WHAT took place in May, 2015 represented a significant watershed in the history of modern Guyana politics.

First, it was the first time that a coalition party, representing a platform for national unity contested national and regional elections, since 1966, and won. Second, the majority results, although very slim for the victorious A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)+Alliance for Change (AFC) party, recorded a message, that was quite clear enough to the nation–that Guyanese finally recognised the need for a new political understanding that had been long overdue for a nation that has been experiencing ethnic challenges for the last 50 years and more, and that it was time to depart this dangerous shore.

At least, two former ministers from the defeated Peoples Progressive Party/Civic(PPP/C) party, acknowledged post-election opinions along such lines. Undoubtedly, there may have been other party-affiliated persons of a similar view, that although expressed in private, perhaps out of timidity and party loyalty, were afraid to speak in public. There was euphoria, as the general nation expressed huge sighs of relief, after emerging from over two decades of a nightmare that had left its unimaginable damage to the national socio-economic structures, while undermining the important institutions of state. It was evident that a huge, unbearable burden had been lifted from the nation’s shoulders; its citizens had been disrespected in unimaginable ways; materially and psychologically as they witnessed their country’s resources mismanaged, unheard of, in the wider CARICOM.

It was a new day, and Guyanese basked in its arrival, as evidenced by the spontaneous response that they gave by taking full control of their respective communities, by participating in the national clean – up exercise. What was quite clear was that the Guyanese people wanted a new day, and a new life, with an entirely different understanding of governance, with leaders listening to their concerns, and not discriminating against any citizen on the basis of race. For them, government must mean working together with all citizens, irrespective of ethnicity and party affiliation, for the common good, giving everyone a fair share of the national pie; and a sense of belonging to their country with deep-rooted patriotism.

It was with this understanding that the coalition government accepted the mandate of the people, all the people that is, from whatever region of Guyana; with the solemn responsibilities to govern this nation, in accordance with the wishes of the people.
There was a nation to lead and govern; a nation to mend; a nation to rescue from the precipice; and a nation to be healed. This was the solemn task that the coalition has undertaken since 2015, despite the challenges from the many quarters, allied with the political opposition, bent on perpetuating the old order. Despite the many criticisms, there is a new Guyana that is on the rise, and has risen, with so many national programmes that have been renewing communities with roads and bridges; electricity and water for the first time; empowerment initiatives designed to make communities and their citizens employable; a minimum wage that has risen by 50 percent; and Old Age Pension increase by 49 per cent and reduced costs for house lot.

Specifically, the nation’s agriculture, long held hostage to the traditional cash crop culture, is gathering pace for the exponential transition to agro-processing. The recent UNCAPPED exhibition, with its display of natural products derived from Guyanese agriculture produce, and other types held in Region Three, has revealed the overwhelming potential that such a new vista holds for Guyanese farmers and other business types.

Besides, as a groundbreaking project, there are now six radio stations broadcasting to hinterland regions and their communities; and large-scale roads and bridges construction, designed to effectively reduce the material distance between those regions and coastal Guyana. There are also large-scale agriculture projects, coupled with agro-processing facilities that will usher in community self-sufficiency. There are so many, numerous bright examples of a country that is on the move, but it is a mission for the betterment of country and citizens that must continue; one which the current coalition government must resolved to ensure, not only for this generation, but for future ones.