We need to modernise our thinking

Dear Editor

In my view, a man who says “I can” or says “I cannot” are usually both right. Confucius, yes!!
Reflecting on the political landscape in Guyana for decades, we witness the coils and twisted deceit that are played within the political arena, where destructive rhetoric used by both major political parties, can effectively separate a great nation even though they collectively preach (One People ,One Nation, One Destiny). For me, I am left to ponder on the clause ‘One Destiny’, what exactly is Guyana’s destiny?

We were once known as the Bread Basket of the Caribbean, a city with such untouched beauty we could’ve rivalled many of the Garden Cities throughout the World, but when did we lose our Destiny? Can you imagine a nation that was blessed with natural wealth beyond any comparison yet we couldn’t harness and maximise its potential. This is where we failed in foreseeing our destiny? ‘WE’ as citizens have failed collectively, and I say WE the people; the Government, Civil Society, everyone working hard to ensure a dollar can turn into bountiful wealth. We were not courageous enough to stop the corruption and lawlessness, but this current administration took the lead. A new era has dawned upon us, where accountability and transparency is demanded. Through the coalition government being in power they took up the responsibility and guided the country in a more productive direction, where the destiny of a more sustainable economy can be realized.

The then spokesman from the parking meter place (SCS), had vented his opinion on the psychological thinking of some Guyanese people, with some harsh words and I Quote: “You’re Not Progressive, You’re a freeloader, you lack the intestinal fortitude to control your own Destiny, You all possess the mentality of slaves, indenture servant, incapable to generate wealth and building capacity.”

This comment was offensive to all sectors of the Guyanese society it was a criticism that shouldn’t be made public, from any company trying to market themselves or their product to an inexperience country or economy.

But as I angrily reflected on his comment subconsciously, sadly the reality why the masses found this offensive can be seen. Ask yourself “Have we been progressive?” “Have we generated wealth equally for our people?” “Have we modernised from old systems and culture?” and lastly “Have we harnessed the potential of this GREAT nation to fulfill Our destiny?” The Guyanese Slang ‘this is Guyana boy’ is mostly referenced when trying to grasp the nonsense and irregularities that we see every day, BUT should ‘This be Guyana Boy’! be a continuum of backward culture, the answer is NO!!, we must remove the primitive thinking of ‘this is a third world Country we ain’t ready for that kind of development ‘, should we wait another fifty years for development?

In over 23 year, MAPM (Moving Against Parking Meters) has proven to be the greatest mobilisation of people for a ‘ Political Cause ‘ however more or less this can be viewed as being bias. I must congratulate the coalition government for responsibly addressing their concerns without teargas and pellets. The MAPM’s intention for rational dialogue on the parking project is clear, which is to revoke the contract. But this is a more irresponsible behaviour and hopefully the coalition government doesn’t lead this path, because the legalities behind the programme would plunge the country into more debt, hence the government wouldn’t be given a grade ‘A’; for this. We as a nation should be aggressive in seeking development not only for a five-year projection but for hundred years to come. We should be looking forward to building something massive for our future generations, demanding more from our investors and government. I am happy that a common ground was agreed on with government and the parking meter fiasco. Hopefully, we have acquired some knowledge from this situation, and will continue to improve on how we transact business with accountability and transparency. Gradually I know that as Guyanese, we will find our destiny as a nation, it may not be ten years from now, but with continuous development we will get there, continue to be aggressive peaceful, demand more, but let’s be more cohesiveness dwell in our mindset.

Regards

Don Ince

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