Dear Editor,
The dawn of a new year always brings with it a renewed sense of hope and optimism. Such optimism is by no means misplaced. The economy is doing well and this trend is likely to continue well into the new year. The year 2025 ended on a high note of optimism. General and Regional elections concluded peacefully and without incident. The PPP/C was returned to office with a new and bigger mandate. The country saw major infrastructural developments with significant improvements in almost all facets of life including access to better health care, education, housing and disposable income.
All of this bodes well for the new year. Several new projects are expected to come on stream in the new year which will have a transformative impact on the economy and by extension the lives of the Guyanese people. This is not to suggest that we are free from developmental challenges. The threat to our territorial integrity and national sovereignty continue to pose problems not only for us but for the region as a whole.
Wider afield, there is continuing devastation as a result of wars and conflicts. Climate change continue to pose existential threats. Yet we have reason to be thankful. We live in a society in which there is unity in diversity. Guyanese of all races and religious orientation celebrate Christmas. The same is true of other religious festivities. There is a much higher level of political and religious tolerance. Our society is evolving to a higher level of multiculturalism. We are not a perfect society. No such society exists and we have to continue the search for higher levels of inclusivity and participatory democracy. We have reason to be thankful. I wish to take this opportunity to wish all Guyanese a prosperous and productive New Year!