Public institutions must conduct their affairs professionally, protected and kept safe from all political pressures 

Dear Editor

On May 26, 2021 Guyana will be celebrating its 55th Anniversary of Independence. This is a day of reflection for all Guyanese, especially those brothers and sisters, who would have attained the age of retirement on that day and/or Public Servants born on Independence Day 1966.

For a country and its people that embraces the national motto: “One People One Nation One Destiny” there has been many experiences that have contributed to doubts and disbeliefs of ever achieving the desired harmony as a people. In this regard, we must ferret the obstacles to that harmony and genuinely confront and overcome the hurdles in attaining the desired goals.

Fundamentally, as a people, we must establish common goals. Hence, I would hasten to recommend that collectively, irrespective of our individual political persuasions and/or engraved mindsets we must find the strength and independence to stand firm against those who seek daily to make the achievement of the virtues of our national motto a myth.

In so doing, we must ensure that our institutions are credible and manned by Guyanese of integrity and insulated from all political influences, attacks and interventions. Public institutions must conduct their affairs professionally, protected and kept safe from all political pressures and held accountable. Foremost in this regard are the Judiciary, Department of Public Prosecution, Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, Ombudsman, Audit Office of Guyana and other constitutional offices and agencies.

The discovery of oil on our shores, militates against excuses for the failure to eradicate poverty and for the payment of scanty national minimum wages, afar from what can be described as a reasonable equivalent to a living wage. Overall there must be the genuine practice of good governance by whosoever is afforded the privilege to discharge that mandate. Here again, persons afforded such privileges must be accountable to the people and be not above the law.

As a priority, citizens of Guyana must strive for real unity, stand in defense of each other, recognizing that power resides in the people. It is only with such unity that we the people can hold our politicians accountable for their acts. The disunity among our people can be easily eradicated if we open our minds and take an enlightened approach to dealing with all matters that are not being done in our best interest. For a start, let us undertake to remove all obstacles to real unity and develop enviable harmonious relationships that can set an example for the world and our young ones to emulate. Let this be a true legacy of which we can always be proud – let us make this a reality.

Our beloved country is currently at cross roads and are facing many serious hurdles apart from our own fragile relationships. There is the coronavirus, which is ravishing and deadly; there is the devastation of climate change; there is the ever rising and significant cost of living increases, wide spread discrimination and victimization.

Even though these things are evident, on behalf of the Executive Council and Members of the GPSU and my family, I would like to extend to all Guyanese, best wishes for the 55th Independence Anniversary and a bright future working and living together in love, unity and harmony.

Regards

Patrick Yarde

President of the Guyana Public Service Union