A NATION SEEKING ANSWERS

Jun 16, 2018 Editorial

People often say that life is tough; that they are going through rough times. This may be idle gossip by some, but for others, it is real. However, history shows that no matter how difficult it is in Guyana, we are indeed tough.
We have been resilient; especially in times of man-made and natural disasters such as floods and droughts. We have faced many crises and have overcome them. We have never given up. Britain’s Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, who faced crises during World War II said, “Never, never, give up.
A pessimist is the one who sees difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist is the one who sees opportunity in every difficulty.”
Because of this perspective, we are constantly challenging the authorities to create the change that they have promised during the election campaign. The moral basis of political leadership in the country is crucial to the foundation of our social and economic progress, with good governance as the sustaining and catalytic factor.
The present leadership seems weak and this could hinder the country’s development. Our slow development over the years has resulted from, weak, corrupt, spiteful and partisan leadership.
Today, we are faced with a series of problems such as a struggling economy, poverty, crime and corruption. In order to build a prosperous Guyana, we need leaders who are not corrupt and who have the ability to demonstrate care for the people, courage to stand for righteousness, truth and justice, and the political will to dismantle the old systems and structures that have stifled the development of the country.
The country will not prosper with weak political leadership steeped in the old-style, tribal political system characterized by corruption, cronyism, nepotism and vindictiveness. The old-style politics and those still trapped in its thinking must go quickly. It is not an issue of age, but the way of thinking or the lack thereof.
The politicians in governance today with the same thinking and attitude of their predecessors of the 20th century should have no place in the governance of the country in the 21st century world of globalization.
Modern political leaders are needed to unite the people; develop the country and improve the lives of the masses.
If our national goal is to build a modern Guyana, then our leaders must set clear priorities and aggressively put them in place. One of the most urgent priorities should be the reordering of the society toward righteousness, justice, truth, a strong work ethic, family values, safety and security and abounding opportunities for jobs and wealth creation.
Essential to this is overcoming corruption, crime and violence and the divisive tribal politics, which continue to impede progress. However, these problems cannot be solved unless there is a political will to destroy their foundations. But time is not on our side.
The country is not doing so well. The economy is ailing, corruption continues but on a lesser scale, poverty is rising and many of our youths are jobless and hopeless and are committing crimes as a means of their survival.
The current state of affairs of the nation defies logic, and excuses from the authority can no longer be accepted. Our leaders appear incompetent, unable to address or satisfy the deep concerns of law-abiding citizens who fear that the next bullet may be directed at them.
A just society, free from excessive violence has to be the goal. The government has to accept the responsibility for not tackling these issues more aggressively. The people are seeking answers from those whom they have elected to serve, protect and improve their lives.

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