PRAYING FOR PEACE

Dec 22, 2016 Editorial, Features / Columnists

As we approach our second Christmas under the APNU+AFC coalition government, the promise to create a better life for all seems to be in doubt due primarily to the lagging economy and the seeming unending crime epidemic that has been plaguing the nation for some time.
The people are hoping for an end to the violence and murders. They are praying for peace and respect for the rule of law in the New Year. While these values remain elusive and out of reach for many, others are hoping that the festive season will bring peace, love and good tidings to all.
Despite the socio-economic problems and the high crime rate, Guyanese are undeterred as they strive to make to make Guyana the envy of the Caribbean and perhaps one of the best countries in the world. But the government must lead; it cannot rest on its laurels. It must continue the task of nation-building; promote unity and national and human development, not only for this generation, but for future generations.
It is true that the wealth of a nation is not measured only in terms of the high levels of gross domestic product or the quantum of expensive houses or luxury vehicles, but also by the strength of its spirituality, especially in this festive season. In this Christmas spirit, peace and love must triumph over evil and good over bad.
It is a serious call to which all must answer. All of Guyana’s religious, social, cultural and political leaders must join in the spirit of Christmas and spread love and bring peace to the nation. They must end the murders, suicides, rapes, domestic violence and child abuse. This will not be an easy task. It may not be completed by this generation or by this government, but it must continue undeterred.
The leaders must continue to look at the next generation and not at the next election. They must develop policies to help the nation surge out of the crevices and economic slump, and be committed to a new dawn and a new and glorious future, using the past as the reflective medium. This must be the new assignment of the government and the people in the New Year.
No government can legislate integrity, selfless service, humility, honesty and basic human values. These must form part of the internal consciences of the nation. Evil thoughts are developed in the minds of men, but reverential steps must be taken to wither them away. They can be destructive if they become part of the basic innate humane capacities.
The government must provide good governance with efficient public services and amenities for all the citizens. In this our 50th independence anniversary, we must not forget the plight of the poor and the downtrodden. The social, cultural, political and economic systems have not adequately served them well.
The education system has failed many of them, the justice system is locking them up, and healthcare continues to perturb all citizens, literally from the cradle to the grave, with a high level of maternal and infant deaths. Gender inequality and poverty continue to place women at a disadvantage.
As the New Year dawns on the nation, the government must get real and fulfill its promise to the people. Its goal in the New Year should be to uplift the people and overcome the struggles and the problems faced by the nation. We must work together to transform society and build a better life for all in the New Year.

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