Even though we are midway through the second week of the new year, the analyses of 2017 are still ongoing. Naturally there will be divergent opinions given the political perspectives with the need to justify the pronouncements. However, from a position of unbiased objectiveness, analysts should find commonality on how profoundly challenging last year was for the Guyanese populace. When all is said and done, the bottom line for the ordinary folk is their bread and butter issue. For them, their analyses will therefore be guided by such.
A plethora of new taxes were unleashed in 2017 in a continuation of what seemed a trademark of the current administration. The fiscal justification by the hierarchy could not appease the affected masses with the outcry being of additional burdens. The reality of an economy that contracted during the year was therefore unsurprising in that context. Forced reduction of spending power of the individual had a collective negative national effect.
The dismal shopping during the recent holiday season, which is traditionally a bustling period with tangible financial returns, starkly reflected sentiments felt throughout 2017. In fairness to that year, its financial woes were inherited from related preceded policies which bred uncertainty; a word that inundated various discussions throughout 2017 with national fiscal matters not spared.
Many, including business persons, lamented over the state of the underperforming economy which precipitated uncertainty; and vice versa. Both the lamentation and the uncertainty have now rolled over to 2018. The findings of the analyses would be simple; new investments were sparse and readily clutched upon for public relations purposes, businesses contracted with some becoming defunct, the ordinary mass forced to reduce spending as disposable income dwindled and many jobs were lost.
The milieu of these challenges not only exacerbated the uncertainty, but undermined confidence in the economy and governance. The fact that the economy is contracting is no longer disputable as the Administration would have reluctantly noted in its cleverly crafted jargon. The uncertainty was worsened by the closure of some sugar estates and the firing of thousands of workers. These families were plunged into despair and pushed towards the breadline. For them, their uncertainty was compounded by the plight foisted upon them as they desperately search for means of livelihood and survival. Their heart-wrenching situation could be unimaginable for others especially when over the last two decades the country was typified by unprecedented progress.
Then, transformation through modernisation and sound enabling economic environment resulted in the advancement of individual families and the nation as a whole with years of increased and sustained growth. The record housing and construction boom was just one derivative. Today, sadly, its absence has contributed to the current lethargic economic situation which bred the uncertainty that characterised 2017. The crippling crime situation sapped potential investors’ confidence which was already weakened by the reality of the sluggish economy. Unfortunately, these formidable challenges would not be wished away by whatever celebrations that would have occurred and by the fireworks at the time of birth of 2018. This year will not be spared and the challenges have rushed over and will linger indefinitely. The realism of what transpired in 2017 will therefore not allow 2018 to be devoid of these adversities. As a matter of fact, it will get worse and while all are always hopeful, especially at the beginning of any year, hope could be a distant second to uncertainty during this year.
Local economies, especially in areas where sugar estates have been closed, will be decimated. Wales is solid proof of this undesired metamorphosis. The social fabric of affected families and communities will be severely tested as despondency will continue to rise. This is where the need for a massive infusion of resources, including support services to help mitigate these circumstances becomes a national priority.
The uncertainty in the mindsets of the sugar workers epitomises that of the nation and there has to be a genuine commitment and will by the Administration to assist these now vulnerable families in this their time of dire need and not be left abandoned. The administration must not seek solace in their need not to be compelled in this regard which may be premised falsely on casualties of politics. They are Guyanese workers and regardless of perceived political persuasion, the State must honourably lead the mitigation as it does in times of natural disasters. What unfortunately remains frightening, in the context of recent politics, is the uncertainty over any plan by the State to implement meaningful relief mechanisms. What seems certain at this point is the lack of will to save the industry and by extension, the plight of the workers and their families and other vulnerable Guyanese. For them, 2018 would not be a happy one.
