We must also accept the distasteful fact that we have lost several decades in streamlining our economy with the wider world. The conditions enjoyed by many of our neighbours are constant reminders of our lost opportunities. Those who travel to other countries often marvel at the strides others have made after independence even though they seem to have less potentials. So today, we recognize that to catch up with others we have to expend twice as much energy. We have to produce more wealth for ourselves.
Independence means that there is no fairy godfather around.
Regardless of who is in government, regardless of our seemingly endless political competition which is a feature of all democracies, the bottom line is that, as a society, we have to produce more and earn more and distribute the proceeds in a just manner. At the end of the day we can only distribute what we have created. With all of our limitations, many see Guyana as a land of opportunities. While the government and the private sector are aiming at creating more and more jobs, there are many opportunities being opened for our people to be involved in self-employment. Unfortunately not all are prepared to abandon conventional thinking and seek a future and fortune for themselves.