DEAR Guyanese Brothers and Sisters,It is that time of the year when we reflect on the past 12 months and look ahead to the 12 before us. 2015 has been a challenging year, but it was one in which the indomitable will of the Guyanese people could not be defeated.
At the dawn of 2015, we knew that our country was heading towards Regional and General Elections. The prorogation of the Parliament and the tabling of the ‘No Confidence’ motion against the PPP Government had set in motion the train of change. On February 14, when we signed the Cummingsburg Accord with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), it became a clarion call for national unity. You heard and responded in your numbers. Your voice, sounded through your vote, sent the message that Guyana would no longer be divided. By giving your support to the AFC+APNU coalition, you elected a government to reconcile all our people, and one to work for the equitable and sustainable development of all Guyanese.
With your continued support we will achieve these goals. In 2015, with your involvement we started the process of restoring Guyana to a place of beauty and cleanliness. Massive amounts of garbage accumulated over many years of neglect were removed. Open spaces are being restored, where our children can play, our young people can engage in healthy exercises, and our elderly can relax in easy camaraderie.
This project, and its continued maintenance, will not be confined to Georgetown. It has already being replicated in communities all across Guyana. This year 2015 we also welcomed the announcement that three new towns will be added to our list of municipalities, including Guyana’s first ‘Green Town’ – Bartica. In fact, the green revolution has begun, as we continue to find and examine the potential value of a number of promising hydro-power sites and other avenues of renewable energy.
This, however, would not counter our efforts towards becoming an oil producing nation. Indeed, we were very elated when international oil exploration giant, ExxonMobil, announced in May 2015 that it had made a significant hydrocarbon discovery within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Similarly, we were elated when we learnt that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) had surpassed its 2015 production target for the first time in over seven (7) years. Rice and gold production also surpassed their set targets this year, which bodes well for our future.
Security of people and their property remains a matter of major concern. There is a great deal of urgency that accompanies this issue, which remains at the forefront of every national agenda. We were very heartened to learn that the Guyana Police Force was recently able to slow down the spate of serious crimes, and we look forward to more laudable results from Operation Dragnet, which was implemented in Q4 2015. For these and other successes, the Alliance for Change lauds the valiant efforts of every Guyanese at home and abroad.
We are very encouraged by your commitment to realize the development of our nation socially, economically, politically. The New Year 2016 holds much promise. We believe that the dream of a good life for all Guyanese can be realised. It is the year of our Golden Jubilee. It must be a bright and golden year for all of our people to benefit from increased production in our productive sectors. It must bring golden opportunities for our young people, peaceful years for our elderly, and shining performances from our sports men and women. The AFC takes this opportunity to thank you, Guyana, for your tremendous support in 2015. We look forward to working together with you, to continue serving you in 2016 in order to place you firmly on the road to the good life.
A Golden 2016 to all!
End.