Still trying to break the bonds
Editorial
THIRTY-THREE years after it formally broke out of colonial rule, Guyana today finds itself still shackled by the machinations of those who cling to divisiveness to try to achieve narrow, selfish ambitions. It was under severe strain for nearly three decades of those 33 years and the promise of its freshly-restored democracy remains under serious threat in the political troubles created after the December 15, 1997 general elections. The country has to get out of this stranglehold placed on it by some forces if it is to move forward and on this Independence anniversary, it is incumbent on all those who care about the country's future to take stock of what's really been holding the nation back. United States Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. James Mack, not well-liked by some opposition groups because of his frankness, yesterday pointed to some of the real obstacles. "Labour groups need to realise how easy it is in a globalised economy to drive away investors with unreasonable demands not based on sound economics and productivity gains," he argued. "They should also be aware that potential investors pay close attention to the labour situation in countries to which they are considering bringing their capital and technology." He said opposition parties play an important role in the process too, noting that all Guyanese end up losing when civil unrest scare away potential investors, "and sadly, many of Guyana's most talented sons and daughters." "Whatever the real disagreements between political parties in Guyana, all major political leaders need to be united in their support for the free market, unwavering in their commitment to the rights of all foreign and domestic investors and consistent in their adherence to the rule of law and peaceful democratic means of settling political disputes," Mr. Mack stressed. President Janet Jagan says her government wants a society in which all citizens are equal in the eyes of the law, equal in the enjoyment of their constitutional rights, equal in the opportunities available in the country and equal in the distribution of wealth and services in the society. But such a national perspective for betterment cannot result from confrontation, the President notes. She says there would be differing ideas and modalities on how to advance but this was a good place to start to shape a national consensus. "Dialogue is an on-going and sometimes tedious process, but there is no alternative, as the experience of others has shown", she adds. "We have gone out on a limb to show our good faith. And sometimes we need to out on a limb since that is where the fruit is." It is our sincere hope on this Independence anniversary, as we join in celebrating with the rest of the nation, that the real bonding promised in the achievement is not elusive much longer. 
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