Guyana is among those facing some of these challenges, but in addition it went through a period of nearly three decades of dictatorial rule after it gained Independence, and this caused further economic and social decline.

A country's development depends on a complexity of factors of which political stability and maturity and a patriotic stance on the part of both its political and civil leaders and of course its people, are of primary importance.

While violence and confrontation give vent to emotions, this has never really solved any of man's problems. On the contrary it has contributed to the creation of greater problems.

The only sensible and rational approach towards finding solutions to the challenges and difficulties facing the country is to sit down and talk in a mature, sensible, patriotic, non-partisan way and with a will and commitment to ensuring the future wellbeing of the nation.

President Bharrat Jagdeo, in this respect, was most pertinent in his 36th Independence anniversary address.

Speaking on the need and relevance of dialogue with the Opposition, the President succinctly declared:

"However, in these matters, success cannot be judged by the amount of advantage received by one or another party. The success of any serious dialogue must be judged on the basis of what are the benefits to the country and people."

He added: "The solution is not to walk away from dialogue when there are differences. That is the easy way.

"Nation building is always fraught with challenges, but we must be mature and responsible to find common grounds, guided by, once again, what is good for our country and people."

This is the path and approach that should be taken by any leader genuinely concerned about the wellbeing of a nation and who is willing to put that in front of narrow partisan interests.

This was the approach of every country that has gone through extremely difficult periods and survived and even went on to become powerful nations.

A typical example of where leaders set aside political differences was with the Allied countries which fought against Hitler's Germany during World War II.

There has to be cooperation among all sectors if Guyana is to overcome the hurdles of nation building.

To achieve success the onus is not only on the political leaders, but on all Guyanese who have to begin to speak up for and work more towards this goal.

In the words of our revered National Poet, the late Martin Carter, "All are involved, all are consumed."