For several months the main media outlets have intensified their campaign against the government, wanting to make it appear as if it is corrupt, condones extra-judicial killings and encourages the practice of marginalization. Therefore my first wish for the New Year is for the media to behave in a more respectable and responsible manner, since they have a duty to tell the truth, not the half truths and lies that we are now witnessing on a daily basis.
Our country unfortunately has been plagued by racism instituted by the white colonialists to serve their selfish ends, and today the British and the Americans continue to do so wherever they are present. This, however, has affected the psyche of some of our ‘wanna-be’ politicians. This perceived sense of marginalization that exists in the minds of these people is anything but the reality is that they too want to achieve a selfish end; political power by any means possible. Therefore my second wish is for ‘wannabes’ to stop prancing around and to start making a meaningful contribution to the society. Work with the government to build a better Guyana for all. I don’t expect them to agree with everything the government does, but at the same time I don’t expect them to castigate the government for everything it does, whether it is enhancing social programmes, improving infrastructural capacity, etc.
My third and final wish will take on a more holistic dimension; as we approach the 2011 elections we need to compare where we were prior to 1992 and where we are today, 2010. The improvements in all facets of life are there for all to see. Many were not around when joining long lines to purchase bread was the order of the day. Long gone are those days. The media is free; we have a participatory democracy, improved healthcare, modern infrastructure, enhanced human capacity and our economy is moving. What does this mean? We need to consolidate our gains and ensure that they are safeguarded not only for us but for future generations. We need to focus on the bigger picture of what is best for our country in a collaborative and forward-thinking manner. We need to share the great news of what our country has to offer for tourism. Indeed, tourism, the arts and our heritage, and the economic ripple they can generate, have been touted as one of the key ‘building blocks’ for our economic future. Our country has not escaped one of the more challenging global economic downturns in decades. We are fortunate to have a financial system that insulated us from feeling the brunt of the effects of the economic crisis. We need to acknowledge the sound and prudent management of the economy by this government, where public servants received increases while millions are jobless in the so-called developed world, and for having an investor friendly climate where literally millions have been invested in this country. So as we look towards 2011, we must ensure that we continue the same trend.
Yours faithfully,
Baldeo Mathura
