Those who glorify crime threaten children's future - President in Republic anniversary message
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has warned that the future of Guyana's children is threatened by those who glorify crime and criminals and said efforts must be maintained to cleanse the society of crime. In an address to the nation on the 30th Republic anniversary, he urged citizens to keep high values and to build the country on "integrity, good character, discipline and honest dealings." These "lofty" goals must not only include the promotion of a free and sovereign state, but also ethical and spiritual values. "Throughout this month, Guyana has assumed the colour and pomp of celebration and competition. Most remarkable have been the several children's displays", he noted. "Their poignant portrayal of love, unity, happiness, peace and plenty is a lesson to all Guyana. We must never betray or destroy the innocence of our children, nor shatter their dreams full of hope and bliss," the Head-of-State urged. "Their future cannot be realised in our Republic if those who should lead, walk separately and in different directions. "Their future of hope cannot be realised if those who should know better and set standards of emulation, glorify crime and criminals, and allow the desecration of our national flag." He said that if the country is to maintain high values there must be "hard work, selfless service to our community and the nation, respect for elders, honesty and thrift." "To promote these we must continue to cleanse our society of those who enrich themselves unjustly; those who trade in illicit drugs and guns; those who plunder others mercilessly; those who do substandard work; and those who deliver inefficient service," the President stressed. Mr Jagdeo said it is apt that at this 30th anniversary juncture, the nation should show it has its own sense of future. According to the President, the government is making "heroic" efforts to fix the country's broken down infrastructure and restore neglected services. "We are rebuilding our education system, improving access to and delivery of health care. We are providing housing and potable water to our people. "We are attending to human services - the elderly, the needy, (and) the marginalised. And we have made tremendous strides in providing a living wage, improving living standards and creating job opportunities," he stated. He said although there are visible signs of improvement and change, the country still remains a poor, developing nation, burdened by an oppressive debt. The President explained that many Guyanese are still below the poverty line but the government is working assiduously to change this. "If wealth and job creation hold the solution to our problems, then we must all encourage investment and productive activities," he urged. "No patriotic Guyanese should tell investors to fade away. We must stop endless carping and negative posturing. We have to play in one team - Team Guyana." Mr Jagdeo hopes that this year will serve as one to "bury old axes" noting that political polarisation would breed deeper alienation. "We need to find creative ways of working together for the common good of all." The President also reiterated his invitation for constructive engagement with all political parties and social organisations.
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