We asked several persons what they were looking forward to in 2023. Here are their responses:
Fawaz Harry
In 2023, I look forward to each and every Guyanese tangibly benefiting from our newfound oil resources. I desire to see the continued trajectory of development that we are on and also I want to see a paradigm shift in the collective mentality of Guyanese. We cannot continue to do the same things of the past repeatedly and expect to see change. It begins with us; we need to be that change we desire to see so bad.
Sherryann Mangru
Guyana is a country that is beautiful yet still developing. What I wish to see in 2023, I have a hope that we will one day live in a society where every citizen will be treated with due respect despite their economic background, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, or personal preferences. Tolerance, respect, and acceptance for each other, not just in the aspects that we are comfortable with but even to the parts that make us not so comfortable.
[I want to see] practical plans to focus on socio-economic challenges for the people. I wish to see us stepping back from quick fixes and more towards deep-rooted investments that will not just benefit respective purposes for a short time but serve more long-lasting advantages.
I wish to see investments made using a bottom-up approach. Far too often we forget that without the man on the ground, the higher up cannot function effectively. I wish for the ‘haves’ to stop directing what the ‘have nots’ should or should not receive. For it is the common man that is the vital force in a country’s economy. It is my opinion that the economic growth for any nation is vitally dependent on the development of its human resources. We often see our Guyanese migrating in all directions across our borders in the hope of searching for a better life. In 2023 I wish to see our nation’s sustainable developments begin to come to life; where our common folk don’t have to search beyond our borders to realize their simple dreams but can do so right here in our beautiful nation.
Deodat Persaud
In 2023, I have desires to see things improve in many areas because of the many caps I wear and also in my personal capacity. For the country, I would love to see the distribution of the resources to the vulnerable widen and efforts be made to bridge that gap between those who have and those who don’t have. I wish to see direct efforts being made in that area. Infrastructure obviously; we have roads and lights etc that are deeply in need of upgrading and I wish to see those happening.
On a personal note, I am looking forward to embracing some new projects to advance democracy causes and civic engagement so I’m pretty much excited to see those unfolding.
Shanaz Ram
I am very excited for 2023 and also nervous as my eldest would be sitting the NGSA. I want to be more financially secure and hopefully, I can visit a few places on my bucket list in Guyana. I also hope something is done in the New Year about the rising cost of living so that all Guyanese can be happy. I want to see my family healthy and happy also.
Denica Henry
As someone who is passionate about betterment both for myself and my beautiful country Guyana, I look forward to all of us holding ourselves more accountable and being more thoughtful of the impact we have on others. Personally, I spent a lot of 2022 working on myself by learning and unlearning behaviours that will improve my quality of life significantly in time to come. I find that when we understand our role or purpose in life, we make decisions and mistakes that not only affect us but others. Because of this, it’s important to hold myself to a higher standard as a leader and team player. Working on yourself internally is far more important than what you try changing physically. I look forward to being healthier and better in days to come.
For our people, I do hope we can all be recipients of quality public infrastructure, healthcare, and services provided by all entities. I would like to see a lot more happening in the area of mental health. Firstly, all staff should have access to several mental health days off from work during the year. Everyone is dealing with so much since the pandemic and there will be days they are too overwhelmed to function. It is ok to not be ok and I hope employers can take this into account when assessing ways to improve employees morale and productivity. Secondly, [I would like to see] social workers being placed at all possible public spaces like schools, post offices, NDCs especially in outlying areas. So many are struggling with things happening in their lives and having someone to simply talk to would mean a lot, especially for the elderly. Thirdly, we have a very serious issue with substance abuse in many rural communities in Berbice and this has created havoc in many homes. In time, I hope that rehabilitation facilities and community service programmes can be instituted so that help is more accessible to persons in such dilemmas.
Fourthly, we need more psychologists and psychiatrists or specialists in these areas who can be available in Berbice to help diagnose and treat disorders especially in children. Many of our young people are being held back because of extenuating circumstances and much much more is needed in the area of mental health awareness as this will make a measurable difference in our society.
Lastly, I look forward to our children being free from all forms of harm and pain. Social media has created significant division in the way children behave and think now. I do hope creative interventions and a multi-stakeholders approach can help to address this. It’s time parents are retrained in how to parent a child in this new era. I wish everyone a peace filled and blessed 2023!
Sherry Bipat
In 2023, I want to see the president and members of his cabinet more in Canje. I hope stricter laws are established for people who cause road accidents where innocent lives are lost. Also, full-time doctors should be at all the health centres instead of two times a week.
Alim Oosman
In 2023, I’m looking forward to further development within my area. I must say this year there have been massive improvements in terms of infrastructure which are currently ongoing. Almost all the cross streets in my village are being rebuilt. As a GuySuCo worker, I am also looking forward to the official reopening of the Rose Hall Estate. We are currently on the right track working to make that possible at all levels so I am excited to see once it fully comes into operation the improvements that will return to the Canje community which were there before its closure. This year, the entire mindset and attitude of residents in my area have shifted due to them regaining employment and so we are all just looking forward to the new year and all it will have to offer us.
