Guyana Public Service Union

Message  

44th Independence Anniversary

of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

May 26, 2010

Today, May 26, 2010, as we celebrate the 44th Anniversary of our country’s independence; the ties that bind our common humanity together are fraying. Corruption at the highest level, suppression of freedom, meager standards of living, racism and discrimination, among other quandaries, threaten to divide our society ever more sharply into “haves” and “have-nots.”

However, this date reminds us that we are an independent nation, with full sovereign rights, still fighting off the colonialist effects even as we face the challenges of the 21st century. Guyanese must put aside their racial, religious, political and economic differences and aim for common goals whereby everyone benefits equally.

However, as a people, it is our grave responsibility and obligation to honor our country by doing whatever we can to make things work or provide support to those who can make it work. Hence, I say, do not be intimidated by our challenges. Each challenge is the product of human choices, of mistaken priorities, of inadequate institutions and laws. Each can be resolved through individual and collective action, through the innovative ideas and fresh energies that will characterize this generation of problem solvers. We are not destined to watch our country disintegrate into ‘the law of the jungle’. We can only improve this by working in Unity.

Of course we are bound to have differences and we can have differences and we should have different views, different opinions and different styles but those differences can only benefit us if we use them collectively to work for the good of our people and country.

We also remember some of the happy and sad days that had gone by over the years. The 1990’s was a decade marked by a number of revolutions and new directives; the 20^th Century brought new ideas and new mandates. Now, in the 21^st century, it is indeed time for stimulation and transformation such as a decent work agenda.

At this point, when we have passed the mid-point to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, we know that failure to meet the 2015 deadline would incur a detrimental shock to the trust forged between the developed and developing world, as well as between governments and citizens.

This situation can be overcome if we accept our responsibilities as citizens of Guyana; and this is why we need to build stronger Unions, stronger alliances and stronger leadership in every sphere of our society.

My fellow Guyanese I would like to convey a message of hope and encourage every Guyanese citizen, at home and across borders that there is still merit in our National Motto: “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” No matter how we differ in thoughts and in words we can and should always strive hard to work in unity.  

Guyana Public ServiceUnion

160 Regent Rd and Shiv Chanderpaul Dr.,

Bourda

May 26, 2010