THEY DO NOT WANT THE GREATER EVIL

May 01, 2017 Editorial

In Guyana as in other countries, no fundamental, social or political change would occur because of governments’ action. Governments in general do not rock the boat, most tend to maintain the status-quo. Real change would only occur in Guyana if civil society which is the conscience of the country, rises up and demands change. Had it not been for the Movement Against the Parking Meter project which has led several protests and called for the scrapping of the parking meter contract, the government would not have acted and suspended the project for three months.
To say that these are good times in Guyana would be a gross understatement. It is outrageous to see the high drama that has played out between the government and City Hall, the arrests of former president Jagdeo and several ex-ministers and ex-officials over the Pradoville Two housing project and the alleged accusations of corruption, scandals and blunders by the opposition against government.
The truth is, Guyana is saddled with problems and, quite frankly, the people may have to take matters into their own hands and lead the change that is urgently needed to turn the country around. Almost everyone — laborers, vendors, students, professionals, civil/public servants, businessmen, pensioners — are folding under the pressure and their cries for help seem to have fallen on deaf ears. What is even worse is that many believe that the current government is somewhat of a reflection of its predecessor. It has not effectively communicated its plans to develop the country and move it forward with the people.
Lest we forget, the government, when in opposition had campaigned on a platform of change, good governance, transparency and accountability, but it has bungled many of those promises. What the people are grappling with is a government that seems to be carrying on as if it is business as usual. It is hoping for things to change on their own or by a magic wand. However, economic experts have warned that the economy would not turn around anytime soon, and this could be catastrophic for the country.
Many are enraged at the current state of affairs in the country. Others are frustrated at the ineptness of the government in addressing the pressing problems facing the nation. The people have grown tired at the length of time it takes the government to act on critical issues affecting them. They deserve better and should demand change from the government. They must speak up against wrongdoings. Even though many are fed-up with the current government, it is no comfort for the opposition which was the most corrupt, vindictive, dishonest and uncaring when it was in power.
The nation has had 15 years of autocratic rule by the PPP government and would not endorse or support it. They felt that those in the PPP have not changed, and should they return to power, they will not hesitate to continue where they left off, that is they will embezzle the state resources to enrich themselves, relatives and friends. The people have grown tired of those in the opposition who have not only walked out of Parliament on several occasions when they did not get their way. They have also been contemptuous to the constitution and to the people. The opposition is the greater evil in the political arena.
That said, the government should note that the nation is anxiously waiting for a realistic, comprehensive and far-reaching plan that will reduce crime and unemployment, lower the foreign debt, reduce poverty, improve the economy and set the country on the right path towards its next stage of development. The people need a government that is accountable, transparent, responsible and honest. They do not want to be left out but to be part of the solution and to be involved in crafting a doable plan to improve the economy. They want visionary and transformative leaders to prevent Guyana from falling off the precipice. They do not want the greater evil.

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