– according to the ‘Man in the Street’
RESOLUTIONS and changes, introspection and reflection…what will 2011 be for you?
The Guyana Chronicle posed this question to young and old, the academic and the average, the working woman and the housewife – a few people from different parts of the country. Here’s what they had to say:
At five, eight and nine, Glenda Williams, Tenicia Jacobs and Naomi Ann are from Santa Mission, a remote settlement in Region Three (West Demerara/ Essequibo Islands), and are just starting life.
In their simple way, they contend that the new year is simply another step towards growing up, another step in the years of life – or rather, the life in our years.
According to Shakespeare: “The silence often of pure innocence persuades when speaking fails.”
It is true.
In their simple way, these youngsters point out that while the new year is a new beginning for many, it should also be seen as another step in the pursuit of one’s life’s goals.
However, in so doing, they agree that one should not lose sight of what it is that really matters: The simple pleasures of life.

According to Field Officer from Guyana Agricultural Producers’ Association (GAPA), Neezam Bhikram, the new year brings about an opportunity to move forward, to continue the work he loves.
“It is a move forward…working with GAPA, we support many farmers. This year, we have new technologies to continue familiarising farmers with…we are hoping for a productive new year and we are looking forward to working with farmers and lending them the support we can,” he said.
Bhikram, from Region Five (Demerara/Mahaica) added that staying focused and recognising that there is a time for everything helps one to achieve his goals.

In Laluni, a community just off the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway, in Region Ten (Upper Demerara/ Berbice), Mrs. Dularie Harpal, has made her living for more than 40 years.
She told the Guyana Chronicle that the new year is another day in life for her.
“At my age, I don’t have much to do…you clean house lil and things like that…me and Patrick (her parrot) relaxing now,” Mrs. Harpal said.

At Bath Settlement in Region Five is Mr. Imtiaz Mohammed, a farmer for years, who has not reached the age where he can “relax” just yet.
However, Mohammed stressed that his life is an exact fit for him and his family.
He noted that there are no major plans for the new year.
“Is simple man, continue the farming I do and look after my family…live happy, basically,” he said.
Mohammed stated that being able to love, laugh and live is the bottom line of living, regardless if it is a new year.
“This is what we do every day,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that it will not always be a bed of roses, but maintained that being able to persevere through it all yields results in the end.

A working woman from Lusignan, in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica), Mrs. Indranie Dianand, stated that with the new year comes more hard work, making a living, as she termed it.
“I have been working for years now…I like working…the new year is another day to do more,” she said.

Head of the Research Unit at the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), Dr. Raghunath Chandranauth, stated that while the new year is simply another day, it presents new ideas and new opportunities to realise different goals.
“Personally I think with new beginnings we have new opportunities to start with a clean slate..we can reflect on the past year of success and failures, and look to the new year with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment,” he said.

The Coordinator of the National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS), Ms. Shameeza Mangal, said the new year represents a chance to pursue further success, be it in one’s family life or in one’s professional career.
“They say the journey of a thousand miles begin with one step; so it is all about persevering…for the young people especially, there are a lot of opportunities opening up so they have a chance to do more,” she said.
Mangal stressed that new beginnings are chances to go after dreams.

Regional Chairman of Region Three, Julius Faerber, said 2011 will be better, but only if one works hard.
“There are lots of opportunity…we can look at the chances we have and work hard,” he said.
According to him, the new year, a new start, presents a challenge and once an individual is committed to working hard, success will come.

A teacher at the Goed Fortuin Primary School, Region Three, Emanuel Narine said 2011 is another year, marking the passage of time and people should recognise and appreciate time.
“Life is short…people should recognise that and they should live in love,” he said.
The new year, each new day, is a new chance, a new opportunity, to “live”.
“My wish is for self-realisation,” he said, “For some folks ,when they lose a loved one, it is then that they realise how short life is. Narine stressed that new beginnings are about change, a new year or new day is an opportunity to do something different – to live.