AND so begins this new year of 2023 with greater possibilities for this nation to continue to rise magnificently. If one had said decades ago that this is where we would be today, it would have seemed like a fairytale.

But here we are on the threshold of becoming the richest small nation in this hemisphere.
And as I stood in my garden on this cool morning, breathing in the fresh air blowing in from the Atlantic and listening to the twittering birds on the flowering trees, I said to myself, “It’s a blessing being here.”

This was home, for me, in the beautiful tropical country of Guyana; a country that has come a long way from independence as it charted its destiny through challenges, stumbles, and hurdles sometimes too high to cross. It caused people to begin migrating in search of a better life but I did not leave. I stayed.

I stayed through the hard times, I stayed though jobs were hard to get when there was not enough food on the table. I stayed, although I did not see a bright future in pursuit of my career. North America, the land of dreams and opportunities beckoned and so began the gradual exodus for a poor, broken country that had not much to offer.

I had paintbrushes in my hand but could not see them, vibrant colours in my vision so the canvas remained blank, yet something held me back from taking that life-changing journey.
What was it?

Was it such a deep love for this place called home?
History has taught us many interesting stories of our past, of the ships that brought our ancestors to these shores, to plantation life. The blood, sweat, and tears as they worked with unbroken resolve to build the foundation we inherited in this green land that became home. Yet, now to leave for a foreign land?

I wondered about the motherland with tears in her eyes and worn fabric on her body needing her sons and daughters to hold her hands so one day she could smile again and be dressed in fine clothes.

As a young girl, then, my mind had not encompassed everything about the country’s history and geographical landscapes so I read as many books and magazines as I could have gotten my hands on and I discovered many interesting facts, places, and stories. This country seemed to be a hidden paradise the world did not know of with astounding mountain ranges, endless savannahs, pristine rainforest, majestic waterfalls, and exotic flora and fauna. It was a country to love and be proud of but its weak economy could not hold back those who wanted a better life and the young intellectuals with big dreams.

But nothing stays the same for time wrought changes.
I stayed and ventured into a small business to become self-independent. The business did well despite a shortage of stocks to sell and I managed to assist some poor people in the neighbourhood and financed a few children’s education. It was quite challenging to survive in those tough times and people continue to leave. I lost many close friends and some family to migration and my heart sometimes ached when I think of the good times we spent together. But life goes on for all it’s worth.

Decades passed as the country started to make gradual steps in reshaping its destiny for hopes created new days and belief set the tone and pace for a better tomorrow. There was a long way to go but a country with great potential was making progress toward a promising future. Many who had left and come back to visit were surprised by the development, some making welcomed investments and others charitable donations to the less fortunate.

The mother now had a smile on her face, a sparkle in her eyes, and no more tears.
Then came oil.

And began the rapid rise of a nation beyond all expectations.
Who could have thought decades ago that a fairytale story could have become a reality?

I always had a love for this country that’s home but now my heart is filled with happiness and I can see now all the vibrant colours to paint on my canvas. My first portrait would be the motherland in her unique beauty for now she glows with a beautiful smile and is dressed in rich silk.