PRESIDENT Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali in his Christmas message to the nation said that the outlook for 2022 looks bright, but not without challenges. This is due primarily to the continuing adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in a global supply chain crisis. This has resulted in rising prices for imported goods, supplies and transportation services.

As observed by President Ali, such a situation will require robust and strategic policymaking in order to mitigate the combined impact of the COVID-19 virus and adverse weather conditions due to climate change. On the one hand, there is some contraction of economic activities and, on the other hand, the disruption of production in the agricultural sector due to floods. Both rice and sugar production levels were affected due to adverse weather conditions.

But, as the President noted, notwithstanding the challenges, ‘this festive season and Christmas itself teaches us lessons of hope over despair, sacrifices in overcoming challenges, faith in overcoming obstacles and trust in God as a means and source to achieving all things. It is the combination of faith, trust and hope that must ignite us into the future.’

These are indeed wise and comforting words coming from the Head of State who has demonstrated that with political will it is possible to overcome any challenge. The President led from the front and by way of example during the recent floods, waded through floodwaters and difficult terrain to lend a compassionate hand and support to those affected. He was very proactive in ensuring an adequate supply of vaccines to prevent the deadly effects of the virus, even at enormous cost to the treasury. But for the President, the safety and well-being of the Guyanese people are primary and no cost is considered too high when it comes to the safety and well-being of the people.

The President urged every Guyanese to resolve to be ‘stronger, better and more committed to individual, family and development of country. Let these holidays be reflective of the life we have lived versus what elements are missing in making it better, and more importantly, the commitment to fixing those elements.’

Make no mistake about it. We are living in difficult times due to a combination of factors exogenous to us and beyond our immediate control. These include, though not limited to the devastating effects of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, a global economic structure that is skewed against developing countries and growing levels of poverty and inequity. There are still several areas of tension and conflicts in some parts of the world, resulting in hunger and starvation. Many have suffered the indignity of having to seek refugee status in other countries and many lives were lost in that process. Dictatorial rule and subversion of the democratic will of the people still prevail in many parts of the globe.

This is why we have to be thankful for our achievements, especially when seen against what is taking place globally. The global environment is full of challenges and Pope Francis used the opportunity of his Christmas message to call for dialogue to address the numerous challenges facing mankind. In his message, the Pope drew attention to the number of conflicts, tensions and disagreements in the world and urged dialogue and solidarity with those living in poverty.

Thankfully, we have in Guyana a President who genuinely cares for his people and who is open to dialogue. The President lamented the loss of lives due to the pandemic, but encouraged all Guyanese to take strength and be hopeful in the countless human sacrifices and the sense of community the pandemic has generated. He also thanked the international and bilateral partners, all frontline workers, the national COVID-19 Task Force and the Joint Services for their selfless work in keeping the country safe.

The Head of State indicated that he will do everything within his power in supporting and implementing a balanced and strategic approach in the continued fight against the pandemic. He called on all Guyanese to get vaccinated, to take the booster shots and adhere to the all the required safety measures.

More fundamentally, he urged Guyanese never to lose hope in the future of Guyana, which he said is full of opportunities and new initiatives. Guyana, he said, despite the ravages of the pandemic and its consequences on the global economy, can be proud of a robust economy, positive growth, enhanced social services and greater benefits both in cash and in kind being passed down to the population.