Latest update March 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
May 06, 2016 Editorial, Features / Columnists
Today the nation faces a crisis which envelops all aspects of life. Deterioration is evident almost everywhere, including behavioural patterns, disciplinary techniques, development and production paradigms, crime, and in many cases, life in general.
The deterioration is certainly not of recent origin, it dates back to the early period of independence and has straddled both the PPP and the PNC administrations. However, during the last fifteen years, the country has been adrift. The common themes of discipline, development, diversification of the economy, increased production, improving the lives of the poor, creating jobs and reducing crime have become empty slogans.
Indiscipline and corruption have rapidly eroded many areas of the society, and production, hard work and effort have essentially become offensive words to be avoided.
If we are honest with ourselves, there never was any serious attempt to create a diversified and resilient economy or efforts to increase production and create jobs. The government of the day was content to live off of rice, gold, and sugar as well as bauxite, which today is almost dead. Unfortunately, and unwisely, there have not been sufficient efforts to utilize these products as input for value-added output. The revenues from these products were used to support unproductive ventures, a group of minimally productive personnel in the State sector and the construction of unnecessary and costly edifices.
Many in former administrations cultivated a mentality of entitlement and instead of being disciplined, were pampered and placated whenever it was convenient. Everywhere in the country there was a general lack of respect for the rule of law, the constitution, authority and the nation’s finances. As a result, the quality of life in society has deteriorated, and a profound cultural malaise had engulfed the nation. These are symptoms of a society in crisis which has deepened.
The condition of the nation’s poor is pitiful and has led many to commit some gruesome, ghastly and horrific incidents. The people are overwhelmed.
Society has deteriorated to the point where the faintest perceived slight or provocation has led to violence, and in some cases loss of life, which is heart-rending. There is so much pain and suffering in a nation that is about to celebrate a significant milestone.
While the people in our tiny nation are inundated with the almost everyday tragedies, some in authority are still happily proclaiming that Guyanese are living in a paradise. This is an absurdity. The daily occurrences of misadventure are symptomatic of a deeper social malaise that has beset the country and has resulted in the not so enviable quality of life.
Every murder, armed robbery, rape or instance of carnage on the roads can be construed as an expression of failure by the powers that be, some of whom are consumed by a frenzy of instant self-gratification and an obsession with power. Discipline, moderation and fairness are derided.
It seems that those in authority are incapable of analyzing the root causes of the problems in society and are seemingly disinterested in a systematic and effective course of action to seek solutions. In fact, they are nowhere close to developing strategies to address any of our myriad problems. Even more worryingly, they are at a loss to understand the rage, violence, impatience and frustrations that reside in the bosoms of so many.
The callous expressions clearly show that many of our leaders are totally disoriented and out of touch with the needs of the people. They have not embraced modernity and are obscenely obsessed with the trappings of state power without meritorious effort. One can only conclude that they are driven by an urge to feed the fancies of their unbridled egos.
Listen to the man that is throwing Guyanese bright future away
Mar 19, 2024
Kaieteur Sports – The Dennis DeoRoop-trained horse, Stolen Money, dominated the field to claim victory in the feature event at the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club, Bush Lot East Berbice on...Kaieteur News – The government has embarked on an ambitious infrastructure development spree. It has initiated major... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – In 2024, a series of general elections in Latin American countries, including... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]