TO say that the Opposition in Guyana have failed miserably to see the bigger picture with regards to the country’s rapid advancement would be a gross understatement. While it seems logical to conclude that such noticeable deficiency can be attributed to adherence to their natural role as naysayers, their unenlightened and ill-informed pronouncements have once again confirmed their obvious lack of ability to comprehend issues pertaining to the development of Guyana and its people.
Their woeful lack of basic knowledge was further demonstrated by their failure to engage meaningfully in the 2011 Budget debate. If their presentations during the last two weeks are anything to be guided by, then it further confirms their helplessness in contributing to Guyana’s progression. This is not surprising. This has been the hallmark of those who occupy the western side of the National Assembly.
Their constant regurgitation of “lack of progress” has been debunked many times over. Not only has their misguided rhetoric been dismissed verbally, but by the overwhelming and irrefutable evidence of the country’s transformation. It is obvious that the Opposition, who are also paid by taxpayers and who have received increased emoluments, are hell-bent in trying to hoodwink the nation into believing their falsehoods.
What they have tried to avoid is that Guyanese are no longer in bondage as was the case during the regime of the main opposition party which ended in 1992.
Back then, that party tried to brainwash Guyanese into believing that Guyana was progressing when in fact it was bankrupt and oppressive. Those who had the courage to relentlessly oppose the wrath of that regime served as a beacon of enlightenment and hope to the masses. Their pain and efforts culminated with the `Dawn of a New Era’ on October 05, 1992 — the day when Guyanese were liberated from the clutches of dictatorship.
Unprecedented development followed with Guyana no longer branded and stigmatised as a poor country. Now, it’s a developing country so categorised along with emerging superpowers, China and India. Some analysts are of the view that Guyana’s innumerable developments may be disproportionate to the short period of time of materialisation. Two decades are yet to elapse since the PPP/C administration took this once insolvent nation to the road of prosperity.
It was not an easy task given the financial and infrastructural ruins this administration met 18 years ago. The immeasurable progress during this time could have only been achieved through astute leadership and prudence as demonstrated by President Bharrat Jagdeo and his Cabinet. This has resulted in vastly improved lives of the Guyanese people. With a stable economy with sustained annualised real growth, many in the Diaspora who were forced to flee their homeland when the PNC/R authoritarian regime was in office, have been returning to their now prosperous land of their birth.
This is indicative of not only the country’s progress, but the respect which has been restored through relentless efforts by the President and his predecessors in this administration. Guyana’s international profile has now reached unprecedented levels. This will further be enhanced by various projects including the specialist hospital which will soon be realised.
In this regard, President Jagdeo is currently engaged in related discussions in India. Not only would this provide cheaper local access to health services that were once unimaginable, but will provide an alternative to those overseas.
This is visionary planning. This is the hallmark of this administration. The many developmental projects that have been completed and those that are ongoing are designed to benefit all Guyanese. Today, all can testify to this.
Unfortunately, like the proverbial ostrich, the opposition parties will continue to bury their heads as they try to deny the continuous progress seen since 1992. Their buried heads are not only a manifestation of their foolish attempts in trying to be oblivious of the developments that surround them, but to hide shame.
They are ashamed to face their constituents and try to deny such progress. Given their narrow-mindedness and their trait of non-cooperation, they will find it difficult to openly concede that this administration has brought prosperity to all, including them.
They fail to understand that all have benefited, including their constituents. With their heads in the sand, they cannot see the bigger picture of an increasingly prospering Guyana which is gradually taking its rightful place as a leader on many fronts.
Buried heads do indeed render the eyes blind!