Introduction
In my column last week, I indicated that I will start outlining our latest economic blueprint for Guyana. As I studied the foundation of our plans, more and more I am agreeing with a large portion of our population which is looking for rapid economic changes that a united approach is needed for ushering in the creation of jobs for all Guyanese. I will continue with the specifics in future columns.
As I talk to non-resident Guyanese, many are asking what are the potential job opportunities locally as they really would like to come back home. We must come together and present the best economic plan for our nation with a vision for change and a team of bold leaders ready to implement these changes.
No one can possibly deny the strength of a coming together of like minds with a vision for our nation – or the fact that so many are taking it seriously as a viable means by which to fix our nation’s broken political system. The unity goal must be immediate constitutional changes for inclusive governance in a post-2011 parliament, where the PPP would not have a majority of seats to block real constitutional reform.
The PPP approach is do nothing or do the politically expedient, and many are suffering while a few are getting richer and richer every day. As I wrote in a previous column, the AFC Blueprint outlines a far better approach to solving energy than the current Amaila Falls project, which already is under scrutiny for poor procurement practices. The AFC does not believe in a silver bullet approach to renewable energy – we prefer a portfolio of renewable energy sources such as ethanol (from sugar and eventually from feed stocks), bio-diesel (from coconut), co-generation from bagasse and coconut shells/husks, and localized small and medium-scale hydro and wind energy for places like Wakenaam and Leguan. This is what distinguishes our green policies from the LCDS.
The PPP will have been in power for almost 20 years by the time of the 2011 general election, and most Guyanese have not moved up the economic chain during that time.
Why this approach
These are my personal views in this column, but I believe an undercurrent is sweeping the country quickly, and despite the current administration’s attempt to pretend it doesn’t really exist, it seems Guyana may not be shackled by the existing PPP majority in Parliament for very much longer.
A united approach which must be made up of both selected current active political leaders and members of the current ‘civil society’ who are looking for change, is the key to the success of this broader movement, and what would enable it to make significant inroads into the Guyanese electorate to the extent of gaining a majority in Parliament.
It is not simply an opposing force to the current administration and their failing policies, it is an opposition to the status quo mentality that has crippled our country politically and economically.
It is not often that a small country like Guyana is afforded such a life-altering opportunity as this one. And so here we are, presented with the opportunity to chisel a new future and a bright destiny.
We finally have an out. We finally need to take the opportunity presented in the upcoming general elections to take back our country, fix the constitution to force inclusive governance and to mould a destiny of our own choosing.
Not since 1992 have we seen a concerted effort of this magnitude.
It is high time we were given the occasion to choose a group of leaders who have proven themselves in the areas of business, community development and political affairs. The days of voting by race, which is nothing more than closing our eyes and being led with a rope to our own execution, or picking oddballs from a group of clueless oddities, are over.
This approach must bring together the best minds of the country to work together for the good of all Guyanese. The racial barriers and preconceived notions that create factions instead of unity are for those who wish to remain in the past.
Guyanese want to move forward and it is obvious that the PPP does not have the same objective. So the people are gladly tossing aside their misplaced alliances with stagnated politicians to embrace a new wave of political fervour spawned by righteous indignation.
More and more Guyanese are turning their faces away in disgust from the putrid politics of the present and past. Our votes cannot be bought any more. Our hearts can no longer be provoked by words tainted with racial hatred. We refuse to lift a hand against our good neighbours. Our minds will not be swayed! We want our country back!
The new approach is exactly what we need to infuse just enough courage in us to want to hope again… to believe there is still a promising future for our beautiful nation.
Conclusion
Our destiny is shared and it is bright. Our future is dazzling because it does not have to include the current political rulers. The PPP had almost twenty years to prove themselves as leaders, and that is enough, even though they are preaching that they really need 28 years to continue to do so, because the PNC had the same. Hell no!
They have already proven that they are crooked and impotent. Now is the time to bellow from Mt Roraima – Our future belongs to us!
This is a new day for Guyana. The sun has set on our dismal past and a brand new beautiful day dawns on our land. The sun is shining brightly and smiling down on us with pride because it knows one day very soon, one glorious and magnificent day, we will finally say Guyana is a land with ‘Many people of different cultures and religions (not one) but of One Nation with One Destiny’!
Guyana, from the crashing waters of Kaieteur Falls to the tip of the steeple atop St George’s Cathedral, waits to celebrate this glorious day! Positive, rapid economic change to improve the quality of life of all Guyanese awaits us with a united approach to removing the PPP parliamentary majority in 2011. Until next time, ‘Roop’
Send comments to peter.ramsaroop@gmail.com
