GUYANA today is a democratic society characterised by political and ideological pluralism, multiculturalism, cultural and ethnic diversity and the rule of law. There is also freedom of expression and freedom of the press. This is what makes us unique and distinct from most countries in the English-speaking Caribbean which in the main are homogeneous and mono-cultural.  Despite our pluralism and diversity, we are basically a cohesive society in which all ethnic groups exist and co-exist in a harmonious state.
There is full appreciation and respect for our cultural and religious diversity and there is full separation of state and religion. In other words, there is no state-sponsored religion and the constitution makes provision for complete freedom of worship, or for that matter, freedom not to belong to any religion if so inclined. There is separation of powers among the three arms of the state – the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary.
These are indeed the hallmarks of a modern and rules-based society which, unfortunately, was not always the case. Guyana has advanced over the past two decades from authoritarian and undemocratic rule to one in which there is complete freedom of expression and, more fundamentally, freedom to elect a government of one’s choice in elections that are not only free and fair but also free from fear.
This is why we have to guard against those in our society who sought to downplay our achievements and create the impression that we are worse off as a nation than we were in past years. This smacks not only of intellectual dishonesty, but represents a clear attempt at distorting historical facts regarding our political and constitutional evolution.
We are not, admittedly, a perfect society which makes it imperative for us all to continue the search for a more inclusive and participatory democracy where every Guyanese, regardless of ethnic or political affiliation, becomes an active participant in this exciting task of nation-building.