MARKING 50 YEARS OF NATIONHOOD

Sep 21, 2015 Editorial

As with most anniversaries, the occasion of Guyana’s 50th independence anniversary on May 26, 2016 offers every Guyanese at home and in the diaspora the opportunity to reflect on this historic occasion.
Guyanese have every reason to be proud with the election of the APNU+AFC government but are disappointed with high level of corruption and crime. Despite intense political rivalry and ethnic divisions, Guyana has avoided the social rupturing that has thrown some nations in the destructive turmoil of civil war.
On the economic front, corruption and the illegal use of the state resources have barely provided enough savings to keep the country afloat through occasional precipitous falls in national revenue. Also, the social cohesion woven from the strands of the nation’s many cultures remains a source of pride and joy for Guyanese in a world where being different is not always valued or even tolerated.
In good times, confidence runs high in the strength and belief of the people and their ability to face challenges. The real test of a nation’s strength, however, is its ability to survive through hard times and hold itself together in doing so.
This is the strength that Guyana currently has as it celebrates its 50thanniversary of Independence next year with the newly elected coalition government. While politics has held center stage since the last election, it is the prevailing economic uncertainty that is more likely to affect the quality of life of the people.
Unless urgent action is taken by the government to prevent the further collapse of the sugar industry and the looming crisis facing the rice, gold and bauxite industries, the country’s GDP, which is declining could turn negative.
Foreign exchange demand reveals much about national consumption patterns as it does about public confidence in the economy. Uncertainty and fears about the country’s economic and social stability invariably result in the lack of confidence in the government.
While current conditions reveal that there is no social and economic unraveling as yet, the government cannot afford to ignore those elements that have led nations down that tragic road. The protests by rice farmers for higher prices for rice and the spike in crime and joblessness are signs that trouble is brewing.
However, the people must be ever mindful of what Independence requires of them. Without the capacity for self-sustenance, independence would be reduced to the symbol of a flag and an anthem in Guyana whose survival depends partly on factors beyond its control.
The number one challenge facing the country since independence has been national unity. Since 1966, neither the PNC nor the PPP has been able to unite the people. That task now rests with the APNU+AFC government.
All Guyanese should be encouraged to put the country above their self-interest. The Granger/Nagamootoo government has the mandate to govern the county for the next five years with the primary responsibility to navigate it through the economic uncertainty and high crime rate.
Priority must be given to policies that reduce crime and strengthen the nation’s capacity for self-sustenance and human development rather than getting deeper into debt and dependence.
As Guyana approaches 50 years of nationhood next year, a suitable monument should be erected at the National Park where the Union Jack was lowered and the Golden Arrow Head was raised on May 26, 1966. It is to commemorate the most significant event in Guyana’s history. The fact that the National Park is where this historic event took place makes the placing of the monument there even more meaningful.
Adorned with glittering lights, the monument would enhance the beauty of the city and encourage visitors to the historic site.
It would create the perfect setting for the annual Independence Parade to commemorate the birth of the nation and all the historic symbols of independence—the Golden Arrow Head, National Anthem, Coat-of-Arms, National Flower, Song of the Republic, National Pledge and the formal transfer of authority from Britain to Guyana.
This is the story of how our Guyana, the land we love, was born. Its evolution should be highlighted by the government and be given greater impetus on the eve of its landmark anniversary of its attainment of Independence. We must all celebrate50years of our nationhood.

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MARKING 50 YEARS OF NATIONHOOD

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