The transformation is indeed ‘jaw-dropping’
UNCLE Benji, like many other Guyanese who are returning for the first time having left around the mid 70’s, are flabbergasted at the positive transformation the country has undergone. As stated in previous editions, this was once unimaginable given the indignity and sufferings Guyanese were forced to endure under the previous administration. And this would be an understatement. I am sure that those who experienced the hardships then would agree. Then, the basic freedom of one’s right to freely express his/her self was also taken away.

Young people today would find it inconceivable that such basic freedom was once denied to their parents. When stories are told of the hardships experienced in those days, the current generation balk at the thought of such humiliation meted out to those who raised them. Given that the current generation only knows a high standard of living made possible by the PPP/C administration, some even doubt that such atrocities occurred in the past! Recently, a young lady found it difficult to believe that the populace then was denied something as basic as flour!

Their doubts are based upon the fact that, as young people today, they cannot envisage life without the facilities that they take for granted! Those who are about twenty-two years and under cannot fathom the thought that those who live through the 70s, 80s and early 90s did so with almost no supply of electricity and potable water; without having a car; without television; without phones; without computers and its related services like Facebook etc.; without being able to freely express one’s self; without the KFC’s, Popeye’s, Churches, Royal Castle, Splashmin, etc.; without brand-name clothes and without breakfast cereals and other basic food? Such convincing would be an arduous task!

Try telling your three-year old that he/she must stop watching cartoons. Try telling your spouse that he/she must stop watching all the various soap operas. Try telling your child that he/she must stop driving to University or work. There are so many other examples that can be cited; and if such decisions are implemented, it can erode the adoration your family has for you. This is something you would never contemplate doing under normal circumstances. These simple things which are taken for granted are now a fixed part of the lives of Guyanese and no longer luxuries. Some of this was expounded on in the previous instalment.

Try telling the thousands of Guyanese children who grew up under the PPP/C and who have come to know only flush-toilet facilities, that latrines were a prominent fixture at the back of the yard. Try telling them that, under the previous administration when the nights were dark, given the absence of electricity and when it rained, one had to brave those elements, including being mindful of reptiles that were lurking, to answer nature’s call! Try telling them that the “posey”, which was prominent under the bed, was used as substitute for not having to use the latrines at nights.

While latrines are still being used by some, the fact that the vast majority of the populace have been able to improve their standard of living through the acquisition of modern facilities and technology, is evident of the prosperity Guyanese have come to enjoy under the PPP/C since 1992. This, in addition to the other factors mentioned many times before, like home and vehicle ownership, the presence of all major electrical appliances in homes etc., are further indicators of the PPP/C’s commitment to better the lives of all Guyanese. These are the fruits of their commitment and prudent management.

If one is just to examine the infrastructural development in all communities across the country, such commitment would be glaring. Again, many examples can be cited across the ten Administrative Regions. I would highlight some within subsequent editions. But, as reminder, I would like to begin with Essequibo. Those who lived through the times of the PNC administration and who now traverse the road from Supenaam to Charity, would know how easy life has been made by the PPP/C. That stretch of road was painfully impassable when the PPP/C won the 1992 elections.

Farmers know of the tremendous difficulties in getting their produce to markets then. The same hardships were faced by workers, schoolchildren and all others who used what was termed a “road” in those days! Very few could have afforded to own a car and those who were so fortunate screamed at the cost of maintenance. Of course, spare parts were virtually absent. I recall taking at least four hours to get from Adventure to Charity in the early 90s! Today, it’s under an hour’s drive from Supenaam to Charity, on the newly constructed road. Today, thousands of vehicles are present in Essequibo with many residents now in the taxi business.

Passengers, on arriving at Supenaam, are literally swarmed by drivers. The road, which was constructed by the PPP/C, has vastly improved the lives of Essequibians and has led to the mushrooming of related businesses. The architectural landscape has also been transformed as residents continue to construct modern homes as the county continues to boom, indicative of the economic stability, growth and prosperity which continue unprecedented across the land. This is not confined to Essequibo. The evidence is overwhelming as you travel.

So all can understand why Uncle Benji’s jaw dropped when he visited the coast upon his return. His challenge would be to keep his jaw up as he continues his countrywide tour. The phrase of “dis time nah lang time” has become repetitive as he travels!