A GREAT CHALLENGE

Jan 11, 2016 Editorial

The greatest challenge of the government is to convince itself; convince the nation that it really understands the severity of the problems facing the people, especially the poor. That it really understands the major tasks of 21st century nation-building and would not do what the post-colonial governments have done in the past.
Celebrating Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary is necessary, but the government should use its discretion in terms of spending public funds for the celebrations due to the fact that the poor and the downtrodden are struggling to put a shelter over their heads or make ends meet. The government should focus on improving the economy and the welfare of the poor, especially those in Plastic City. To do otherwise would be destructive.
It would be irresponsible for the government to spend lavishly on the independence celebrations because there have been severe consequences on the nation of past governments’ missteps, irrational exuberance, mismanagement of public funds and the countries’ resources. These continue to have negative impacts on the people and the economy. The people, who have kept the economy afloat, despite the challenges, must not be forced to do austerity, make sacrifices, while the elites continue to enjoy the benefits.
The year 2015 was a difficult period for many, but they are hoping that the troubles of the past will be left behind and that 2016 will bring new opportunities for those in the most desperate situations. Of course, this may be wishful thinking. But at the individual level, the people have to take steps to guarantee change. At the national level, those with power must work harder to solve the difficult challenges of the time and not only focus on celebrating the 50th independence anniversary.
The government should get rid of the settlements and slums and build robust communities, provide adequate health, education and water systems for the people, reduce unemployment and improve the training of teachers, nurses, doctors and police.
It should embark on a serious program of food and horticultural production to feed and house the nation and to reduce the food import bill and the growing State debt, lower the economic growth rate and fiscal instability that has incapacitated the government. It must also devolve more power to the local communities in order to improve their infrastructure.
Recently, gun violence has impacted many communities which were perfectly safe places, where even a break-in was an anomaly. Today, these communities are plagued with chronic problems of armed robberies and are traumatized by the randomness of murders and rapes, and their frequencies are beginning to take a toll on the people. While these are areas with deep pockets of poverty, it is obvious that there is something in the psyche of criminals who see gun violence as a form of social control.
Gun violence has become a major problem in Guyana, yet the Minister of Public Security seems incapable of reducing it. The murders of 81 year-old Doodnauth Rajkumar and his wife Diane Chamanlall of Bush Lot, West Coast of Berbice and 18 year-old British born Dominic Bernard at Kildonan, East Corentyne are more than enough to drive fear into the heart of a weary nation, and dampen the interest of those abroad who are looking to the country as a vacation destination, retirement option, or investment prospects. While the nation focuses on the independence anniversary celebrations, the government must take steps to end this lawlessness in the society.
Finally, the government must protect children who are a source of joy, but more importantly, they represent the future of human civilization. That is the essential function of procreation. However, they are the most vulnerable in society because they are dependent on the adults around them for survival.
Unfortunately, many people see them as preys to be exploited sexually, or taken advantage of, or are constantly abused by adults. Too many children are hurt or killed unnecessary, and while the nation celebrates its 50th independence anniversary, it must also protect its children from abuse and exploitation. This, however, is a great challenge for the government.

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