Diaspora disappointment is displaced

Dear Editor,

I hear that diaspora members are disappointed at not being called by the government.  From my perspective, I view that disappointment as misplaced, and somewhat lacking in pragmatism, if not merit and thoughtfulness.

First of all, there has to be an appreciation for the local reality.  This country, whether new government or old, does not have a thousand satisfying jobs (or jobs per se) to offer or entice well-meaning, interested individuals from the exodus.  In fact, I would argue that it does not have even half of that number I plucked from the air; that is, five hundred jobs to offer.  They are just not there.

Second, when the prized plums, and the second level openings, are available, the first in line have to be, will be, those in close proximity, those who have visibility, those with access, and those close to the receptive ears of decision makers.  Put differently, it is those on the ground (here); those doing the thankless footwork (here); those doing the heavy lifting (here); and those doing dirty work (also here).  These local residents have a lock and virtual monopoly, with the occasional exception, with regards to the pickings.  I go farther afield for a moment.

It is presidential election season in the US where the stakes are very high.  The opportunities are many and varied for the winner, who has a veritable army of toilers and contributors to reward.  And yet in this place where there is so much, some are bypassed and disappointment follows for those who got either nothing or less than they thought that they deserved.  I now return to the domestic situation, where the landscape is much more limited.

Third, I must ask those diaspora members who are disappointed a simple telling question: what do they have in mind for compensation packages?  There are only so few openings for GRA and GPL heads and the equivalent.  Would a qualified seasoned engineer accept US$400 as monthly earnings?  This is what the Minister of Public Infrastructure is authorized to pay.  Further, there is currently an ongoing hard struggle between public servants and teachers’ representatives on the one side and the government on the other on the matter of a livable wage.  Already, there is much disappointment, and some bitterness, staining the outlook and communication between the parties.  How does this painful local reality reconcile with the expectations of members of the diaspora?  Should there be a continuation of the super public servant tier, complete with contracts, while the little forgotten people in the middle and lower down are left to their devices and paltry percentages?  I think that the government has to be cautious of what it markets and then delivers to the diaspora.

Sure, there can be justification and comfort in recruiting specialists and very senior executives from over there, and has been done; but that is about the limit of where things can and should go.  It goes without saying that this leaves a whole expectant (now disappointed) multitude languishing in the cold.

Fourth, and for emphasis, I know of highly qualified, highly motivated, highly successful, and highly patriotic Guyanese now living right here in these local climes, who have raised their hands to serve free. They were left hanging and empty handed.  I repeat: to serve their country without pay or consideration.  I am hard pressed to think that the disappointed members of the diaspora are volunteering to do pro bono work.

Fifth, I venture to suggest to members of the diaspora that they do a better, more compact job of managing themselves and their expectations.  It is a job that should be immersed in the pragmatic, and buttressed by a discernment of the narrow confines of this society of what it can offer, accommodate, and absorb.  The president himself said some time ago that there ought to be a lessening of citizens looking to government for economic sanctuary and success.  He said so in a local context.  I assert that this applies beyond the national boundaries, too.  I endorse such a position.

Sixth, I would respectfully urge (not for the first time) those members of the diaspora who desire to serve, that they return and give of themselves to this society.  It is to give without visions of position, remuneration, and elevation; but rather to give for the joy and self-satisfaction that comes with the local grind (and it is a grind at times) of being a change agent, a difference maker, and a quiet contributor.  This has to be a unilateral action, and not contingent upon any reciprocal action by government, save for duty free concessions rightfully due.

To those who can so manage, are so focused and committed, I say that there is less by way of disappointment, and more showered on the prayers and searching of the soul.  Trust me on this one.  Then try it.

Yours faithfully,

GHK Lall