There should be changes in 2009

Dear Editor,
As the year 2008 quickly comes to an end I wish to urge my fellow Guyanese to take some time out and reflect on our past years and plan seriously for the new year, 2009. I wish that 2009 would be the year of change, and I mean change in attitude and behaviour by all of us Guyanese.

In 2009 we must resolve to prepare the best future for our country so that our children and their children can grow up in a free and democratic society. We can do this by demanding that there be constitutional changes that would effect accountability by any government. We must have a president who will be answerable to the Parliament of this land and our members of parliament must be answerable to the people who elected them. During the new year I would like to see the holding of local government elections; local government is a key element for any democracy, and it is useless to talk about democracy if power is not put into the hands of the people.

During the year 2009 opposition political parties must perform their role and functions more effectively. They need to realize that the people who voted for them expect representation not only against the government but also against large companies and multinational corporations that would seek to take advantage of and exploit the people of Guyana. The PNC and the AFC need to be more forceful in dealing with the government, especially the PNC which is the main opposition party. If the PNC goes through the new year with the same complacent attitude they are doomed to failure; the call for leadership change in the PNC must be taken seriously by the membership of the party if the party is to survive, and they must have the political will to win an election. The stability of any nation depends a great deal on co-operation between major political parties and it is my sincere hope that in 2009 we can change our political culture and have an inclusive government working to bring our people together to build a strong and vibrant nation.
The youths of this country need guidance now more than even before; they have lost their cultural identity and their sense of patriotism. We can correct this by introducing National Service once again, and save our young people from falling by the wayside. An end to corruption in all forms and at all levels must become a reality in 2009. There must be an end to protectionism by those state officials who abuse their power and are involved in corruption. Our policemen and women must stop accepting bribes following breaches of the law. People who break the law regardless of their status must be made to pay the price for their actions. Guyana can be such a wonderful place if only we can all change our attitude and help her along.
Please allow me to wish all the people of Guyana a Merry Christmas and a bright and beautiful New Year full of changes.
Yours faithfully,
Clive Fredericks