GETTING PRIORITIES RIGHT

Jul 06, 2016 Editorial

The 50th independence anniversary celebrations are over and despite the talk about an economic recession by the opposition and other critics, it has not materialized.
Guyana’s economy is far from being in a recession. But it is time for the government to carve out an agenda to improve the economy and renew hope among the people who continue to struggle to make ends meet.
Guyanese have been called many names but if there is one name a Guyanese is not, it is a Scrooge. Judging from the frantic scenes at the stores and shopping malls across the country leading up to the May 26 celebrations, it was clear that they did not let the doom and gloom talk prevent them from celebrating.
What matters most to Guyanese is the health of the economy and the well-being of the nation. Too often the government has been focusing on issues that have nothing to do with the development of the economy, reducing the national debt, creating jobs and improving people’s welfare. It has to deal with some of the pressing problems facing the country such as the senseless violence and murders, widespread abuse of women and children, the alienation of the downtrodden, rampant discrimination of all kinds and corruption and inefficiency in all areas of the government.
For too long, 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 buried and wrongdoing, corruption and spiteful politics took centre stage during the last administration. It was a time when the interests of persons of all ethnicity, religious faiths and all classes had to give way to the interests of the ruling elite.
As they basked in the glow of their wealth and power, they did not take a moment to remember the less fortunate. Everything was for them and their relatives and friends. That was how far the nation had come since independence and that was how unsuccessful it had been in the last 15 years. It had not provided the basic amenities to the most vulnerable in society and it has not bridged the gender gap, promoted unity, or reduced the poverty gap between the rich and the poor.
However, while there have been changes with this government, its promise to create opportunities for the youths has not materialized and many have turned to gang and criminal activities in order to survive. While the government has provided only a few jobs for the youths, it has placed pensioners and military personnel on almost every state board and in every government department.
Some youths believe that the government has not taken them seriously. And this has resulted in many of them becoming disenchanted with politics to the point where they seem to be no longer interested. Many did not vote in the Local Government Elections and are not likely to vote in 2020 unless things change. This could spell trouble for the government which will likely rely on the votes of the youths, who are 65 percent of the population, to win elections.
In the end, it is the people, especially the youths, who continue to suffer due to the high rate of unemployment. The government must invest in and provide opportunities for the youths. This would certainly give the nation a rebirth for all to work to develop the country, unite the races, and move the country forward. Then the light of true devotion and love shall shine upon the nation and peace and hope instead of conflicts and despair will prevail, and the people and the country will be blessed. It’s really about getting priorities right.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News