Dear Editor,
This is the time of the year that nature has built for reflection, when thoughts are centred on what should be purged and how one intends to resurge in the approaching year. I am not a believer in resolutions as they are so often meaningless, and are forgotten in the New Year. In addition, some resolutions call for revolutions of sorts in order to materialize. Honestly speaking none of us knows what the year ahead will bring, although there is absolutely nothing wrong with planning for things that we would like to happen.
So, here is my wish list for 2016 and beyond for the people of Guyana currently facing life at its toughest. How we grow as a country depends on how we see ourselves as a country, and how we take stock of all our successes and shortcomings. We are becoming a better city, but we have a far way yet to go. Real change will depend on our seeing our city for all it is, and all we want it to be. Yes, we have cleaned up the streets, gutters and the trenches, but we have polluted the soul. We drive too fast and get too angry. We claim to have so little to eat yet we eat so much. We have learnt to rush and not to wait. We have wasted lives by using knives. We love so seldom and hate too often. With our thieving we have brought grieving.
Henceforth, every individual must start taking responsibility for their behaviour and choices, and stop throwing in the classic excuse, ‘It’s the past government’s fault.’ We cannot expect President Granger to act as Superman. Leaders provide vision, and help people understand where they are, how they arrived there and what they must do to go forward. They strengthen courage and are inspiring in times of demoralization. Currently, the political environment is far too toxic for any sensible legislation to pass, even including those policies which are needed to create a better sense of security and wellbeing for certain sectors of society.
People of conscience need to stand up once more. Betterment will never come by dividing one from another.
We must correct the dysfunctional parenting/ family issue. Instead of parents raising children, the children are instead raising parents. Too many parents are striving to be their children’s best friend, instead of their parents. The end results are utter societal confusion and chaos.
Where is the evidence that our community has held elected officials accountable for their failure to apprise them about issues which concern them, or develop sound solid policies that have made a difference? We must hold our elected officials accountable when they fail to carry out their campaign promises, and gently remind them of how they got in and who brought about the win. The year 2016 represents a new beginning which presents a unique opportunity for us all to unite and work towards the common good of Guyana—that of restoring it to its pride of place as the gem of the Caribbean.
Yours faithfully,
Yvonne Sam
