2021: Year to move beyond buzz words and start buzzing

Dear Editor,
Now that the political directorate has had a holistic review of the state of affairs, recognised all the complementary synergies in play, identified all the skills set to accomplish the tasks ahead, and obtained the right fit for each complexity that would arise, we should be assured that Year 2021 would be buzzing with accomplishments and activities.
We should see the following situations addressed with alacrity:
1. The urgent acquisition and professional management of the storage and inoculation of the COVID-19 vaccine in an effective and systematic way to safeguard the entire nation.
2. The building and fortification of our sea defence structure from Parika to Moleson Creek in a planned programme to prevent flooding from rising tides.
3. The building of state-of-the-art primary health care hospitals in each of the 10 regions, with modern medical equipment and qualified medical staff in attendance, so that we can relocate to any region without fear of not having proper medical attention.
3. Improvement in the quality and delivery of our technical and vocational institutions in each county. Introduction of craft courses that would be more relevant and needed in the oil-and-gas and hotel industries.
4. Proper maintenance of the drainage and irrigation systems in each region, done in a scientific manner to buttress on-spot works initiated by the minister on his management by walking around.

5. Potable and drinkable water flowing from the tap being available to each and every household in a systemic and phased manner.
6. Upgrading of the Ministry of Public Works’ Roads Division in each region with equipment and engineers to properly maintain and repair our public roadways.
7. Increasing of the national minimum wage to a livable amount, and restoration and honouring of collective bargaining with representative trade unions.
8. Restructuring of the National Insurance Scheme to make it more accurate and people-friendly.
9. Passing of legislation to reform both our electoral system and the operation of GECOM. Modernising all laws that were made in antiquity to bring them into conformity with modern enlightenment.
10. Devolution of more power to local government organs, and holding them accountable to operate by the rule of law.
11. Turn-key housing projects in each county subsidised by the Ministry of Housing for the poor and powerless, so that they can live in dignity.
12. Utilising natural gas to generate cheap and reliable power, which is necessary for making the lives of citizens less stressful, and for creating a springboard to modernity.
13. Promotion of our cultural and ethnic diversity through song, dance, plays, nursery readers, art, village festivals, gymkhanas and sporting events in order to foster tolerance and eradicate stereotyping among our peoples.
14. Adoption of a zero-tolerance position against corruption in public office, with fair recruitment practices and equality in governance.
These are some of the things that should be buzzing in 2021.

Your sincerely,
Reggie Bhagwandin