NO individual is perfect. The same is also true of a society. And since society is made up people who are diverse in the way they think and behave, it is only normal for people to be critical of actions taken by government and policy makers.

All of that is normal and perhaps good for the society, especially when such criticisms are grounded in objectivity and facts.

This point was made by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who, in his message to the nation in observance of the 52nd anniversary of our Republican status, identified a number of issues which are essential for the realisation of the vision of ‘One Guyana.’

To advance our One Guyana vision, we must, as a society, have healthy debates, exchange of views and critical examination of policies, programmes, initiative and plans.

These discussions, according to President Ali, must not be based on selfish agenda, biasness, perception, propaganda and feelings. Instead, they must be rooted in facts and a pragmatic understanding of what is required in a changing Guyana.

The President identified a number of areas which we as a people we must understand our role, responsibility and function. Among these is the need to exhibit a positive attitude and a positive outlook. As pointed out by the President, the ‘chronic naysayers’ will find fault with everything the government does. With a positive mindset, it is possible to strengthen every decision and policy to deliver the best possible outcome for all.

Guyana is advancing at a rapid pace and with it must come changes in the way we think and the way we act. Indeed, the scale of development dictates, as observed by President Ali, that our thought processes address more complex and dynamic issues.

Another critical element identified by President Ali is that of character. This is fundamental to our own sense of being and other national identity. And while it is true that our ancestors came to the shores of Guyana from several distant lands, the fact of our reality is that we now live in a geographic space called Guyana which is a sovereign state second to none in terms of beauty and diversity. We are defined by our character and it behooves us as a people to project the best image to the international community as a rules-based and law governed society where the will of the people is the basis of rule and governance.

There was a time when our image was severely battered by undemocratic and incompetent rule by the then PNC regime. That image is now changing which is why we have to further deepen our democracy to reflect our diversity.

Put in another way, we have to, in a conscious and purposeful way, change the narrative of Guyana. We live in a small world, what is now referred to as a global village and what happens in one part of the world could have an impact on the rest of the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought home this reality in a direct way, touching the lives and livelihoods of people all over the world. The same is true for climate change and even though much of it resulted from the actions of the industrialised world, the effects are felt in all countries, big and small.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to being realistic and objective. We have to know our limits and must never be too big to seek help when needed. Guyana has benefitted tremendously in so many ways from our international partners and friends, not least of which was the assistance we received in the fight against the COVID-19 virus.

President Ali has pointed the way forward for a better and more secure Guyana. There is no better time than now to embrace the vision of President Ali as we observe and celebrate our republican status.