Dear Editor,
Congrats to the APNU+AFC. I had planned that my first letter under the new government would be on national unity and reconciliation, specifically on (i) specific arrangements that could be considered to give effect to this ideal, and (ii) my belief that an invitation to the PPP to “’join the movement” must first require constitutionalized guarantees, safeguards and other arrangements.
Another matter however now grabs my attention. It concerns whether a wider cross-section of Guyanese are mentally and otherwise prepared, now that the playing field is likely to level off by fair means, to take advantage of the opportunities that will present themselves. By opportunities, I mean such things as government contracts, business loans, and land for agriculture. And by a wider cross-section, I refer to Guyanese men and women of all races and in all regions.
The concern is not trivial. With the expected greater levels of transparency and fairness in resource allocation under the new administration, are many persons going to aim merely for salary increases, reduction in VAT, and jobs? Or are they going to strive to participate in the economy as business owners, creating jobs and wealth? If opportunities are not grasped by a wider section of Guyanese, the leveling of the playing field will continue to benefit too small a set of persons.
So what could actually be done? The first area of priority is to rebuild and enlarge the ranks of bidders and contractors, many of whom of all races were forced to leave the market. The government’s massive annual capital budget is money that eventually ends up in the hands of suppliers of goods and services, and constructors of roads, bridges, schools and other works. The government can use this power as the largest purchaser in the marketplace to systematically widen participation in contract awards, as similarly done in countries like the US, Canada and South Africa. Ordinary citizens however have to organize to get in the game.
Secondly, those who already own small businesses should explore expansion. Government initiatives to provide easier access to affordable business loans and advice would encourage this movement. Thirdly, there must be an upsurge in technical and vocational training for young people across the land. Such schemes must be accompanied by training in small business and in professionalization of attitudes. Fourthly, many of us will have to be more alert for opportunities to invest. And so on.
This matter has been much discussed. The next coming years will tell if too many persons are destined to remain public servants and job seekers, decent as these are. I end by saying that in the reshaping of things, no Guyanese must be denied a fair chance to earn and fair reward for showing initiative and drive.
Yours faithfully,
Sherwood Lowe
