Why We Should Never Compare Guyana to the US or UK!

Guyana's 50th Logo

One early Saturday morning I woke up, got prepared as quickly as I could, gathered my family and made a visit to the Meadow Bank wharf. My mission was very simple, get in and out with cheaper and nice fresh fish. Of course if you live in Guyana you will know that Meadow Bank once had the best prices and deals in Georgetown for fresh fish. Just one caveat - the prices are not lower than elsewhere it is on par with others.

After leaving the fish market I made a stop at Bourda Market then made my way to GPL. With my bill in hand I got to GPL on Main Street only to discover I was early and the office had not yet opened for the day. So after realizing that they would open soon I waited.

Finally, after what seemed like about 3 lifetimes the folks who assembled outside along with myself

The Golden Arrow Head

went in to pay our bills. I was happy because I was first in line. During our wait a discussion began between an older man who was behind me and myself about the 50th Jubilee celebrations. The conversation was lively and was going good and the man shared his concerns about the country. Then another man who was behind this man and obviously older in age - he seemed like 80+ years spoke up with a louder tone and said, "I wish Guyana was still under the British. If we were we would have never been like this". This to my hearing was utter hogwash! How could this man say this? Why was he so sour? These questions flooded my mind. So I decided to speak up and shared something. I spoke to both the man who was behind and the older man who was behind him and those who were there. My words were, "Could you tell me how old is UK? Could you tell me how old is the US?" You cannot compare the UK which is much older than the US that is over 230 years old! Guyana is merely a 50 year old person and to make a comparison would be unfair and unjust!" The men stood in silence for while and older one complained how he worked in Guyana for such a long time and that I am now here.

My point was made, I paid my bill, wished them all the best and left for home with my family who were waiting for me outside. My point is one I would to highlight - Do not compare Guyana to the US or UK we simply are not on an even playing field. They have had over 200 years for the US and 300 years for UK to become who they are today and still who they are leaves much to be desired. 

The truth is, we are Guyanese and we should be extremely happy for who and what Guayan is today. Mind you this does not mean that we should negate the bad but let us focus on the good things we have going for us and let us look ahead past the obscurity, with hope to what is ahead! For crying out loud - be grateful for the good things! Like to old song says, count your blessings!

Happy 50th Independence Guyana! I love you! [In Guyanese parlance - meh luv yuh baad GT!]