Our attitude to this nation will determine its destiny

Dear Editor,
It is my firm belief that our attitude towards this nation will determine its destiny.  Attitude is an internal belief system that determines our perspective and practice.
Guyana has been endowed with the necessary natural resources and conditions for this nation to be developed into one of the top countries in this part of the hemisphere. The recent finds of large deposits of oil off the Stabroek Block have further poised Guyana for massive growth and development; but regardless of the wealth that is discovered in our land, sea and forest, these discoveries will not make us great as a nation. Unless we come to a place of having the right attitude towards one another and the development of our nation, the level of development and success that can be accomplished will continue to elude us.
I must applaud the present and past Administrations for their efforts to see the developmental potential that this nation is capable of, but there is only so much the Government can do. I believe that it is the positive attitude and patriotism of the people of any nation that dictate the level of growth and development since attitude dictates altitude.
As Guyanese let us put aside petty political differences, racial disharmony, diatribe and negative projections.  It is time for us to think more positively about the destiny of our nation, talk more constructively and use our energies towards the course of development for this dear land God has blessed us with.
A nation is as great as its people, so let us strive as individuals to make the change and be the change we want to see. It is difficult but possible. As we get ready to celebrate 52 years of independence, this can serve as a sobering time of introspection for us as a nation as to where we were, where we are and where we are heading.
I appeal to my fellow Guyanese with the quote uttered by John F Kennedy, to close his inaugural speech, some 57 years ago which has not lost its profundity: “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country”.
May God continue to bless this dear land of ours. Happy Independence to all Guyanese.

Yours respectfully,
Bishop Joseph Inniss