Latest update November 29th, 2024 1:00 AM
STRIVING FOR REAL INDEPENDENCE
As we approach our 52nd independence anniversary, we must establish a platform for real economic growth and development that has eluded us. If we are to build a better and prosperous Guyana and achieve real independence, we must carve out a development path and pursue it vigorously.
We have to tackle the nagging issues of crime, poverty, corruption and injustice against the poor, and a retarded gross domestic product, from their roots. For us to achieve real independence, we need a social transformation, economic growth, transformational and visionary leaders and aggressive action to solve all of the above mentioned ills.
The values, ideals and principles that the majority of us embrace and express in word and deed have made us strong, with an indomitable spirit to overcome adversity. However, over the years, they have negatively impacted our ability to achieve real independence. We must change our habits and lifestyle and develop and maintain who we are as a people based on our values and work ethic. If our goal is to have real independence, we must continue to work hard to increase productivity and end the downward economic slide we have been experiencing.
The political independence won for the nation in 1966 started us on the right journey, but for various reasons, we have changed course. Since that year, we continue to orbit around the declaration of political independence and not towards real independence, which will free us from the bondage of dependency. In order for us to have real independence in Guyana, we must understand the importance of psychosocial independence, food security independence and economic independence.
Psychosocial independence is one aspect of achieving real independence. This is evident when we begin to believe in who we are, grasp our capacity for greatness, overcome obstacles, live in peace and unity and support each other. As a people, we must raise our national self-esteem, end racial division and recognize each other as first class citizens. We must have a sense of belonging and of acceptance, and having a high value and reverence for life, freedom, human rights and the rule of law.
Psychosocial independence could help us find ways to motivate one another to become producers, nation-builders and valued contributors to the development of the economy and the country. We must find ways to inspire one another to be community builders, instead of community destroyers. Positive transformation in our attitudes and social and political systems are steps toward real independence.
Food security is another aspect for us to attain real independence. Food security refers to the availability of food and one’s access to it. It is a basic human need and a crucial element of community self-reliance. We must be able to feed ourselves, and resist foreign tastes in light of our overexposure and attraction to them. But if there is a nation with the ability and attitude to do it, it is ours. We have arable lands, superb weather conditions and the finest farmers.
Guyana cannot become a truly independent nation without having real economic independence. Economic independence is an element of existence which the poor and underdeveloped countries like Guyana must aim at as an ultimate goal. Economic independence is about expanding the capacity to produce goods and services, which is by far the highest aspiration that countries, rich and poor alike, endeavour to attain. It is the quality of being self-sufficient and not at all dependent on any other nations for its economic needs. Self-sufficiency enables countries to be economically independent and stand on their own feet. Guyana must strive to achieve real independence.
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