…for development
Today 2023 ends, and tomorrow a whole new year begins. Now, cynics might say, “So what?? It’s always been going on, and will always be going on!!” But they miss the entire point, don’t they? This old year-new year cycle gives us a chance to think about what’s been going down with us; and, more importantly, what we’re gonna be doing to make sure the same thing doesn’t keep happening on and on and…! So, to look at what it’s all about for our dear land of Guyana, let’s look at the man Pres Mohammed Irfaan Ali, who’s responsible for the welfare of our country, and see how he’s been doing and what he might have to do differently, starting tomorrow.
Now, from where your Eyewitness sits, he doesn’t think any Guyanese – on any side of the aisle – would disagree that Pres Ali’s about the most energetic person to ever occupy State House. Period! The man’s like the energizer bunny – no need to even wind him up!! Now, this energy is very important – for all sorts of reasons. After a hundred years of TALKING about our potential, we’ve finally hit the jackpot with a potential we didn’t even KNOW we had – oil!! While we might rightfully kvetch about the lopsided contract the PNC’s Raphael Trotman brought home, at least we ain’t in a position no mo for countries like Trinidad to tell us they don’t have to listen to a country that goes around with a begging bowl!!
And about that contract…it’s been the source of much rancour from a small minority, who insist that Pres Ali’s Government must RENEGOTIATE the contract so we can get a bigger slice of the pie. Now, that might sound OK…but with international contracts, we’re dealing with the LAW, and not sentiments!! Your Eyewitness is still waiting for someone to tell him why the oil majors should accept a demand from Pressie to rewrite the contract!!
Meanwhile, as the money flows into our Natural Resource Fund, the Government’s been drawing it down, in accordance with the rules, to develop our infrastructure. And that’s why President Ali’s energy is so important: with so much going on, the folks executing the projects in far-flung areas of our country need to be given a push. And who better than the pushy president!!
Well, we know this year Mad Maduro tried to spoil our party through sheer jealousy!! As 8 million Venezuelans fled his rule, he can’t bear to see that, right next door, we’re developing by leaps and bounds!! And next year??
Well, Pressie’s gonna be the Chair of Caricom – and as such, he should be in a better position to ensure Mad Maduro doesn’t roil our Zone of Peace!!
…for connections
Ever since the floating Demerara Harbour Bridge was built in 1978, it’s been the source of as much angst – if not more – as joy for the residents of Reg 3. Sure, it was a great idea – and all credit to the then PNC Government. But even before the structure had passed its past due date, horrified commuters experienced sections of the bridge floating down the river – with them inside their cars!! Then, as Reg 3 developed – along with the rest of the country – the traffic jams at “openings” soon became even worse than those entering the Midtown Tunnel in NYC!!
Well, your Eyewitness just experienced a surge of relief as he read that the new Fixed Span Bridge is ONE THIRDS completed!! This means we really got something to look forward to, as we’re well on our way for the promised 2024 opening!! Plus the Bridge is only the tip of an iceberg of development that includes opening vast new settlements in Reg 3!! Go West, young man!!
…for caring
So, there’s a vast shortage of nurses at the Big Hospital. But is inviting Cuban nurses the answer?? Your Eyewitness’s main concern is that most of these nurses can’t communicate in English – much less our vernacular!!
