What is significant is that your government has responded promptly to these events. Added to these were many tragic events that diminished our efforts including the high carnage on our roads, which wasted precious lives; and fires that caused much damage and loss of lives.

In spite of these problems, we have managed to end the year in high spirits. The economy has withstood various pressures. Public sector workers have had a record pay rise. At the same time, we maintained relative stability in the exchange rate. Inflation has been kept within single digits. In short, our economic and financial prospects remain good.

In the social sector, we are convinced that the key to success is education. Spending in this sector has gone up to 9.3 billion dollars. The result: more schools, better schools, better trained and paid teachers and a better curriculum. We have moved tertiary education to rural areas. We are introducing information technology in the education system in order to modernise the way we do things.

Guyana will not be left behind.

Tens of thousands of Guyanese, for the very first time, have ownership of a plot of land upon which they can build their future. This success story has brought hope and stability in the lives of many. Houses, it seems, are going up everywhere.

So too are new and modern health facilities, new roads, new sea and river defences, new bridges, and more. These have not been confined to any one part of the country. They are visible everywhere.

Many new enterprises have been established and creating wealth and jobs. Micro-enterprises alone created some 9000 jobs. However, much more could have been done to create more jobs but a difficult political environment has put off investors. As a result, many young Guyanese were denied jobs. I hope that the national interest of enhancing economic activities will in the future prevail over political postures that only harm our country.

In many other ways, however, this has been a remarkable year. We have started a process of constitutional reform that will have a huge impact on the lives of Guyanese. We have passed laws to combat racial discrimination. This will bring greater security to all people in our multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society. Important changes have been made to our electoral system. These are intended to make our democracy more representative and more inclusive. We have also amended the Constitution to make the powers of the President more consistent with democratic societies.

Past months have seen an intensification of the political dialogue. The most important result for me was consensus on the date for national and regional elections. These will be held on March 19, 2001. The Guyana Elections Commission will have the full support of my government in ensuring free, fair and transparent elections. The world will be watching us.

It is expected that just after these holidays, the elections campaign will commence

in earnest. Competition among political parties is a normal characteristic of our political system. It is my belief that after more that three decades of Independence, the population deserves to see a political culture based on civility between the contending parties. My party, the PPP/CIVIC, strongly believes in this, and I hope that this will be the approach taken by all others.

After these elections I hope that national concord will prevail. Though the elected government must be given a mandate by the people to steer the ship of state in accordance with the provisions of our Constitution. I believe that our system of governance must be inclusive. There must be room for all patriotic forces to participate in the task of nation building for the true interests of Guyana.

In Guyana, there are no second-class citizens. Our Constitution provides for all our people to be equal in the eyes of the law and in all opportunities for self-development. All our people have the right to practice their religion, to express their views and to have a government of their choice. No one should be considered greater or lesser because of his or her beliefs; race or religion. My government will strongly defend these fundamental rights.

My vision for Guyana is one where there are civil and political liberties; where there is freedom of expression; where there is equality and social justice; where there will be empowerment of the marginalized, such as women, youths and the indigenous peoples; and where ethnic diversity is seen as strength not weakness; a society in which all our people’s basic needs are met.