Our wish list
Editorial
We wish all our readers a Happy New Year and set out some of the things that we believe would be most conducive to the achievement of that objective, our wish list for 2000, given the fact that the average citizen is deeply apprehensive about the coming elections. Firstly, we believe it would be a major breakthrough if the two main political parties accepted Dr Rupert Roopnaraine's proposal that the elections not be held in 200l and that there be a power sharing government from January 200l for what would have been the last two years of the current term of this government. This would have the advantage both of cooling down current tensions, allowing more economic development to take place and giving some insight into whether the system of power sharing is workable. If that is not possible, the election schedule outlined by Chief Election Officer Stanley Singh should be used as a basis for discussion and the dropping of the proposed referendum on certain constitutional changes should be considered. This would make the time schedule much less tight and the changes can by agreement be dealt with after the elections. None of them is vital to the elections and this will allow for better preparation for the national elections. It is vital that those elections be transparent and well organised. Our second wish is that the electricity company will produce a stable and reliable electricity supply, proving clearly that privatisation was a good move. Thirdly, that a buyer will be found for the ailing bauxite industry, providing a more stable future. Fourthly, that the road to Brazil will be completed, opening up new possibilities for trade and boosting our ports. Fifthly, that the Beal deal will be completed. This can provide some employment and put Guyana on the map for further investment. Sixthly, that the government will prepare a list of investment priorities and go looking for investors, rather than sitting and waiting . Seventhly, that the National Development Strategy, due for publication soon, will be well received all round and will be seen as providing a basis for a more informed discussion of our economic future. Eighthly, that the inter-party dialogue will be revived and will flourish under the guidance of local facilitators from civil society. Ninthly, that West Indies cricket will be reborn to give us something to cheer about. Tenthly, and most importantly, that we prove to ourselves that after over one hundred and fifty years of cohabitation we can all live together amicably and in peace and build a free society in which different views and cultures can be accommodated without rancour and with understanding.
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