Political leaders call for national unity in New Year’s greetings

The beginning of a new year is an auspicious time. It is time to sit back and reflect on how much happened over the past year and set out goals for the pending one.
In keeping with this spirit, political leaders have once again issued the call for national unity in keeping with Guyana’s motto “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), in its message, said that the advent of a new year is generally met with excitement by some who, among other reasons, may seek a new beginning or to continue to build upon the success achieved. For others, it is met with a sense of trepidation as uncertainty over what it may bring prevails. The Party noted that 2018 was a challenging year while urging that Guyanese take time out to introspect and assess their strengths and weaknesses in the pursuit of success.
“This is a time that hope must not be lost and spirits not allowed to be broken as together we endeavour to work in the best interest of our country to unlock its potential for its advancement and that of all of its people. Let us in the new year work assiduously to strengthen bonds of togetherness and brotherhood to aid in the realisation of the fundamental value of our national motto and to engage in renewal of ideas for the attainment of success,” the PPP said.
Meanwhile, the People’s National Congress (PNC) noted that 2018 was a year of challenges for it and its coalition partners in Government, but assured that they would continue to work in harmony for the development of Guyana and the Guyanese people.
Former President Donald Ramotar in his message said 2019 should be the year for all Guyanese to work towards a strengthened united Guyana firmly based on the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

Recommitment
In his message to the nation, President David Granger said the recent developments in the National Assembly have created opportunities for enhanced political cooperation, noting that meetings between the Government and political Opposition would take precedence in the new year as they seek to determine a way forward.
“The National Assembly and the Judiciary are the bedrock of our democracy. Your Government remains committed to upholding the Constitution, preserving the rule of law and guaranteeing a safe, stable, orderly and peaceful country. We respect the courts, which protect our institutions and system of democracy,” he said.
The Head of State said that Government was prepared to work with all parties in order to achieve the 2019 objectives set out in the National Budget to promote more secure borders, communities that are safer, an economy that is more resilient, a society that is more cohesive and public services that are more easily accessible.
Looking back on 2018, Granger reiterated Guyana’s commitment to defending its territorial integrity, commending the decision by the United Nations’ Secretary General to have the border controversy with Venezuela referred to the International Court of Justice. He said that both the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force are expected to be strengthened to guarantee safety and public order.