“Nation-building is no task for the fainthearted and full immersion by every citizen is required if we are to fulfil our potential as a Republic.”
That’s according to President Paula-Mae Weekes.
Our Madame President made the statement in her Republic Day message to the nation.
President Weekes said she has found herself wondering whether the transition from mere independence to a Republic was more a change in “nomenclature and form, than one of real and meaningful significance.”
“What were the tangible benefits, if any, of that change and have they had any salutary effect on our system of governance?” the President asked.
“The average citizen, even after 46 years of Republican statehood, still, when reference is made to “the President,” tends to think of the Guyana and US executive-type president, who is both head of state and head of government, exercises control over the Cabinet and other arms of government, and is involved in the day to day running of the country,” President Weekes said.
“Citizens must be informed and educated—doing their own research and interrogating their sources of information—not accepting lock, stock and barrel what appears in the media, traditional or social; at best that can be a jump-off point for further reading and investigation and the forming of their own reasoned opinion,” she said.
Weekes added, “In the process, be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. Nation-building is no task for the fainthearted and full immersion by every citizen is required if we are to fulfil our potential as a Republic.”
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