GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The Guyanese-born British actress Letitia Wright, who shot to fame in the Black Panther movies, Monday urged legislators here to work together for the betterment of the people of Guyana.
In a brief address, Wright, born in Goed Intent, West Demerara, and migrated to the United Kingdom at the age of eight, said she is not political and wanted to see her country develop more and that all sides need to cooperate in that regard.
“I don’t know the ins and outs of politics. I care more about children and the development of young people, that is where my Ministry is, but as you all come together to make decisions for the country, I encourage you both, both sides, both parties. I encourage peace, I encourage love, I am peace, and I am of love, and I am just proud of you and everybody working for the betterment and empowerment of our country,” Wright told legislators.
Wright, who has been invited here by the Guyana government and is due to meet with President Dr. Irfaan Ali later on Monday, said she is happy to be back in the land of her birth.
“I left the country when I was just eight years old, and I was fortunate to have the opportunity in the UK to expand on the talent they gave me of acting and travel the world. It means a lot to come back home, and I want to thank everyone who invited me,” Wright said.
“I just want to thank everyone that has invited me to return home,” she said, noting that while she wasn’t slated to address Parliament, she wanted to find ways to use her platform “for good” and to encourage youths to pursue their dreams.
“Because I am the daughter of the soil of Guyana, so my return means a lot to me. I’ve not been home in about 20 years,” Wright said.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Opposition legislator Cathy Hughes congratulated the actress on her accomplishments while encouraging her to fly the flag of Guyana high.
“We feel honored that you were able to not only spend time with us but address us,” he said, while Hughes reminded her of the impact she has made on the youths in Guyana and globally.
“The impact of your movies brought a lot of self-esteem and worth to many young people who rarely saw dark skin supermodels. And I say to you, the genius of the movies, the encouragement you’ve given to all the young people, we thank you for that. We’re so proud that you come from us,” Hughes said.
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Lenox Shuman, described Wright as a “fantastic role model.”
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