Our attitude towards 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 find of large deposits of oil off the Stabroek Block has 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 dictates 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 constructive and use our energies towards the course of development for this dear land God has blessed us with.
This quote from a young Nigerian, whose patriotism and commitment to the development of his country has earned him the nicknamed “Mr Nigerian”, best sums up my appeal. “What we need now is a nation of great people who positively live to impact others and build enduring legacies” – Fela Dewotoye.
A nation is as great as its people, so let us thrive as individuals to make the change and be the change we want to see. It is difficult but possible. As we celebrated 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, but 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.

Yours respectful,
Bishop Joseph Inniss