IN what must be described as a wide-ranging speech delivered at the ceremonial opening of the nation’s 10th  Parliament, President Donald Ramotar  has outlined what can be described as his   vision for the country’s future development.
In fact, he visited every facet, ranging from the nation’s  economy and  its  current positive position, to the need for Guyana to expand its economic and trade contacts with the world’s emerging economies, among other  very important highlights.
As was expected, and as he has done numerous times since  assuming  the  presidency,  he   has  once again offered  his willingness to work with the political opposition, whilst calling for cooperation  in the interest of the nation’s progress and  development.
However, he warned against gridlock, while strongly emphasising that the government will not be held to ransom.
By now, most Guyanese  would have observed the President’s sincerity,  business-like approach, and  promptness in confronting the important issues, particularly in this epochal period of the  country’s political history. He has been in constant discussions with the principals in attempts at establishing mechanisms for consensual  dialogue that will pave the  way for action on the issues that face the nation.
Experienced politician that he is, he has alluded to the differences there are,  but  assures that with genuineness  and honesty, there will be results. Such heartening assurances should   be the catalyst for the Opposition to get on board and not indulge in any dangerous power play that will obliterate chances for cooperative efforts, thus leading to GRIDLOCK.
The latter will not accrue to the benefit of any side of the political divide, and the Guyanese people and nation as a whole. In fact, the nation stands to lose, should such a political malaise be allowed to occur;  and,  future generations will not judge  those  who  will be responsible for  such a self-defeating posture, especially when realising that it ought  not to have taken place.  One only has to observe similar behaviour on the part of the Republicans in the United States House of Representatives, which majority they control, and  note that  gridlock has been responsible for the economic recovery efforts not being  at full pace as they should by this time. Every single recovery  strategy/programme that President Obama has  promulgated, the Republicans have objected to, simply because they are bent on denying him the prospects of a second term.
Absolutely, President  Donald  Ramotar  and his government want to get on with the business of the nation’s transformation. So much has been achieved since the PPP/C  has  been in office,  that it would be  a terrible mistake  and travesty, on the part of the opposition, to stymie such  great works from which thousands of their constituents  would have benefited.
Just look at the great strides in the housing sector that have given homes to  so many thousands; the  improved roads; a modern health sector that is today providing better health care  delivery services to the nation, even in areas where  none had before existed.
Then there is the education sector, that has evidenced hundreds of new schools being built and refurbished, and with hinterland areas now benefiting from this modern development.  These are only  a  basic  sample of the  plethora of socio-economic developments that have happened in this advancing nation.
Supporters of both opposition parties must let their leaders know that such progress must continue.