U.S based Guyanese poet and author launches book for Republic Day

In recognition of Guyana’s 51^st Republic celebration, renowned U.S based Guyanese Author and Poet, Leon Labastide, officially launched his fifth book-‘We are One’, last Saturday. The ceremonial launch, which was held in Linden, saw several regional officials attending and giving congratulatory remarks to the author for once again producing content that speaks of Guyana’s culture, politics, history, heritage and tourism.

These include Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindell; Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira and Devin Sears and Regional Chairman, Deron Adams. The book ‘We are One’ is an Amazon Best Seller and is a concoction of short stories and poems that capture the essence of Guyana from the eyes of a patriotic Guyanese. “ What makes Guyana so attractive? Multiple things. It’s rich history, the natural resources, the marketplace, the pristine rainforests, sugarcane plantations, rice fields, bauxite, gold reserves, the new found oil, the new infrastructure, new developments, the beautiful landmarks and most of all, the diversity of its people,” Labastide said in expressing what motivated him to pen the book.  

We are One  also underscores the importance of patriotism, national unity and social cohesion; values that are enshrined Guyana Motto, ‘ One People, One Nation and One Destiny. Labastide said the book aims to bring the very diverse cultures and philosophies of our six ethnic groups, into one united and cohesive Guyana.

 “ ‘We are One’, is a concoction of poems and short stories, highlighting the Guyanese way of live and how that way of live would have evolved from the era of slavery, indentureship and colonialism.  It speaks of our tourism potential, our strength as a nation in our human resources, our national resources and our resilience as a people, to stand up against adversity and to see the realisation of the motto-One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” he said.

At the launch, Chairman of the Region 10 Tourism Association, Devin Sears, invited Labastide to be Region 10’s ambassador for tourism, as he has shown over and over again through his work, that promotion of his home town is of utmost importance to him.

Labastide also wowed the audience with several pieces from his book, while photos in the book were sold and proceeds from the auction will go towards the Wismar Hill School for the Visually Impaired.

Labastide also announced that he is working on ‘We are One’, Volume II.