Dear Editor,

President Bharrat Jagdeo has offered his condolences to the people of America at the time of their greatest tragedy. But President George Bush is asking for more than condolences. He is asking for friends and beneficiaries of America to stand beside her and be counted. He is asking the international community to join forces with America in a sustained war against the scourge of terrorism. And already, most of the world have pledged their support under an international coalition of nations that include Russia, China, Saudi Arabia and even Pakistan. The American President's message is clear - when the dust clears and the war is won, America will remember and reward its friends and allies and all those who stood by its side in the hour of greatest need.

President Bharrat Jagdeo and Mr Desmond Hoyte should seize the opportunity and pledge the full support of Guyana - a support that should include but not be limited to the use of the airport as a transfer base, the use of the hinterland as a training base, and a contingent from the Guyana Defence Force. True, it is most likely they may not need it but the important thing here is the offer and willingness of the Guyanese people to stand by America's side and do battle if necessary.

America's future relationship with the rest of the world will be redefined, and Guy-ana, whose survival depends on international grants, loans and debt write-offs from American backed institutions, will either prosper or perish, based on the decision of its leadership, now.

Yours faithfully,

Shawn Mangru