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NOTHING IS FREE
People everywhere love freeness. However, in Guyana, it seems that many, regardless of status, race, gender, or age, have inculcated a freeness mindset. Almost everyone has become dependent on someone else or the government to provide some or most of their needs. This type of freeness-mindset is deep-rooted and is entrenched in the psyche of many. But it must be changed; if it is not, it may stifle the development of the country.
In the past, the spirit of self-reliance, imaginative and creative thinking, for which our forefathers used to be known, have been gradually disappearing. They had a sense of responsibility for their own lives and were the primary agents of their destiny. This is not the case with many youths who are living a care free life style. Unlike our fore parents, many do not save for what is known as the rainy days.
No one can deny that the poverty level in Guyana is high and that many in society are jobless and need assistance, but far too many have taken their need to the next level and transformed it into a sense of entitlement. Others have justified their reasons for begging, stealing or engaging in other illegal activities, usually at the expense of others who worked hard for what they have.
This kind of lawlessness is sickening. It has led many to believe that there is nothing wrong with begging, stealing or engaging in violence in order to survive. There is room for everyone in society to have the means to survive if they are prepared to work and become productive citizens.
Most citizens tend to believe that in addition to free public health care and free public education, the government should also provide free water, electricity, housing and land for them. Fulfilling these demands is practically impossible for the government or any government in a developing country. No country, whether developed or underdeveloped, can afford to provide all the needs to its population. The United States is considered the richest country in the world, yet it does not provide free electricity, free water etc. to its citizens.
There are some free services that the government is obligated to provide to the citizens, such as national security, even at a minimum in order to keep its citizens safe. Many in Guyana have complained about the high cost of university education, and although it is needed to obtain a decent paying job, it is not an entitlement. University education is not free in the United States, Canada, and Britain or in most of the other developed countries. Despite the fact that it was free under the PNC government of the late Forbes Burnham, the PPP government felt that it simply could not have afforded it for the basic reason that it was too costly for the nation.
Since the creation of the University of Guyana (UG) in the 1960s, the government has contributed a substantial amount to its operating costs. Like other universities, the rest of its operating expenses are derived from tuition fees as well as from donations from its private partnerships. In this respect, the management of UG has done a fairly good job in raising funds to offset most of its costs. Those who cannot afford a university education should focus on learning a trade which is far more affordable. Others have done it in the past.
Many in society have taken freeness too far. They should refrain from their demands from the government and instead, hone their skills and become independent and more responsible citizens.
Most of our fore parents hardly had anything when they arrived in Guyana as slaves and indentured servants, but they have succeeded in making a life for themselves and their families without much demands from governments. They had pride and self-reliance. Today, too many are seeking help, instead of trying to help themselves. The freeness mindset have to some degree, undermined the prospect of Guyana becoming an economically viable state. The truth is nothing is free in society.
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