Dear Editor,
Undoubtedly most nations are proud to celebrate their independence at the appropriate time. Even though the norm is merriment of a varied nature, there should be serious reflection and soul searching on this occasion.
On May 26 Guyana observed its forty-sixth year of independence. Perhaps there should be a national consultation or a number of interviews by the media to get the opinion of Guyanese from all walks of life, especially the youth, elderly and differently abled. Unfortunately, this year marks a crisis in our political history. What would be more revealing is to compare and contrast the living standards in Guyana with those in some other Caricom states. Of course, it is said that comparisons are odious. Jamaica as well as Trinidad and Tobago will be observing their Golden Jubilee of independence in August. Barbados became independent in November, 1966. Suriname was some time, after, and is our nearest Caricom neighbour with a large Guyanese community. It would be interesting to know why so many Guyanese are in Caricom island territories since our country is greater in size than all of them combined. Also, our population is surprisingly small and our natural resources vast. The real question is why our currency is so low compared to the American dollar. Is this Paradise lost?
Coincidentally, this year signals the bicentenary of the naming of Georgetown. Let us hope this city can be re-transformed into its garden state even though this will be a Herculean task.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
