Editorial
Guyana Chronicle
May 22, 2001

GUYANA will on Saturday (a public holiday), celebrate its 35th anniversary of Independence.

While it is a time for celebrations, it is important to look back at those 35 years since independence and examine whether the nation has done enough or simply achieved enough.

It has come a long way and a lot has been realised, but racial unity, one of the main pillars of nation building, has not been fully achieved.

This is sad, because had this been achieved, Guyana would have had cause on its 35th birthday, to boast among things, about being the flagship among Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

It is recognised by many that while the country is growing older, some people are still in the childhood stage, behaving like children.

This does not do the country any good as everybody would like to see a better society for all - a society of which all Guyanese could be proud and would readily identify themselves as being part of.

The true dignity of our nation must be in those qualities that constitute the greatness of our people, and in our people lies our country's prosperity.

It is necessary for all Guyanese to look towards a future that would strengthen their own independence.

Most Guyanese believe this process has started with the dialogue between President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Leader, Mr. Desmond Hoyte, and the subsequent formation of committees to look into areas of general concern to the nation.

In light of all the efforts to improve the lot of the nation, the leaders and people should use the occasion of this 35th Independence anniversary to once and for all drop the rancour and animosity and exert their energies towards nation building.

This would be the best gift for the Motherland on her birthday.

We believe that the time has come, more than ever, as we mark this memorable day, to make a final pledge to the nation.

Guyanese must pledge to unite, build and defend Guyana against all those who seek to destroy their bonds to the country.

Most Guyanese recognise that with unity so much more could be achieved for the general upliftment of the nation.

Once upon a time, this was a proud country and it is not too late for its people to recapture that pride and show the world that as Guyanese they can charter their own destiny - one in which every citizen will be counted and respected.

This is what most Guyanese want, and this is what they must achieve.

No stone should be left unturned in the long haul towards making Guyana a proud mother with the capacity to care for all her children.

It is important for all, regardless of race, colour, creed or religious and political persuasion, to leave behind petty differences and with one force propel this beautiful Guyana into the kind of future that is deserving of all Guyanese.

Guyanese cannot go separate ways if they want to continue building their nation.

There must be a concerted effort by everyone for Guyana to be once again the pride among nations.