Our best days are ahead of us

Dear Editor,

Our best days are ahead of us. The changing of Government, accompanied by the level of activism and involvement that brought about this change, bear testimony to this. Guyanese, whether living at home or abroad, want better for themselves and country. This desire for betterment is often seen in criticisms of things that appear contrary to aspirations. Such criticisms bode well for this country’s body politic because they come from a healthy desire of what we are capable of being and achieving.

As heated conversations take place in the communities among citizens and on social media, a common trend is noted in few threads. One, the people want the Government to succeed and do better. Two, the people, having lived through the years of bad governance, and are leery of this ever happening again as well as any sign that indicates the possibility of such, voices of condemnation will be heard. Three, whether persons are living in Guyana or abroad, the positives they see happening in other countries are what they want to happen here. And four, the people want a responsive and caring Government.

Some recent happenings are bringing this clearly home. With much admiration, awe and identity Guyanese celebrated the athletic prowess and successes of our CARICOM brothers and sisters in Jamaica in the just concluded World Athletics Championships. As this created conversations about the Jamaican Government’s investment in its people and once glory days when Guyana too shined on the international sporting arena, many are asking, ‘Why not us,’ or are clamouring to unleash Guyanese’s potentials.

Trinidad and Tobago recently came out of an election and while the People’s Partnership has lost the confidence of the people and the PNM has been returned to office, Guyanese expressed their admiration for the quality of the electoral process, swift announcement of results and swearing in of the diverse new Cabinet.

When Caricom was formed, those considered More Developed Countries (MDCs) were Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica. Guyana can still retain its place among this group, doing the right thing.

In the USA where African-Americans are carrying out activism under the banner that ‘Black Lives Matter’ in reaction to indiscriminate police racial profiling, this is used as lesson that race matters and remains of political significance and only the law can end racism. Guyanese, at home and abroad, joining the conversation and in support of their fellow men are too drawing nexus and feel the same must happen here if we are to make real our motto: One People, One Nation, One Destiny.

And as conversations continue on our admirations for the positives in other societies, which are influenced by the desire to improve our lives, I am convinced that our best days are ahead of us, as words will lead to actions and bring about desired results. Yes, we can.

Sincerely,

Sharma Solomon