Latest update April 28th, 2026 12:30 AM
NO MORE PRETENCE
By now, everyone is well aware that life in Guyana will only be different in 2016 than it was in 2015 if the government acts swiftly, condignly and makes meaningful changes. If, for instance, the government does not get off its high end and deal with the crumbling economy, there will not be a better life for all as promised. Those who are dependent on the government to give them something or to effect some change in their personal circumstances will certainly be disappointed. There will be no cloud with a silver lining; it is likely that life will continue to be difficult and harsh for the masses this year.
Hopefully, many will realize that what they make of life is largely their own responsibility. Others who were successful in the past, will more than likely continue to be in the future, despite the potential obstacles. Those who have mastered the art of how to succeed in life will survive. More importantly, those who think and act in the interest of the national good will affect the greatest change for all in the country.
The fact that GuySuCo depends on government subsidies to keep it afloat, and with falling commodity prices, most can expect a bumpy ride in 2016. No one in the government (probably in the entire world) can honestly say that they know how to fix GuySuCo, neither can they deny that there is internal wrangling and tensions in the administration over policy making. It is not clear who speaks for the government, whether it is the Prime Minister or a certain Minister.
This is not only disconcerting, but has become somewhat of an embarrassment. Today, much of the primary focus has shifted from the PPP failures and corrupt practices to questions about the forensic audits’ reports and if the government will properly and lawfully execute them.
Too many Ministers are incapable of defending their portfolios in Parliament in that, they have allowed the leader of the opposition and his Chief Whip to overshadow them. The creation of certain fringe Ministries and the appointment of 32 Ministerial Advisers in the diaspora are totally ridiculous. And last but not least, Guyana is too small both in size and population and too poor to have 27 ministers compared to Canada with a population of 36 million people and 3.8 million square miles, but only 30 ministers.
The time has come for the government to rethink some of its strategies and develop policies that would lead to sustainable economic and human growth. May 2016 will be one year since it has assumed office, and as a milestone, it represents a period in which the administration will have to accept responsibility for all the ills of the country. It cannot ignore the ongoing concerns about rampant crime, joblessness and the problems facing the youths, nor can it continue to blame the PPP administration for them. It should not assume that the public acquiescence of its victory is tantamount to change. Eight months after the elections, the future of the economy and the country as a whole remain unknown.
There are large swathes of a disappointed public, mostly supporters of the AFC, whose patience have grown thin and have vocalized their anger against their leaders who have abandoned them. The Government is also aware of the growing restiveness among the youths, which may rear its ugly head in some form, as life continues to get harder. At some point, the government has to realize that its appointment of mostly pensioners and former military personnel to state boards and government departments is ill-advised and could result in a loss of support, particularly among the progressive youths. The coalition government can no longer pretend that it cares about the well-being of the youths. Nothing will change in the new year and beyond unless the economy improves and jobs are made available to the people. There can be no more pretence.
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