Confronting the truths

IT is no secret that as Guyanese, home and abroad, continue to engage in frank and open discourse through various mediums, truths and not will continue to emerge. It is believed that at heart, Guyanese want the best for country and themselves, regardless of where they are domiciled.It is also true that Guyanese want institutions, such as government and state agencies, to work for them and deliver the highest quality of goods and services. Where there may be differences is how to get these done and who best can deliver on them.
These feelings are in order and when expressed, if taken in the vein that at the core of our being is love for country, they can be examined for their merit regardless of who offers the opinion, criticism or praise. Having said that, we Guyanese have to work among ourselves and through institutions to bring us to the level where we can hold our heads as peers among more progressive societies. These societies have earned their reputation by the people’s –leadership and citizen- willingness and commitment to push the boundaries, challenge themselves and abide by norms which are universal,which protect all, and exempt none.

Inherent in this pursuit is a willingness to hold the mirror before one’s face or as U.S. President John F. Kennedy famously said, “Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for [your] country.” Building a nation and nation-building require work, which first starts with a blue-print that will represent the people’s aspirations. This in turn will inform the policies, laws and programmes for their realisation. When there is a focus it lends understanding and appreciation as to what must be worked for and towards, and the ensuing net rewards. The state of affairs in Guyana, in the areas of human development and environmental sustainability, has been one of constant reflux and conflicts. Ours is a history marred with ethnic antagonism, disrespect for law and order, conspiracy theories, and general decline in professionalism and ethics. These influences are juxtaposing the desire to put history in context as a means to learn from not being held hostage to, and move on.

Frankly, at times the competing positions have held in abeyance deserving pursuits and the best within us. Those who feel suffocated by the dynamics have either fled the country and/or blocked themselves out from what’s happening. And where a country’s development is reliant on its human resources, the deficit being created is cause for concern.
This page within recent months has expressed its views on matters considered important to building a nation and nation-building. Where the foundation of the latter was laid with the achievement of independence and institutional structures established to forge a national identity and former requires daily, never-ending pursuits and work, both require constant vigilance to safeguard achievements and work to fortify the people’s aspirations. With that recognition this newspaper has made public its new role post May 11 2015 under different management, policy and administrative.

And while the paper is a microcosm of what is taking place in the wider society, there is a commitment to assiduously work in restoring the people’s confidence by carrying out our social responsibility, equally as playing a role in ensuring the national motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” and as far as practicable, avoid internecine battles that would divide rather than unite the citizens.

In the process, mistakes will be made. What is assured is that when these are made, whether such are caught by the management or brought to the attention of management, efforts will be made to correct same. This is a principle held dear and will be carried out with respect for and cognisant of the resources (human and others) available. Where our staff may require training to ensure they play their meaningful role, such will be done. It is our belief that as Guyanese we are all in this together and we must work it out, and where there exists disagreement, the paper will work to address it, consistent with its principles.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.