GUYANA ENTERS 2011 with much hope and optimism for further advancement, against the odds, in its ongoing social and economic progress. Parliament’s approval on Thursday of an additional $3 billion for an expanded housing development programme is the latest example of a government’s determination to meet the growing needs for housing by Guyanese in various areas.
At the same time, the government would be expected to take into consideration the concerns raised by the parliamentary opposition for the presentation of project profiles in relation to huge sectoral expenditures.
Earlier, in its assessment of continuing growth of the national economy for a fifth consecutive year — quite an impressive performance — the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had noted the country’s “ongoing housing boom.”
Although not at the same pace of progress as may be desired, achievements have also been recorded in other vital social sectors, such as health and education.
Just this past week, acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh, spoke of the strides being made in the area of justice sector reform, a programme which is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Understandably, the Chancellor remains anxious for a quickening of the pace for overall reform in the justice system.
The Guyana Police Force, whose performances some are quick to downgrade, often because of partisan and/or opportunistic politics, has demonstrated its commitment to curbing the spread of criminality that continues to be a major challenge; while the Guyana Defence Force  remains vigilant in ensuring the security and sovereignty of our national borders.
As 2010 was coming to an end, the Guyana Elections Commission was speeding up relevant arrangements for the coming general elections, and to be seen doing so in accordance with the stout commitment of a governance system to free and fair elections that became the norm since 1992 with the return to government of the PPP.
We take this opportunity to express best wishes to all readers for a Happy and Peaceful 2011, as Guyanese looks forward to an even better year — in the economic, social and political areas of our society.