, his administration and America's armed forces. I think America should ask the countries of the world which side of the fence they're on. No longer can countries say they are allies of America and the free world and on the other side, they support terrorist activities.

This act on American soil is worse than that of Pearl Harbor and I think if a country is found anyway involved, the reaction should be just short of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. America's response has to be hard and bloody, to send a clear message to the world that these activities will not be tolerated.

In March, 1775, just before the outbreak of hostilities in Massachusetts, Patrick Henry delivered a speech urging Virginia to prepare for war (American Independence). He closed with this word, "is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"

Make no mistake these people are less than animals and should be treated accordingly. This is an act of war and America has never run away from a fight yet. The people responsible must and will be brought to justice, dead or alive.

I have full confidence that America will get over this. I have never seen a more resilient and unified people than Americans in a crisis like this; they will bury their dead loved ones and go about their lives again.

The business community has to realise that the people and government have always been at their sides and they are the ones who have to build back, and I am sure that within a few years there will be a bigger and better building in the space that was once the World Trade Center (twin towers). To the American people, you have my deepest sorrow for your losses. I cannot begin to express how hurt I am because of what has happened.

Those buildings, like the Statue of Liberty, represented many of my dreams. I am sure that all Guyanese living in America feel the same way. To the rescue workers and all the volunteers who are doing such a fine job, God bless you all.

LAWRENCE K.I SAHEED
COLLEGE OF LIFE SCIENCES
ANDREWS UNIVERSITY