Latest update January 7th, 2025 4:10 AM
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AFTER ALL, 2017 WAS NOT A BAD YEAR
Looking back, 2017 was not a bad year after all compared to others. In fact, no matter how one slices it, 2017 will go down as another peaceful but challenging year for Guyana. 
The country had to grapple with problems of the economy, high unemployment, health care, and education. However, there was the declining road fatality figure; there was the drop in serious crimes and the police solved crimes that were unsolved for years.
Yet there were the negatives. The economy recorded its lowest growth rate in the last decade. Attempts by the government to improve the economy met with falling prices for our commodities on the world market, and low production in the agricultural sector, especially in the sugar industry.
The greatest news was the large quantity of oil found in the Stabroek Region of Essequibo.
While its growth rate is expected to climb to three percent this year based on budgetary predictions, the masses have to dig deeper into their pockets to pay for the higher cost of foodstuff and other products.
There were also issues arising from constant power outages and the seemingly never-ending water shortage, both of which continue to plague many households in the rural areas of the country.
The year 2017 was also one of unusual weather systems. There were torrential downpours in May, July and around Christmas that caused flooding in Georgetown and destroyed food crops, property and livestock in the outlying areas of the country. However, it was not as bad as in 2016 or in previous years.
But we still have a high food import bill. The truth is no developing nation can prosper if it imports more than it exports. Many are hoping for a better 2018. They expect a significant reduction in the country’s food import bill because of the incentives being offered to farmers to grow more food.
Many were troubled by the rise in gun violence across the country. They were heartened by the police reaction that led to the seizure of more weapons that at any time, even during the crime wave.
They are hoping that in 2018, the police will get an even better grip on the lawlessness that pervades our society. Many are hoping, too, that in 2018 schools, religious institutions, organisations and families will come together and address the underlying factors that are pushing our youths towards crime.
Another troubling issue was the public display of obnoxious and partisan politics in Parliament by our politicians, but more so from the opposition. People are hoping for unity and cooperation to prevail in 2018.
The leader of the opposition thinks that he is the most qualified person to govern the country, but others feel that he is very bitter and angry because he is not in power. With that said, all was not lost because in the midst of his doom and gloom politics; there were some bright spots in 2017 from which the country benefits.
These ranged from the mobilisation of the police to fight crime, reduction in corruption and the trafficking of illegal drugs, among others.
However, on the brighter side of things, Guyanese all over the world are hoping for a peaceful and prosperous 2018. We must put our differences aside and work for the betterment of the country in order to provide a better life for all in 2018.
While 2017 was a good year, we hope 2018 will be better.
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