A victory for all Guyana
Editorial
GEORGETOWN Mayor Hamilton Green raises some valid points in his letter [ please note: link provided by LOSP web site ] today on the recent victory of Andrew `Six Heads' Lewis. Sadly, some people are trying to make this a divisive issue.
Mr Lewis made the point in telling fashion after he did what no other Guyanese had done before - win a world boxing title.
This was a victory "for my country Guyana", he proclaimed to the world and he and his corner proudly carried the Guyana flag for all to see.
He was also elated at the news that the President had declared a national holiday in his honour to commemorate the victory.
"Let them name (the holiday) Andrew `Six Heads' Lewis Day!" he exclaimed after we had communicated the news to him.
In a media statement just hours after watching the fight with Mr Lewis' townsfolk in Albouystown, Georgetown, President Bharrat Jagdeo declared:
"He has done our country proud; his victory is a victory for all Guyanese."
Youth, Sports and Culture Minister, Ms Gail Teixeira, took time off from her busy schedule to plan for the annual republic and Mashramani celebrations, and her demanding tasks in the current campaign for the March 19 elections for her People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), to be in Las Vegas for the title fight.
Also there was the President's Aide-de-Camp Major Francis Abraham and Mr Lewis warmly embraced Minister Teixeira, among others, in the ring in his victory celebrations.
Why then are some people so determined to sour the taste of victory by seeking to make this joyous occasion a divisive event?
Why shouldn't the Sports Minister have gone to Las Vegas to help rally support for the Guyanese on his way to international glory?
Shouldn't the President have been in Albouystown for the fight?
Manager of Mr Lewis, Mr Nelson Fernandez, probably best summed it all up last week:
"We want to embrace all Guyanese and share with all Guyana this victory...this victory belongs to every Guyanese."
"This is Guyana's belt", Mr Fernandez said, referring to the championship belt Mr Lewis was awarded after his victory.
It is still uncertain whether the new world champion would be able to come home soon for the victory celebrations and that all depends on the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
His manager said it is all still "very much touch and go" for the planned return home.
Last Friday, the anniversary of the Republic, Mr Lewis was special guest at a party hosted in Brooklyn, New York by the Guyanese-American Association.
Some 400 people were inside the Spring Garden venue and about 900 were outside, Mr Fernandez reported.
"It was unbelievable...truly awesome", he said of the party for the world champion.
Imagine the welcome awaiting him whenever he returns home.
In the meantime, there should be an end to these attempts to stir up bitterness over an event of national joy.
 Follow the goings-on in Guyana  If you do not see the 'Guyana: Land of Six Peoples' drop-down menu on the left then please click here to enter through the front door which will give you additional options and information.
|