PUTTING GUYANA FIRST IN 2018

Jan 14, 2018 Editorial

The New Year has provided opportunities for the government to reduce poverty, stamp out corruption and end the illegal drug trade. There are opportunities to transform Guyana and provide a better life for all.
There is a desire for the government to tackle the crucial issues that have dogged us for years. In order to achieve real progress amidst the many problems, there are some vital areas that, if addressed, could significantly improve the national welfare. The government has reduced the lawlessness in society and has fired many corrupt officials in various departments and state agencies.
The casual observer would point to the crime situation that has actually provoked a warning from the United States embassy to its people visiting Guyana. But there are more bridges to cross. The events of the last few months serve as an apropos illustration of this fact.
First came the most obscene behaviour in Parliament from members of the opposition during President Granger’s address. Then there was the subsequent suspension of one of its members from the House due to his mulish behaviour.
On the national scale came the retrenchment of some 4,000 workers from GUYSUCO during the Christmas season with no clear plan for the immediate welfare or future employment of the workers.
Indeed some of them are being retrained but the majority simply saw themselves as being permanently unemployed. This situation has sparked protests even as the brouhaha over the
signing bonus between Exxon Mobil and the government for US$18 million, was attracting protests of its own.
The government insists that the money is being to cover the legal expense created by the border controversy with Venezuela. There were other tempestuous issues. The oil contract was one such but the government silenced the mob when it released the contract. If one thought that would have been the end of the criticisms one was mistaken. The critics merely changed tact.
But the government is maintaining its drive for transparency to the point of being accused of bowing to the dictates of anyone who thinks that he is a national leader.
Small businesses have been the backbone of the economy in that they have provided jobs and boosted income levels throughout the country. Big business, of course, provides a large part of the tax revenue and many other benefits. They both help move Guyana along.
In 2018, we should capitalize on the potential value of foreign investment to boost the economy and the largely untapped talents of Guyanese, both at home and abroad to help develop the country and solve our social problems, which is a result of the poor values and belief systems of our youth—the main perpetrators of crime.
Over the years, we have had a serious breakdown of societal values due largely to poor parenting, increasing poverty and an absence of systems to foster youth development. It was a case of pandering to the rich. Today Guyana is paying the price and this government must continue to pursue opportunities to reverse the trend which is seeing so many negative things. For one, the prison population is becoming younger. There is so much to be done.
We need bold and courageous leaders to return us to the foundation on which society was built by our fore-parents. We also need visionary and transformative leaders with integrity and values and who are committed to justice and truth and to putting Guyana first in 2018.

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