Recognize the troubles and successes of the past if we must benefit from our present-day wealth

ma of a high cost of living, we unilaterally decide without discussing the increases. The hallmark of an autocrat.

I hope that the Budget 2024 will give at least a tax free twenty five percent increase to all government employees and pensioners to allow them to ride the wave of the increased cost of living and to allow those at the lowest end of the salary structure an opportunity to provide nutritious meals every day for their children at a time when evidence shows many teenagers are stunted intellectually and physically due to poor nutrition - a serious matter. My next bit of advice to His Excellency is to recognise that Guyana’s image is created by our Foreign Service, Diplomats, High Commissioners and Ambassadors. The President, if he is truly interested in Guyana, should appoint persons, not necessarily based on their new found loyalty to the PPP. We need men and women that the host country would respect, not seen as mere rewardees for their political acrobatics. I believe that those of us who write and speak are the authentic guardians of the State. This is in spite of a local and international environment which paints a picture that political power and might is right.

I am an optimist and hope and pray that the powers that be will not fail to make optimal use of our vast natural resources and no natural disasters. Let us consult and paddle together so that we are glorious and not damned, so that we rid ourselves of this impediment where once in office, we arrogate unto ourselves to decide and do all things ignoring the other people. Finally, it will be remiss of me if I fail to complement the President for his oft times reply whenever I write to him. This is a propitious augury.

Sincerely,

Hamilton Green

Elder