TODAY marks the beginning of the New Year. 2016 will record three major landmarks: the nation’s 50th Anniversary of Independence; the new government’s budget for an entire fiscal year, which is expected to markedly set the tone of its developmental agenda; and the long-awaited Local Government Elections (LGE), scheduled for March.With independence in 1966, Guyanese were, for the first time, able to develop their own Constitution to manage their affairs. As we welcome this year with pomp and ceremony, the spirit and intent of our motto of One People, One Nation, One Destiny cannot be allowed to go unnoticed. Guyana was created out of a land of six peoples, who, irrespective of the circumstances for their presence, have all, through their unique cultures, played a role in shaping this nation and guiding its destiny.

We are one in spirit and nationality. We are Guyanese. As such, national unity can only be premised on the establishment, maintenance, and development of concepts and programmes that allow for the celebration, involvement, and support of our diversity.

In pursuit of forging national unity, unfortunately, such has not been without experience of a public posture of talking past each other, rather than talking with each other. In talking past each other, time is not taken to understand each other’s perspective, and conversation is devoid of empathy or interaction; which ultimately does not foster healthy relations, solve problems, or craft solutions. When we talk with each other, time is taken to listen, understand, empathise; and, where necessary, agreement is formed on a common course of action. In a diverse society such as ours, harmonious relations, peaceful co-existence and development are dependent on the adoption of the latter and rejection of the former.

We are reminded by President David Granger that, in 1966, Guyana was born a broken nation and the country was divided. This jubilee would be an opportunity for us to come together again and strengthen national unity. The optimist in us would recall the exuberance of political independence, and the potential it posed for building a new nation.

Notwithstanding political differences between two of the nation’s Founding Fathers, Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan and Mr. Linden F.S. Burnham S.C, their embrace at the National Park on the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead marked the flicker that ignited a new flame for nationalism. It is to this we must now return.

We believe that every Guyanese desires national unity, although there are differences in how this should be achieved and maintained. In heterogeneous societies such as ours, diversity is a natural component, and is welcomed. Unity is dependent on adherence to instruments that are premised on equality, dignity, and respect for all; and are upheld by all. Some of these are the Guyana Constitution, Laws of Guyana, international, conventions and charters.

To this end, the preparation of the National Budget brings with it opportunity for partnership with various stakeholders, inclusive of the ten administrative regions, municipalities and neighbourhood democratic councils, which are important in bringing about poverty alleviation and helping the government in arriving at a national development policy, programme and strategy. This also bodes well for Guyana playing her part in the United Nations’ post-2015 development agenda, “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”

After more than 15 years, Guyanese will have LGE. This is a welcome step. LGE means that power will be placed in the hands of people and their leaders at the grassroots levels, to manage the business of their communities. Citizens are encouraged to get involved in the process of identifying and electing their representatives to operate on their behalf, which would bring an end to the era of leaders being foisted upon them.

In embracing this New Year, resolutions will be made. Some will be broken and some will be kept. Ours is the hope that, as Guyana commences events to mark its jubilee, freedom will also bring with it appreciation for critique of self and others, and greater tolerance to diverse views and dissent as we strengthen our determination for nation building.

As the nation matures, so, too, must its citizens. Like other open and democratic societies critique allows for introspection, which allows for growth that comes from acknowledgement that none is perfect, knows it all, can do it all, is above reproach; and that by working together as a team, we are stronger on the domestic and foreign fronts.
Happy Jubilee to Guyana and all Guyanese!