TIME will tell whether the tripartite participants elected to Guyana’s 10th parliamentary session seize the unique opportunity to come together for the good of the country and to the benefit of a better life for all Guyanese.  There has been no better time in the recent past when the factors for prosperity have lined up as favourably for Guyana. The developed world is still reeling from the global financial melt-down and ongoing structural fractures.  Whereas the developing world has, on the whole, weathered the storms much better.
While the middle class in the developed world has been devastated as evidenced by: the housing crisis and high unemployment in the States; by the ongoing financial crisis in the EU, which could well flare at any moment and result in another down leg for the world economy; and by the social unrest reflected in riots in Europe and movements like Occupy Wall Street – the developing world has been coming into its own through: its adaptation of technology; its younger population; and the movement of service as well as manufacturing jobs to lower wage jurisdictions as a result of globalization.
Guyana is well placed in its proximity to one BRIC country and with its historical relations with the others.  And as the only English speaking country on the South American continent it can be a gateway to growing regional markets.  But it will require a will in the country to put aside partisan bickering and finally deliver on the often wistfully eulogised potential of the country.
So let us just take the best tack and just say, on the face of it, it can be tentatively taken  that Guyana’s 10th parliamentary session is off to somewhat of a promising start with the ceremonial opening last Friday.  Civility was there, participants expressed good intentions and a favourable wind is gathering at the country’s back.  The wellbeing and progress of the country significantly balances on the will of this House and committees to focus on the greater good.  Brinksmanship and gridlock will not bode well.
Drawing on this background, President Ramotar delivered his vision for the country, his broad objectives for 2012-2016, and challenges facing the country as it moves forward.  The President also recapped past successes and his administration’s intent to build on them.
Ramotar committed his administration to the exercise of patience, forbearance and reasonableness in the interest of all our people, but noted that it would not be held ransom by intractable postures. While political competition and diversity are essential in a democracy, this should not preclude compromise and consensus, he said.  The President added that history will tell if Guyana will be held up as a model to the world of tripartite cooperation or another failed attempt.  His hope is that we can work together and that history will record that we succeeded at this time when we were put to the test.
The President concluded, “This10th parliament can go down in history as being the one that can see us firmly on the highway to peace, progress and prosperity.”
Outlining the country’s favourable positioning,  Ramotar said that Guyana is poised for a rapid take off. The country’s abundant fresh water and arable land puts it in a good position to serve the growing need for food, the price of which has been and will continue to rise.  According to the UN, there are 7 billion mouths to feed and this is rapidly rising.
To ensure that our exports are competitive, market access has to be improved.  Transport costs have to be lowered. A deep-water harbour, roads and bridges to Suriname and Brazil are high-importance projects which would allow Guyana access to larger markets.  And they would allow Guyana to become a major hub for the movement of goods between South America, the Caribbean and North America.
The President said that optimism is high that we are on the verge of discovering oil. Experts say that Guyana has the potential of becoming a major player in this sector. While this would be a boon to the country, future strategic planning will have to take into account possible negative affects of this on other traditional sectors if oil were found.
The country must also address issues which are a drag on progress.  Notwithstanding the possibilities of oil, we must look to acquire cheaper, cleaner and more reliable sources of power that would support more manufacturing, agro-processing, and value added treatment of our mineral resources while promoting the creation of well paying jobs and slashing our fuel import costs.
We also have to maintain and improve our traditional sectors – sugar, rice, bauxite and gold.  He said the two bauxite companies are expected to increase production and another bauxite mine is expected to be constructed shortly, increasing employment in that sector as well as the transportation sector.
New technologies must be embraced.  A highly educated and skilled workforce has to be turned out with an emphasis on science and technology.  Health, housing and other social programmes and services will remain a top priority in urban and rural areas. Safety and security and the fight against the narco-trade are also priorities, as are issues specific to women and youth empowerment.
In brief remarks following the President’s speech, the Leader of the Opposition David Granger invited President Ramotar to make a break with past tradition of only attending the House on ceremonial occasions every five years, and instead attend every year before the annual budget.
On his part, the AFC’s Khemraj Ramjattan noted that while the President’s speech listed accomplishments it did not talk to the negatives. He pledged to work with the government to try and correct those negatives and to ensure greater happiness and a fuller peace for all Guyanese.
The good intentions expressed are encouraging.  Even better would be actions in the coming weeks that reflect the expressed intentions.  That remains to be seen.  But the time is now, and the opportunity is here, regardless of political affiliation, to come together with renewed energy in the quest for a better life for all Guyanese.