SOME would have difficulty in seeing the many positives that culminate from the slothful traffic that thousands of commuters encounter every day in many parts of the country and from the frequent failures by the Georgetown Mayor & City Council to remove the mountains of garbage that often accumulate.
These situations would automatically lead to citizens becoming saturated with disgust and frustration. This is only natural. After all, no one wants to be stuck in traffic and to endure the stench emanating from garbage piles.
However, this must be put in perspective. The situations mentioned and which are just a mere two examples, have become increasingly exacerbated over time, specifically since the PPP/C administration took office in 1992. These increases have been even more rapid over the last decade and have been directly proportional to the progress and transformation the country has seen and experienced over the same period.
Guyana’s history will show that prior to 1992, generally, citizens were unable to acquire motorised transportation. Not only were they so incapacitated, but the then fiscal, social and infrastructural conditions ensured that any such desire for acquisition was an elusive dream.
The conditions created then by the regime, ensured a total absence of disposable income for the masses. This negated any aspiration for the accumulation of wealth which would have empowered them to acquire assets.
In addition, not only were interest rates inhumanely high, but the said regime failed to provide an enabling environment to allow commercial banks to offer special loans and rates so as to provide the citizenry with opportunities for self development. To put it mildly, that oppressive regime not only lacked vision, but was devoid of any semblance of care for the populace. Further, its oppressive nature ensured that the people were not only in bondage with regards to self advancement and freedom of expression, but the vast majority could simply not access basic food due to its unavailability.
Much has been said about the extremely high levels of poverty that existed then and the woefully atrocious conditions people were forced to endure. As a result, only a few managed to own vehicles which were challenging and costly to maintain. Related damage was routine due to impassable roads resulting in dilapidated vehicles. Similarly, with the absence of basic food items and the lack of variety of what obtains now, very little garbage accumulated.
Then, it was easy for people to manage their garbage and vehicle traffic congestions were inconceivable. If there was any congestion, it may have been among pedestrians who had no alternative but to walk.
Today, things are vastly different. Traffic congestions are part of everyday life and, unfortunately, due to the Georgetown Mayor & City Council’s inefficiency and mismanagement, so is the garbage pile-up. What these two examples have proven is that, not only are Guyanese now in possession of much disposable income, but that the enabling conditions have been created by this administration for people’s personal progress.
As a result of visionary leadership, commercial banks are offering affordable loans for the acquisition of vehicles, homes and other personal amenities. These loans are easily manageable given the frequent and sizeable increases in wages and salaries since 1992. What is pellucid is that this overwhelming personal advancement by Guyanese within the last two decades is not confined to the affluent elite as was seen during the last administration. Today, tens of thousands of Guyanese from all levels of the financial spectrum have increased their assets, both fixed and movable. Some families have acquired more than one vehicle. Today, students, especially those attending tertiary institutions, drive their own.
In many cases, a family is no longer dependent on the usually male head to transport them. Mothers and other family members are now empowered alternatives. Records show that more than 1,000 vehicles are being registered per month. This rapid rate of registration vindicates the prudent efforts to manage and sustain a growing economy for the betterment of all. Consequently, given that a significant number of Guyanese now own a vehicle, the roadways will become congested despite the many new roads that were built and hundreds of others rehabilitated.
With a now open and free market economy, commodities and food products are imported hassle-free from various parts of the world. This has ensured that all Guyanese have equal access to a wide variety of food items. No longer are food and food products only available in North America or Europe. They are now easily available in local outlets.
No longer are Guyanese confined to just purchasing the basics. Shoppers often splurge on many other items as they continue to advance their lives in a fast growing country. With more food being bought and consumed, it is only natural refuse will increase.
While developments have continued unabated, it is unfortunate that those in charge of managing the city have failed to keep abreast with the related expansion. Their lack of vision, which is a remnant of the past regime, has resulted in much inconvenience to the city’s tax payers.
Guyana’s economic and social developments are irrefutable.
Unfortunately, the old cliché haunts; “success breeds enemies” and now, with freedom of expression, the naysayers are also part of life. This is another indication of the developments which have taken place.
It is therefore conscionable to conclude that the Opposition and their mouthpieces in some sections of the media are grossly dishonest and unconscionable even though they enjoy the traffic congestions and contribute immeasurably to the garbage build-up.