By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
Eusi Kwayana Urges Youths to Embrace Their Role in Shaping Guyana’s Future
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – Veteran politician and national icon Eusi Kwayana says that despite challenges in the current political climate, he remains confident that the youths of Guyana have the power to make a profound difference in the nation’s future.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with Nightly News, the centenarian emphasized that democracy depends on active citizen participation and warned against complacency.
“It doesn’t depend on other people; it depends on us,” Kwayana declared. “Whoever is a citizen must be prepared to work, to throw in your lot, to think, to give your voice — or don’t complain when the gate is closed.”
Kwayana, once known as Sydney King, reaffirmed his long-standing belief that the “voice of the people is the voice of God,” stressing that silence in the face of injustice only allows suffering to persist.
“If you suppress your voice, you’re doing a big thing — it’s the general will of the community, and everyone will suffer,” he cautioned.
He encouraged the youths of Guyana to see themselves as custodians of justice and accountability, taking ownership of their country’s future through active civic engagement.
Even at over 100 years old, Kwayana made it clear that age will not deter him from contributing to national discussions, particularly issues affecting Afro-Guyanese and civil society.
“I will go to the High Court with complaints against abuse of power. I will do it,” Kwayana stated firmly, stressing that he is well aware of the legal frameworks that must be respected.
A towering figure in Guyana’s history, Eusi Kwayana has dedicated decades to political activism. He co-founded the African Society for Cultural Relations with Independent Africa in 1964, was a founding member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), and later joined the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) alongside other revolutionary leaders such as Walter Rodney.
Kwayana’s message to Guyanese youth and the nation at large remains clear: speak up, stay engaged, and safeguard democracy.
