Goodbye 2016, hello 2017

NOW that 2016 is over, it is time we pay attention to moving on and forward with great hope and enthusiasm to make 2017 a more fruitful and productive year.The past year was not one devoid of hiccups, bitter arguments, misunderstandings and blunders — though these things will happen as long as humans exist — all affected should bury the hatchet and start afresh on a new slate in 2017.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

We all should focus less on working hard and more on working smart; shed the straightjacket approach and work on building consensus and confidence; and enjoy what we do, provided that all that we do is right and not on the other side of the law.
Here are 10 things we hope to see done this year, some of which we would like to see done in spirit as they may be difficult to do in practice:
(1) Even with a six-party coalition in Government, the thrust of achieving a less politically divided society seems some distance off. There is evidently an issue of trust and enough has not been done to close the gap, which demands the efforts of the major political forces. Guyana will not develop at the pace it should, as this divide has seen us constantly shooting ourselves in the foot. Politicians might not be the ideal people to bring about social cohesion, so in 2017, we would want to see all the arts and various artistes from all spectrums of society banding together to unite the people of our dear land. And we should not forget the role of sport in all of this. How about a 20-over cricket match between the PPP and the APNU+AFC this year?
(2) There should be more frequent and respectful engagements between President David Granger and former President, now Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo this year. It is important that the PPP and the APNU+AFC meet earlier in this year and identify a list of priority, consensus projects that will benefit the people. These must be worked on by a joint committee, must be free of political gamesmanship and must be implemented regardless of which Government is in power. This will allow for the deepening of inclusionary democracy and to some extent, will stem political differences from being much of a hindrance to progress

President David Granger

(3) Since we are on social cohesion and putting aside political differences, we would like to see these two vital social factors prevail between Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. If it is not anti-Nagamania for Jagdeo, it’s Nagamootoo suffers from Jagdeoitist (cussing Jagdeo) for Jagdeo supporters. We are not asking the two distinguished gentlemen to do anything funny. This year they should shake hands and embrace (not too tightly), but should not kiss. Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan is very knowledgeable about the law and will not want to see crime take on new dimensions in 2017.
(4) Even before they got it, many were complaining. This year will see the implementation of a raft of new taxes, including on water and electricity. The latter two many found strange, since both are basic services, and moreover, Guyana is Land of Many Waters. What these two taxes simply mean is that all will have to place greater conservation on electricity and water. No place for ‘long water’, but please Finance Minister Jordan, no more new taxes in 2017. At the rate it is going, anything with juice would be subject to tax, not excluding stones.
(5) We would be hoping that with all the money collected in taxes, greater investments are made in roads, bridges and other physical infrastructure. And more attention is placed on getting more poor out of poverty and creating more opportunities for vulnerable youths and women. Oftentimes, these sections seem trapped at the bottom social strata of the society with many falsely seeing hope in the drug-and-crime enterprises. With these funds being transparently and prudently channelled back into the economy, investors’ confidence will improve, the economy will be on a better footing and some of the social problems will be reduced.
(6) And with all the problems in the rice and sugar industries, this year should be one focused on building on strides made in diversification and value-added production. The value-added potential of rice and sugar must be exploited and more attention placed on branding, marketing and supporting locally made products. Youth unemployment has also been high and significant attention this year should be given to supporting small businesses and the creation of new ones. Hopefully, things get brighter in 2017 and more foreign investors come to Guyana and all the efforts to fight crime begin to yield better results.

PPP front-bencher Irfaan Ali

(7) This should be the year, regardless of where we sit on the political fence, all will pay heightened attention to community development, ensuring better roads and streets, cleaner drains, well maintained public buildings and generally a greater community spirit. Communities are better managed when citizens hold district officials to book, and this year they should hold district and town councils accountable for their stewardships. Also, many a time, people complain of being poor, but things will be less hard if they return to kitchen gardens and invest their money in their children’s education. This simple self-empowerment is worth a try.
(8) If we have a great appreciation for the soil, we should have a greater appreciation for Guyana. Neigbouring Venezuela’s appetite for expansion by now is no secret. Imagine they want our entire waterfront by resurrecting a quantum claim after oil was recently discovered here. Guyana forever and not a blade of grass! Hopefully this year, efforts are made to take this matter before the International Court of Justice and Venezuela’s phantom claims are fittingly put to rest once and for all.
(9) Speaking about fitting, we hope that Guyanese high and low, rich and poor, pay more attention to eating healthy and exercise in 2017. This will significantly reduce the billions spent on treating non-communicable diseases every year and it would be great if your

Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally

leaders set an example. Sometimes a walk or a jog will do. But what about a 100-metre race and a high-jump competition between Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally and PPP front-bencher, Irfaan Ali. We always respect their mental agility, but never saw their physical guile put to the test, even though we know a 100-metre race between heavyweights Irfaan Bolt and Amna Fraser-Pryce will be an entertaining but stiff competition.
(10) And last but not least, 2017 should be a year when all look at things broadly, put Guyana first and work together in the interest of all her peoples. A year when we respect each other’s views, heritage and struggles and focus more on our similarities rather than our differences.
Happy 2017, dear readers!

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