PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s national enhancement programme is picking up momentum. This programme, along with several initiatives by First Lady Arya Ali to beautify Guyana, have already contributed immensely to the new and changing landscape of Guyana, particularly in the city of Georgetown which is gradually being transformed into the “Garden City,” which it was revered as in the olden days.

The regions are also not being left behind. In almost every region of Guyana, citizens are coming together voluntarily to play their part in supporting central government and regional and district councils. Only recently a few residents of Region Six came together and erected a sign with the words, “I Love New Amsterdam” boldly and conspicuously displayed at the Esplanade Park.

A similar structure was earlier erected in the city of Georgetown at Kingston, which has now become a tourist attraction. People from all walks of life, including overseas visitors, would stop at the site to take out pictures of the eye-catching “I LOVE GUYANA” sign, some of which are posted on the various social media platforms.

And in a related development, the Ministry of Public Works has issued a directive for persons to have all derelict objects and encumbrances removed from our roadways, or will have the bear the cost of such removal should they refuse to do so. Apart from the hazards posed to traffic and the health and well-being of citizens, this exercise also forms part of the national enhancement efforts of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration.

These are indeed encouraging developments, especially as the country is now becoming an increasingly attractive tourist destination. At a recent enhancement exercise in East Ruimveldt, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, urged citizens to be responsible for their environment. According to the minister, everyone should be responsible for his or her own immediate environment.

“We all know how when we are in a clean environment how we feel uplifted,” Minister Walrond said, adding: “We don’t want our children to grow up in a city, in a country that disregards our health and safety.”

The minister was joined by several other dignitaries and government officials, including Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force.

The fact is that there is a growing sense of pride in Guyana, fuelled by a belief that Guyana is no longer a “pariah” state as was the case under the previous PNC administration. There is now growing optimism by citizens as the country is now firmly progressing along the path of development and prosperity.

Indeed, the image and economic profile of the country are changing as the political, economic and social life of the country becomes further consolidated and transformed in positive ways.

The latest Bank of Guyana report showed that the economy is becoming much stronger and resilient, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and adverse global impact following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

That growth is attributable to sustained production in the oil and gas sector, but also to positive output performances in the non-oil sectors.

As pointed out by President Ali: “Our economy is becoming stronger; it is rebounding from the two-year-long effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses, both local and foreign, are capitalizing on the unfolding opportunities, and in the process, generating jobs and providing incomes for our citizens.”

The growth and development of Guyana is the result of several interacting variables, not least of which is the direct participation of citizens in the political, social and economic life of the country.

This is why it is so important for all citizens to get involved, regardless of political or cultural differences. This country belongs to all Guyanese in equal measure and there no point in projecting a false narrative of perceived “marginalization” of any segment of the population, as some opposition elements are alleging.

President Ali had established a framework for all Guyanese to become involved in the exciting task of nation-building. His vision of “One Guyana” has resonated well with all Guyanese across the political, ethnic and cultural divides.

Indeed, this is the only way in which as a country and as a people we can lift this nation to greatness. And for this, we owe a debt of gratitude to the President for his vision and perspicacity on the way forward for Guyana.