Dear Editor,
Guyanese politics between now and the next general election in 2011 is likely to be dominated by arguments over the surging cost of living and whether there should be cuts in the standard rate of income tax, VAT and corporation tax or whether the considerable resources garnered from these taxes should be devoted to easing the burden of the lamentably poor, increasing public service salaries, major public works, reducing unemployment particularly in the most marginalized communities. This argument goes to the heart of the problem that divides Guyana. Lowering the cost of living has considerable public support, but there is also a growing awareness that as people spend others make money. However, when people spend beyond their means the gap between private affluence and public squalor widens.
The remaining years before 2011 pose an immense challenge to this country. We need new leaders – political, industrial, trade-union, intellectual and religious – with the courage and vision to face the facts and find the solutions to our national decline. We need the radicalism to challenge the failed record of our political institutions, particularly the leading political opposition. We must have the patience to change attitudes and strategies to improve our long-term economic performance. We need to develop the ingenuity to adopt new techniques of consultation and partnership to transform our community relations. We must acquire the sensitivity needed to listen and the desire to bind communities across Guyana together in a new spirit of cohesion and unity rather than exploit them individually as little political fiefdoms. We must foster the generosity of spirit to tackle the deprivation, discrimination, and inequalities in our midst. We need to find the wisdom to choose, select and concentrate on essential priorities as determined by the people. We must encourage the readiness to work with people in other political parties in order to fashion a programme of healing and recovery that will carry with it the support of at least the majority of our citizens. And in 2008 we must have the will to start reforming our political and economic systems to one best suited to a heterogeneous country.
We can be certain of one thing: we will not be able to reverse our decline until our country becomes less divided, until it becomes one Guyana. The task for 2008 is set.
Yours faithfully,
F Hamley Case
