Dear Editor,

What are the functions and responsibilities of the government and elected leaders? Is it just to go to the polls every five years and thereafter be unresponsive to the development of the people? President Bharrat Jagdeo in addressing the 30th Caricom Heads of Government Conference expressed the view that, “if we treat our own people badly how can, we then, expect Third Countries to treat them with respect?” This is the hypocrisy that goes on in politics. The first world countries and Caribbean countries know that if Guyanese were given equal access to the state’s resources and the economic and political pie were evenly distributed Guyanese would not have been wandering like nomads throughout the world.

If the government had any respect for the Guyanese people our young graduates would not have been fleeing Guyana to find jobs and a better way of life in someone else’s country, where they do not feel a sense of identity. I have travelled the world and I can say quite honestly, that there is no place like home. Guyana has over 34 natural resources that the world needs, so what policies are there in place to attract mass foreign direct investment? The government needs to create a safe and business-friendly environment; we are still faced with high electricity costs, massive black-outs and regular flooding in the capital city of Georgetown. Where is the plan to provide jobs and a better way of life for young people? In the absence of a known plan, young people are hopeless and in a state of despair.  I would urge the President stop looking at Barbados and the Caribbean islands to solve our problems; our problems stem from within.

I salute the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mr David Thompson, and those with similar policies to him, for putting the interest of their country first.

Yours faithfully,
Courtney Henry