The advent of the new year has always been a time when people reflect on the past year, perhaps what they have achieved in terms of their personal and professional goals and what they intend to accomplish in the coming year. In Guyana, we have always treated it as a time that we cleansed our houses and got our affairs – financial, business and even familial in order — so that for the rest of the year, we would be able to accomplish what we did not manage to accomplish in the previous year.
The New Year is also a time when we make resolutions. Many have quipped that the New Year’s resolutions do not last for more than a week or so; but we have known examples of New Year’s resolutions being very creative and helpful, and we think that everyone could benefit from this experience. It is important that we set realistic targets/goals and work hard towards achieving them.
In our New Year’s resolutions we can do no better than to follow what the famous Roman Philosopher-Emperor Marcus Aurelius taught us. In his work, Marcus Aurelius tackled issues such as how we should live our lives, what does justice mean, and how can we live with the knowledge that someday we will no longer exist. He taught us that we must treat every day as if it is the last day of our lives. This means that we must work to the optimum to make a positive difference in our communities and country, and maximise our time on earth. We believe that his reflections are still relevant, especially at this time of the year.
Having said that much which is traditional wisdom and approach to the advent of a new year, we would like to point out that Guyana as a nation begins the year facing new elections, which will have to be held within the next three months following the toppling of the coalition Government on December 21 via a no-confidence motion brought by the Opposition. However, based on the events unfolding, it is clear that our political leaders’ maturity and commitment to upholding the Constitution and, in general, doing what is right to ensure peace and order prevails will be tested.
As per the constitutional requirements, following the no-confidence vote, Guyana must have elections within the next three months unless otherwise decided by no less than a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly. All efforts and resources must, therefore, be concentrated on preparing for these elections to ensure that these elections are held in a free, fair and transparent manner and in keeping with international best practices.
It is hoped that once a date for new elections is set, the political parties will begin work immediately to mobilise their constituents. More importantly, we hope that, unlike the most recent Local Government Elections, the public will participate fully in the process by directing the right questions to their leaders and by coming out to cast their votes on Election Day.
Having overcome the hurdle of holding the elections, it is hoped that the country – meaning all stakeholders, including the new government and other parliamentary parties, the business community and ordinary citizens, will begin to focus on moving the country forward with immediate attention being given to economic development and constitutional reform. Our past experiences are enough to convince us that we cannot risk going through any period of instability.
That said, in spite of the present political uncertainties, 2019 should be seen as a year of renewed hope in our country and all that it has to offer. With first oil due in a matter of months all eyes will be on Guyana. Our leaders must use this new-found resource to help to create the right environment to allow citizens to be able to live in a free, happy and prosperous country, where everyone could be given the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
In 2019, citizens want to see more strenuous efforts being made by our leaders to work towards achieving common ground on issues that have caused much discord and rancour over the past three years. Our politicians should recommit themselves to working with each other for the benefit of the entire nation.
We hope that 2019 will bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to every Guyanese, both at home and abroad.
