GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CANA:
A GRAND display of fireworks, popping noisemakers and pealing church bells heralded the start of 2001 in Guyana, where thousands of Guyanese feted into the wee hours of yesterday.
At the stroke of midnight President Bharrat Jagdeo extended New Year greetings to the nation in an address broadcast on state-radio and television stations.
The Guyanese leader reflected on the year 2000 and shared his vision for Guyana in 2001. He said it was government's vision to secure a better quality of life for all Guyanese.
He said that in 2001, government will be hard at work ensuring the basic needs of all people are met. Government will also seek to bring relief to those in need, introduce tough traffic laws, create new jobs and ensure the provision of basic essential services with continued focus on education.
"Guyana continues to move forward. Our accomplishments are many and must be celebrated, since we have found ways of achieving these in rather difficult circumstances," President Jagdeo said.
"Throughout the year, we've had problems, the prices we received for many of our main exports, gold, bauxite, sugar, rice and forest products have fallen on world markets and because of this people have suffered".
Border problems with Venezuela and Suriname, natural disasters including floods and locust infestation, the recent deadly explosion at the Army Ammunition Base, Camp Groomes were also cited as set-backs.
"In spite of these problems we managed to end the year in high spirits. The economy has withstood various pressures. Public sector workers had a record pay rise. At the same time we maintained relative stability in the exchange rate. Inflation has been kept within the single digits. In short, our economic and financial prospects remain good," President Jagan said.
He expressed concern about the country's poor investment climate.
"A difficult political environment has put off investors. As a result many young Guyanese were denied jobs. I hope that the national interest of enhancing economic activities will in the future prevail over political postures that only harm our country. In many other ways however this has been a remarkable year," the President said.
He highlighted the passage of laws to combat racial discrimination, new electoral legislation and the constitutional reform process, as successes.
Looking ahead to elections on March 19, he called for a civilised elections campaign and hoped that peace would prevail after the elections.
He also had a new year's resolution.
"We know that our Guyana has what it takes to be among the most prosperous. But to fulfil our hope and realise our potential we must all show togetherness. Above all we must show responsibility and courage in pursuing our dreams and destiny," he said.
"We cannot and must not allow ourselves to stray into the dead end of division and destruction. Together we must all aspire to a higher loyalty. Loyalty to Guyana, our children and their future. This is the most appropriate resolution we can make," President Jagdeo added.
