2016 WAS NOT THAT BAD AFTER ALL

Jan 31, 2017 Editorial, Features / Columnists

No matter how one slices it, the year 2016 will go down as another challenging one for Guyana. The country had to grapple with problems of the economy, high unemployment, health care, education, crumbling infrastructures, traffic fatalities and crime. However, except for gun violence, the economy and a few other problems, 2016 was not that bad after all.
It was indeed a challenging year for the economy, which recorded a 2.6 percent growth rate. Attempts by the government to revive the economy did not materialize but it is expected to be better in 2017.
Falling prices for commodities, poor infrastructure and low production in the agricultural sector dashed the hopes of many in 2016. The end result is the people would have to dig deeper into their pockets to pay for foodstuffs. The14 percent VAT on water and electricity will not help.
There were also issues arising from constant power outages and the seemingly never-ending water shortage that plagued many households in the rural areas in 2016. It was also the year of unusual weather systems.
The torrential downpour around Christmas caused flooding in Georgetown and in the rural areas of the country. It destroyed food crops which led to higher prices for fruits and vegetables.
The insatiable consumption appetite of the nation has led to a substantial increase in food imports in 2016 which is more than the export bill. As a result, the country’s foreign exchange reserves have been reducing much faster than expected. It seems that we are eating ourselves to our own demise.
We will definitely do better for ourselves and the country in 2017. The country’s import food bill should be reduced in 2017 with the incentives being offered to farmers to grow more food.
Another worrying issue is gun violence which continued unabated in 2016. Efforts to stem it and end the lawlessness that pervades society have met with little success, but it will improve in 2017.
The government must ensure that the police have the tools to tackle crime. The underlying factors that have pushed youngsters towards gun violence and criminality must be addressed. Schools, religious institutions, groups, communities, NGOs and families must come together and develop programmes with softer aspects of policing to positively interact with the youths to win them back from the lure of criminality.
Another bothersome issue is the public display of partisan politics between the government and the opposition, which was seemingly difficult for the nation in 2016. The hope for unity has been shattered due to the lack of cooperation between the government and the opposition.
However, all is not lost. In the middle of the doom and gloom, there were some bright spots in 2016 from which this country could re-enter headier times in 2017. These ranged from the mobilization of the police to fight crime and to arrest drunk and speeding drivers on the roadways. It is worthy to note the public outpouring of grief and sympathy expressed in vigils for children and women who were murdered and for those who have committed suicide. They have become a national symbol for every victim of murder or suicide.
We suggest that this public passion and goodwill should be harnessed into some sort of non-government organization that could assist in steering the country onto a righteous path.
However, on the brighter side, Guyanese all over the world have celebrated the country’s 50th independence anniversary with pomp and regal ceremonies on May 26, 2016. The jubilee celebration was a buoyant period for the tourist industry which performed well. More than 60,000 jubilant Guyanese from the diaspora returned home for the celebrations.
While many are optimistic about 2017, they cannot be complacent. The country is not going to turn around to the point where they want it to, unless all are committed.

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