Measured by its rich natural resources, its recent economic performance, and the investments set to be made in gold and oil, Guyana's economic prospects and the contribution it can make to Caricom look healthy and heartening. 2011 is an election year in Guyana. So far, there is no sign of anything but a peaceful process. The political parties are each engaged in trying to identify a candidate for the nation's Presidency. There are five known candidates in the ruling Peoples Progressive Party and a similar number in the main opposition Peoples National Congress. By mid-March both parties would have chosen their candidate in processes which have been internally rancorous but have shown no sign of erupting into national strife. There are smaller political parties including the Alliance for Change which has a settled candidate. Elections have to be held by November, and the campaigning season will start in earnest by April. Whichever party wins the Presidency and forms the government, it will inherit an economy that is stronger than it has ever been with every indicator for greater growth. For Guyana, the fabled land of "El Dorado" may be in sight at last if this election is conducted by mature democratic standards and the new government uses the country's resources for the benefit of all, especially its disadvantaged.
The writer is a consultant and former Caribbean diplomat