NINE years ago today, on October 5, 1992, the people of Guyana voted the PPP/Civic government into power in historic free and fair elections.

As the country celebrates the anniversary of the return to democracy, it is time for us to take stock and look back at what this hard won right has brought for all Guyanese.

Many believe that the country has since emerged from an age of corruption, discrimination, hopelessness and privilege under the former government.

Guyana is now on the move. Indeed this gear was set in motion since the PPP/C came to power in 1992 and indications are that Guyana is on the way to becoming a truly prosperous nation.

While the government of the day has been faced with many obstacles, including political strife, plunder, killings, beatings, fires, damage to public property and other acts of lawlessness, banditry and brigandy, the government has been able to maintain a reasonable standard of living for all Guyanese.

It has also brought down the inflation rate to single digit and created thousands of jobs at the same time.

Businessmen and investors, both local and foreign, are caught in the web of economic activities and while some are expanding on their existing businesses, others are venturing into new areas of operation.

During these nine years, the government, determined to improve the lot of all Guyanese, embarked with vigour on the task of rebuilding rundown infrastructure. Already, schools, hospitals, roads, sea defences, bridges, the pure water supply system and drainage and irrigation have all been restored.

Most people believe that never before have Guyanese enjoyed better social services, while the nation's education and health have all reached commendable heights.

Democracy is indeed kicking alive and well in Guyana today, and thousands of Guyanese are enjoying this right by having their own homes, as between 1993 and the end of last year more than 50,000 house lots were made available to Guyanese in both the middle and low income brackets.

Many feel that the vision and guidance of the late President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan have laid extremely solid foundations for the establishment of a strong, stable and democratic state founded on good governance and accountability.

For the first time, youth are being given a chance to mould their destiny. They are involved in the President's Youth Choice Initiative programme which caters for young people countrywide.

Since the rebirth of democracy, Guyana has taken a turn for the better, and there have been all-round improvements everywhere in the country.

Workers and indeed the entire population are treated with respect and dignity. Private sector growth is encouraged and women and the elderly are helped in several ways.

The rebirth of democracy has laid the basis for a just society in which every one shares in the benefits of the country.

Although nine years may seem long, many believe that those were relatively short when measured against all the development projects that have been taking place around them.

They believe that the achievements in the last nine years are solid enough to take the country through the following years, consolidating democracy and paving the way for the right of every man, woman and child to live a decent life.