We (Annetha and I) are almost at the end of a brilliant trip to Guyana. It started out for me as an opportunity to attend a family wedding and to see relatives, some of whom I had never met and others not seen in over 38 years.
My wife and daughter coerced me into taking some time off to surprise everyone, and people were indeed surprised. Even my parents for a moment could not understand what was happening and many friends were dumbstruck.
I must thank my brother Raymond Hall for his hospitality along with Joan (Joanie, mother of Shelly Francis and Hazel Mclean.
I have a lengthy report with photos and videos to write with the many names of all those who have made this trip wonderful.
The last time I visited Guyana was in 2000 and my family in 1997. I have to say that of all my earlier visits, including 1990/91 which I had previously thought of as the best, this trip is the best since I left Guyana in the late 70s.
This 2015 visit demonstrated the great potential of Guyana and its people. Social and economic decay is evident everywhere, notwithstanding the elaborate buildings built next to falling down properties. There is a perception of increasing crime (which statistics prove to be otherwise), but, for me Guyana seems safer today than in 1997 and 2000. The population seems hopeful despite, in my opinion, the political blunder with the pay raises for the government leadership.
I took the opportunity to speak with dozens of ordinary citizens from across Guyana and discovered that there is confidence that Guyana's best days are ahead and the change of government could bear fruits for all Guyanese. However the consistent message from the citizens is that the government must do a better job keeping them up to date with their plans to correct the deficiencies of the past administrations.
I personally believe that the government's messaging must be consistent, clear, concise and frequent.
I advised many that although there have been some hiccups, they must not remove themselves from the political or economic process because of perceived ethnic differences. Anyone uttering divisive racist commentary does not represent his or her ethnic group but their own selfish, un-evolved mental state, and they must be informed of their shortcomings.
Support for the government is imperative but not at the expense of free speech, if there is displeasure with something, people must make their voices heard but in no way should they attempt to undermine Guyana's progress, for all Guyanese will suffer. There is no them or us, there is only we.
In parting, until my full report; ALL Guyanese must remember that only through unity will we demonstrate to the world our commitment to progress.
Should the opportunity present itself again, "I'll be back". Remember GUYANESE UNITED. Remain safe, healthy and hopeful.