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PASSING THE TORCH
The Biblical saying that there is a time for everything holds true in almost all circumstances. In the Bible, the book of Ecclesiastes, which contains many pearls of wisdom, proclaimed on a profound truth about the human condition and earthly existence. 
It is worthy of serious reflection by everyone, but more so by those in positions of power and authority, who seem to delude themselves and somehow develop presumptions about their invincibility.
Ecclesiastes Chapter Three reminds us that there is a time for everything, and a season for every purpose on earth. It cited several examples, among them are a time to be born and a time to die; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to keep and a time to cast away.
The lesson here is that no one or nothing on earth lasts forever, except for the Creator. This should be a sobering thought and a humbling reality for those in authority, who many believe are making the fundamental mistake of believing that they would have power forever. No one does.
Instead of recognizing their limitations and seize the opportunity to be the servants of the people, many are arrogant and abrasive. Others are un-approachable and do not want to exit the political scene with grace and dignity when their time is up.
They choose to hang on, often for purely selfish reasons, only to be forced out unceremoniously because of their failure to recognize that they had lost their relevance to the very people who they are supposed to serve. They tend to ignore that there is a time for everything, and passing the torch is one of them.
In Guyana, some of our leaders have passed the age of retirement and should have passed the torch long ago to youths. Their grip on power has been weakening against the backdrop of a deteriorating economy which has created hardships for many, especially the poor and the lower working class. By clinging to office, they are denying youths the opportunity to gain work experience, leadership and to rise to the occasion to make Guyana a better country for all.
Besides the economy, the nation is faced with many other serious challenges for which there have not been any concrete solutions.
For example, crime continues to spiral out of control, agriculture production has decreased, power outages are constant, health care and the education systems are crumbling and it seems that the only solution available is more taxes and more talk with no follow-up action.
By imposing a 14 percent VAT on the consumption of water and electricity above a certain usage could place the government on shaky grounds with the people. This seemingly ineffective and elitist leadership is out of touch with reality. Their grip on power seems to be slipping away.
It appears that the current leadership has sidelined quite a few potential youths at home and in the diaspora apparently for no reason other than to employ their friends and relatives.
They seem determined to continue along this path, even though the evidence suggests the country’s interests would be better served by a new team of youthful leadership who would bring a new approach and more relevant vision to the country.
Could it be that because they have successfully formed a coalition and defeated the PPP in the May 2015 general election that they believe they have rights of ownership to the country? If that is the case, it is most unfortunate for our democracy.
Notwithstanding these facts, there are some in the country who believe that the government has not fulfilled its promise to create jobs for youths. The current leadership needs to rethink their strategies and provide more opportunities for youths. In any case, their season will inevitably come to an end.
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