New Year’s message from Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee

Fellow Guyanese, I would like to take this opportunity to extend best wishes to everyone on the dawn of a new year, 2017. In this new year let us remain committed to working through the difficulties and overcoming the challenges our people face on a daily basis.

A new year always brings with it renewed sense of optimism and hope for a brighter future. For this to be realised, the government needs to act in a responsible manner, respecting the laws and the constitution of Guyana, instead of the dictatorial manner we have witnessed in the recent past.

There is much to work towards in the coming year. We cannot hide from the realities that face us; the economy posted the lowest growth in eight years. This was due to the contraction in all the major sectors; sugar (19 per cent decline), rice (14 per cent decline), forestry (33 per cent decline), and manufacturing (7 per cent decline). Evidence shows that the economy is regressing at lightning speed. The harsh reality is that every major economic sector recorded lower output except the mining and quarrying sector. The manufacturing sector contracted by 14.1 per cent during the first half of 2016, largely as a result of the decline in output of rice and sugar. This economic decline has touched all the major economic sectors, and is being felt by all Guyanese.

The ‘good life’ that the economic growth the Guyanese people were promised has turned out to be nothing more than a mirage. The average Guyanese is unsure of job opportunities, the future of their livelihood, and prices that continue to escalate for local commodities. Even the once booming housing sector has come to a halt.

The continued will, faith and resilience of all Guyanese, the dedication and hard work in the face of constraints and challenges, the endurance and the unending sacrifices for the development of our country must continue.

Let us not be swayed from believing that better days in our individual and collective lives are still ahead of us. There can be no doubt that the foundations for a strong and secure Guyana has been firmly laid, and we will continue to charter a path towards racial and working-class unity, growth and development.

I take this opportunity to also wish the entire nation and visiting families and friends a Happy and Prosperous 2017…

Happy New Year.”