MANY times one has to wonder about the figmented reasons for attacking the Guyana government and for painting a sombre and ominous picture of Guyana. Never before has there been a better social and political milieu in Guyana.
For example, during the obnoxious and intimidating heyday of the previous regime, fear stalked the land. The Burnham/Hoyte-led PNC used partisan politics to separate the two major ethnic groups, that is, the East Indians and the Africans. Many times, detractors of the PPP would allude to Burnham’s magic and intellectuality, but one has to question the use of this ‘magic and intellectuality.’ Did it bring Guyana anything good in the realm of a better society and more positively engaging politics?
One can simply look back and cite mass nationalisation, failed and useless projects (Sanata Textile, MMA, the Old GMC etc.), food shortages, transportation problems, and of course farcical elections. It was during these days (prior to the post 1992 era) that illegal trading, back-tracking, and corruption all started (and eventually entrenched itself) in Guyana. One can never forget the ‘flour/split peas’ policemen Guyana turned out then. Now in Guyana, there are no ‘food’ lines, no ‘Hope Estate’ weeding gangs, and no ‘coercion’ to support a party or a cause. Clearly, this is a case of healing for all Guyana. One only has to remember the 2006 elections and notice how far Guyana has come under the PPP/C.
A very noteworthy observation which deserves highlighting is that of the new electioneering culture across Guyana. Prior to 1992, elections in Guyana were ‘a big joke.’ The periods of campaigning were saturated with fear, and it is still fresh in people’s minds the riotous behavioural patterns of the PNC-endorsed police, soldiers and henchmen (e.g. The House of Israel). During those days, all opposing parties and citizens of the PNC lived in dread. After all, even Burnham used to joke about the times, and be quite jocular about his evil machinations. On one occasion in 1979, the ‘evil incarnate’ himself laughed about how Dr. Rodney would do well at any Olympics, seeing he ‘ran’ and ‘jumped’ a fence for fear and protection of his life. So what are the critics complaining about?
To close, one only has to bring to mind some of the many constructive things currently happening in Guyana. Right now, the government is engaged in healthy discussions with various employees in the public sector. One such area of benefit is the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers’ Union. Teachers are now enjoying a better salary scale, quality training and upgrading, long-term benefit packages and prioritized attention in many personal endeavours (e.g. housing). This example is just a great omen for the citizens of Guyana. And just in case one thinks that this is a case of isolation, then do the check.
There are more hospitals and diagnostic centres now than at any other time in the country’s history. More medical professionals are at the people’s disposal. The international pronouncement on the success of the AIDS programme in Guyana was most excellent. So why the fussing and fretting?