Posted May 27th 2000

Fellow Guyanese,

Thirty-four years ago our nation was born. The Golden Arrowhead was hoisted on that historic night, right here in the National Park.

Guyanese were filled with excitement when we became a sovereign nation. We were free to build a land of endless possibilities and opportunities. Independence was a victory after years of struggle by our ancestors to free themselves from the shackles of slavery, indentureship and colonial domination. It was a long struggle, and many gave their blood for our freedom. Today, we pay homage to our heroes and freedom fighters and all those who were part of the struggle for our liberty. Today, we salute all of those who fought for Independence.

The political freedom we accomplished 34 years ago, came with responsibilities. Our people were expected to craft a course that would vindicate the centuries of struggles; they were required to place the overall interest of the nation before personal or sectarian gain.

At that time all of this seemed easy.

Unfortunately, things did not go the way most Guyanese longed for. That is the past. As we reflect on it we must learn from our mistakes. But we have to move on. We must continue the journey towards a better life for all our people.

All my Fellow Guyanese:

We must overcome the internal divisions that were engineered during our colonial history and exploited subsequently.

The unity that we seek is one that respects our diversity. Our different historical and cultural backgrounds make us such a fascinating nation. The many strands of our national fibre must be brought together so that while each is distinct, all contribute to a beautiful whole. Let us therefore learn to appreciate each other's beliefs and culture, knowing that with such appreciation will emerge the basis for all our people to live in harmony as Guyanese.

Key to our country going forward is the preservation of democracy. Without democracy there can be no genuine development and lasting peace. My Government is fully committed to democratic ideals. A component of our democracy is periodic elections and I am confident that with the cooperation of all political parties and the support of the people of Guyana we can have elections that are free, fair and free from fear. Whatever differences we may have can be resolved if we bear in mind that we have a duty to do what is right for Guyana.

There are political differences that arise from time to time. These have to be resolved through dialogue as in any democracy. As Guyanese leaders we owe this to our people.

My Government sincerely wants to find practical and inclusive solutions to all issues of national development. Guyana will not be prosperous if some sections remain behind. I want to make it clear: threats and intimidation are not acceptable means of resolving differences.

Fellow Guyanese,
On this historic Independence Anniversary I want to share some thoughts on how I see us working together to face the challenges ahead and build a bright future. The major thrust of my administration is rapid economic development of the country. My vision for Guyana caters for the essential needs of all our people, and the creation of a modern society with a highly educated population.

This vision is reflected in our National Development Strategy and in our budgetary framework. Our priorities aim at revolutionising education; providing housing; improving water supply; creating job opportunities through more investment, and promoting an inclusive society in which all our people have a stake.

We have committed ourselves to building a strong economy based on our vast natural resources and utilising the advances made in science and technology. On their part, the private sector and labour must fulfill their role in enhancing economic activities. We must recognise that cooperation, not confrontation, is the vehicle that will allow us to benefit from investment and jobs.

We have embarked on an aggressive drive to encourage more local and foreign entrepreneurs to do business in Guyana. We stand to benefit through jobs and wealth creation, revenue flows and, access to capital and modern technology. In this sensitive, competitive and fragile global economy any instability discourages investment. Let me stress: investment means jobs for our people, especially our youths. And bread for our families. We have a common duty therefore to prevent any form of instability in our society.

The key sectors in which we are encouraging investments are: value added manufacturing using our vast resources like wood, agricultural produce, fish, shrimp, gold, diamond, and traditional products like rice, sugar and bauxite. The Eco-tourism sector is geared for a dramatic jump-start. We are showcasing our natural attractions and scenic beauty, and building a dynamic service and job-creating Eco-tourist industry. We can become the envy of the Caribbean! We are also exploring new frontiers for investments. Concerted efforts are being made to secure investment in the fields of information technology and communication. This new industry is growing all over the world at a breath-taking pace. It has potentials for transforming Guyana and creating high-paying jobs for many people.

We have put in place a very liberal incentive package to encourage investments. Added to this have been the dramatic reforms in the financial and other sectors to give greater comfort levels to investors. Our Government has created a very stable macro-economic environment. We have reduced interest rates, realised a single digit inflation and reduced the national foreign debt from US$2.1 billion to US$1.2 billion.

To improve the business climate among other measures, we have passed a new Companies Act, a new Insurance Act and Securities Legislation. We repealed the Exchange Control and Capital Issues Act, and made structural reforms in areas such as the public sector, the revenue sector and in land distribution.

The reason why much emphasis is placed on investment is because job-creation is a top priority. This is not a partisan issue. It is an issue of national importance. It is intended to improve the well being of the citizens of our country, and I hope we have the full cooperation of civil and political society.

