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GETTING ITS PRIORITIES RIGHT IN 2016

Jan 04, 2016 Editorial

The holidays are over and despite the talk about a recession from the opposition and other critics, it is not yet looming over Guyana. But whether Guyana was in a recession or not, it would not have scared away shoppers or dampen the festivities leading to the build-up to the holiday season.
Guyanese have been called many things but if there is one thing a Guyanese is not, it is a Scrooge. Guyanese love Christmas and judging from the frantic scenes at the stores all over the country during the holiday season, they would not let a recession or any other economic problems come in the way of getting gifts under the trees, or the ham or roast and garlic pork on the table or the liquor.
What matters most to Guyanese is not the health of the cash registers but rather the well-being of the nation itself, something everyone, including the government has to focus on. The New Year is a good time for all to think about the failures of 2015 and for the government to get its priorities right in 2016.
Too often the government has been focusing mostly on issues that have nothing to do with developing the economy, reduce the national debt or improve the wellbeing of the people. Instead there is bickering in the coalition over partisan interests while the people, especially the poor continue to suffer.
The elections have come and gone and now is the time for the government to deal with the problems facing the country such as the senseless violence and murders, endless traffic accidents and deaths, widespread abuse of women, the alienation of the poor and downtrodden, rampant discrimination of all kinds and corruption and inefficiency in all areas of the government.
The nation has been side-tracked due to self-interest, partisan politics and the abuse of power. The message of humility and hope has been lost in the midst of political wrangling among the parties in government and between the government and the opposition.
The New Year should be a time for reflection and introspection not only for the government but for all. It is a time when persons of all ethnicity, religious faiths and all classes should strive for unity.
As the fortunate bask in the glow of their wealth and achievements, they should take a moment to remember those around them who are less fortunate.
And all should ask: How far has the nation come as a society since independence? How successful has it been in providing the basic amenities to the most vulnerable and in bridging the gender gap and the poverty gap between the rich and the poor?
The promise to create opportunities for the people, especially for the youths has not materialized and might be unfolding with demonstrations in the streets in the New Year.
The failure of the government to fulfill its campaign promises to the people means that they have to face the cold reality of the harsh economic times. While the government has provided only a few jobs to the youths, it has placed pensioners and military personal on almost every state boards and government departments.
The government has not taken the interests of the youths seriously. And this has resulted in many youths becoming disenchanted with the political system to the point where they seem to be no longer interested in politics. Many are not likely to vote in the Local Government Elections and this could spell trouble for the government.
In the end, it is the people who suffer, as few mouths are being fed due to joblessness among youths. The government must invest in and provide opportunities for the youths who are 65 percent of the population.
This would certainly give the nation a rebirth for all to work to develop the country and unite the races, and not divide them. And the light of true devotion and love will shine upon the country and the people, and peace and hope instead of conflicts and despair will prevail.

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