The wisdom of our elders often comes humour-wrapped. A favourite of the senior Guyanese citizenry – an absolute gem – is the one that goes: “Don’t wait till yuh ready to sh!t to build de toilet.” While it never fails to elicit a giggle, this proverb is a blistering critique of human nature – our propensity to procrastinate on crucial tasks. The result? Unnecessary stress from poorly executed solutions, a stack of old newspapers, an overworked throwing arm, and an unpleasantly odorous, albeit unexpectedly well-fertilized neighbourhood.
Regardless of how you split it, careful and timely planning is key to avoiding chaos, minimising stress, and ensuring successful outcomes. But beware, the nonaction between recognising a problem and actually finding a solution is perhaps the most frustrating part.
Sometimes it feels like our country has perfected the art of waiting until the last minute. Practically every Guyanese can relate to this sentiment because, too often, solutions to pressing issues seem reactive rather than proactive.
Indeed, Guyana is a developing nation, and progress takes time, but not every issue requires a crystal ball or divine intervention. Many of the recurring challenges we face could be avoided with basic foresight and proper planning. Admittedly, there are times when the donkey comes before the cart. But far too often, it feels like the donkey is on top of the cart floating somewhere in the Demerara while the authorities run along the banks trying to save their ass. Meanwhile, the people suffer.
The situation has become so frustrating that Guyanese are left wondering what exactly our leaders have been doing all this time.
For instance, on December 10, a car left Kitty at 18:00hrs only to reach Orange Field, Canal No.1 at 20:45hrs. Commuters spent more than an hour alone in traffic between Agricola and Houston on the East Bank of Demerara. Google Maps shows that these two communities are within a 19-minute walking distance. What could cause this, you ask? An ineffective and inefficient Demerara Harbour Bridge. The bigger question that lingers on the minds of every West Demerarian, is at what point in our history did our politicians realise that we needed an alternative structure? Surely, the people living in Region Three have known this for more than 15 years.
Now, with years of gridlock and countless wasted hours, the new bridge is finally being built. When completed, it will undoubtedly improve the lives of thousands, reduce travel times, and boost economic activity. While this is indeed a step in the right direction, it begs the question: why did it take us so long to act on what the nation has known for over a decade and a half? The signs were evident—growing populations, increased vehicle usage, and the obvious inadequacy of the current crossing to meet the demands of modern Guyana.
The situation at the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) also mirrors this unfortunate reality. Blackouts have been a persistent issue for generations, yet no government, past or present, has found the right formula to solve the problem.
Time and again, we’re told that the economy’s rapid expansion outpaces our generating capacity. Someone once said that GPL is like a child using a pint-sized bowl to fetch water from a creek to quench the thirst of an ever-growing crowd. But surely, this demand did not grow overnight.
While the introduction of power ships is welcomed, it feels like a temporary patch for a widening cavity. The Gas-to-Energy project appears promising, but its anticipated completion in the fourth quarter of 2025 offers little solace. With the significant investments flowing into the country and an infrastructure-heavy budget expected next year, scepticism among the public is growing.
Are more blackouts inevitable until the Gas-to-Energy project is realized? The nation cannot afford to idly wait for salvation. What interim measures does GPL have in place to bridge the gap? The Head of GPL’s Executive Management Committee, Kesh Nandlall is on record saying that the integration of the 60 megawatts of power from the second power ship into the grid “will be more than sufficient” but cuts short from saying for how long.
It would be wise for the company to move now with alacrity and not wait until the drifting ass drops off the cart.
Some may argue that the country did not have the adequate resources to initiate the construction of an additional bridge or invest in reliable power generation until the dawn of the oil and gas industry. To eliminate bias, let us assume this was true, what about the smaller things that do not require massive oily proceeds but continue to fly under the radar?
Let’s go over to the West Bank of Demerara, specifically the horrendously looking, dilapidated Bagotville Post Office where our elders go to uplift their pensions.
That building did not go bad overnight. When will it receive a much-needed facelift and upgrade? What about the three-inch drop at the Bagotville, WBD bridge that continues to baffle and frustrate drivers?
Is the southern approach becoming detached from the structure?
And while we’re at it, there is a massive rut near Doctor Dam, La Grange that forces vehicles into the path of traffic coming in the opposing lane.
Also, when will the village administrators look into the mysterious appearance of garbage-filled bags that are now dotting the parapets along the Schoonard to Crane Highway and the Parfaite Harmonie Access Road? Where did they come from? Who’s putting them there?
Let’s head over to the Mandela/Sheriff Street roundabout. When will the powers-that-be realise that the system is doing the opposite of its intended purpose. Also, why is it that during rush hours, north-south drivers on Sheriff Street are not given the right of way, even though they form the majority of the traffic flow? It’s a similar story at most intersections in the city where the busiest streets are not given priority pass. Vehicle heading north on Haley Street, a major entry point into the city must come to a “dead stop” at D’urban and Norton Streets, two east-west roads that are barely busy. A similar situation exists on Cemetary Road as it cuts southernly, the two aforementioned east-west streets.
The refusal to allow a simple “rolling stop” is the real culprit here, creating a bottleneck as every single vehicle must come to a complete halt, even when the road ahead is clear. This rigid system only adds to the congestion, and commuters are left wondering why no adjustments are being made to address these obvious pain points. When will this be corrected?
Still on traffic, when will the local government authorities advocate for another north-south Railway Embankment Road between the University of Guyana Access Road and the Ogle Airport Road?
Then there is the building being used by the Guyana Revenue Authority on Camp Street, Georgetown. This building is smackdab in one of the city’s major traffic arteries. The GRA services hundreds if not thousands of persons every day. Due to inadequate customer parking and poor traffic management, the double-lane thoroughfare is often reduced to a single lane, stagnating traffic and leading to chaos. When will the powers that be realize that the situation is at a boiling point before decisive actions are taken?
What about the Passport Office? It’s no secret that the building accommodates an extraordinary number of people every day, often exceeding safe capacity limits. When can we expect an expansion?
West of the GPL Sophia Substation, a row of makeshift houses can be seen dangerously near the high-powered hardware. Some of these dwelling places have permanent concrete bases. Were the authorities traversing the areas in flying chariots when the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh structures were being erected? How did it manage to get so far out of control without intervention?
It would be remiss not to highlight the many individuals who sell water and other beverages along our roadways, risking life and limb as they dart between vehicles at traffic lights across the city. While the hustle is real—and the usual justification is that this keeps them from turning to crime—we must also consider their safety. The danger posed by careless drivers is very real. Some form of regulation is necessary, especially as this practice has become so normalized that even police officers stop to purchase a bottle or two!
Surely, these are just a few of the issues that deserve attention in our society that go unnoticed. More importantly, some require little investment. Quite frankly, it is basic observation and common sense. Why only when tragedy occurs or is narrowly averted do we see remedial action?
On a lighter note, let us remember that the cornerstone of any community is its people. As we bid farewell to 2024 and prepare to welcome a new year, let us draw on the wisdom of the proverb and take meaningful steps to mend the fences in our lives before it is too late. Reach out to those you have wronged and extend grace to those who have wronged you. Life is fleeting, and the holiday season provides an opportunity for forgiveness and reconciliation.
At its heart, making peace with others is one of the most profound and enduring gifts we can give. Don’t wait until it’s too late. To amend the proverb, let us say, “Build the toilet now before yuh belly start hutt.”
Merry Christmas to all!