My dear Guyanese Brothers and Sisters: You will notice that our Government has committed itself to strong social policies. These are aimed at eradicating poverty in the country and improving the level of basic services to the people. We are trying to fulfill the needs of all the people, but we lack adequate resources. In spite of this, in many areas, there is still waste through inefficiency, mismanagement and corruption. I am impatient to see development. Nothing will stand in my way - not bureaucracy, not corruption, and I will take no excuses. I will make no apologies for putting people first.

It is quite true what some people say: To be educated is to be liberated. Knowledge brings opportunities and knowledge brings economic empowerment. We often speak about our children being the future, and that they are the most valuable resource that we have. Yet education system has failed them. Let me give you an example of what I mean. When we came into office only 35 per cent of Common Entrance students were able to access secondary schools. There was no more space. The rest went to the tops of primary and community high schools. They earned certificates at the end of schooling at this level that were not accepted by the University or employers. Many did not even get those certificates. They became drop-outs as they were seen as failures by their friends, families and communities. Worse, they saw themselves as failures.

This is a great national tragedy and we will change it. Today 58 per cent of students at the primary level can find places in secondary schools. Within three years, every single child will have a place in secondary school. No more will the lives and future of our children be wasted!

We are also changing what they learn and how they learn it. Every school child must leave school not only literate in English and Mathematics but in Computers as well.

We are extremely proud that the allocation for education was increased from one billion to 9.3 billion dollars per annum today. We rehabilitated and built hundreds of new schools. As I speak, we have under construction and rehabilitation some 60 schools. I know that building schools is not the only thing that makes for a better education. That is why today we are training more teachers. And this training is taking place in their communities - places like Anna Regina, Linden, Rose Hall and New Amsterdam. At the same time, we will try to pay our teachers more. With this comprehensive approach, your children's future is secure with my government.

I am impatient as well to improve health services, provide greater access to drinking water and increase the housing stock. These sectors will see dramatic changes. We have under construction now water projects that will benefit over 100,000 people on the Coast. We have awarded contracts for 65 shallow wells in the interior areas. It is all about making life better for all our people.

As regards housing, we want to make more house-owners. I am impatient to see this happen. Already 28,000 house lots have been distributed. We will add 20,000 this year. And over the next two years 22,000 house lots will be ready for distribution. Just this year we have made it easier to borrow for housing by amending the Income Tax Act and New Building Society Act. Today it is even possible to borrow without titles.

My fellow citizens:
All these steps are being taken because we care. We care for our people. This is why we must also strengthen measures to make people safe in their homes, work places and in the streets. Law and order is another priority of mine. It means we have to improve and modernise those agencies like the police force and the judiciary. I repeat Government's policy on this matter: we will not allow the few who want to live on the wrong side of the law to stop the vast majority of the people who want to get on with their lives peacefully.

Our development strategy places great hopes for a better life for all. It incorporates our indigenous population and the development of the interior. No one can today deny that there has been a qualitative leap in living conditions in Amerindian communities. We will continue this deliberate policy.

I strongly believe in the empowerment of women. A pillar of our administration is the creation of a kind, just and fair environment that would allow them to develop their potentials. We should cherish and protect our elderly.

The PPP/Civic government has put people first. With each passing year we have enhanced freedom and rights for all. We have improved the foundations for good governance and made it more transparent. Yes, we made tremendous progress against corruption. However, I have spoken with the Integrity Commission, the Commissioner-General of the Revenue Authority and the Auditor General, and they have agreed to cooperate with Government to fight corruption. Again, I am impatient to see this happen.

Our human rights record is one of the best in the world. Freedom of expression and media freedom are acclaimed by friends and detractors alike. Guyana is now respected worldwide as the land of the free! At the end of the day, however, what the future holds for the country will depend on us. We have to do it ourselves and we have to do it together. Each and every one of us has to play a role in making our country prosperous.

My Fellow Guyanese:
It is significant that this year's anniversary coincides with Youth Week. Our young people today, look towards the future with optimism. And they do so with just cause. Over the past eight years we have tried to set the conditions to ensure that the future of our young people is secure. They can look forward to one day having access to sound education, finding a job and owning their own home.

From the first day of my Presidency, I signaled that there would be a strong focus on youth. I believe that our young people must not only be the objects of development but must also be active in the process. I was delighted two weeks ago when I launched Youth Choice. Youth Choice allows young people to make decisions for themselves and implement those decisions to the benefit of their community. In that process they will build leadership skills that would allow them to succeed in the future - skills in communication, inter-action and in entrepreneurship.

One cannot help but be inspired by the energy, passion, boldness and openness to change.

My dear fellow Guyanese:
Minutes from now when we recite our National Pledge, hear the strains of our National Anthem, and see our beautiful Flag being hoisted, our hearts must swell with pride to be Guyanese. For that is who we are! On this night when we recall the birth of an independent Guyana, let us lift our heads once more to that vision of a new tomorrow, a tomorrow full of promise and exciting possibilities.

Happy Independence Anniversary to all Guyanese.
Long Live Guyana!
Long live the People of Guyana!