Dear Editor,
In the early 2000s we began writing on the lack of critical financial investments for the development of the human potential of Guyanese to better harness the abundant natural resources of Guyana. We have publicly asked on numerous occasions: What are the PPP Government’s master plans for education, science, technology, research and development of our resources?
No answer was ever given, written or even discussed at the PPP’s national congresses. There was no evidence of any coherent national strategies (secret or open) in the PPP Govt’s policies or actions. The nation is adrift.
After years of wandering aimlessly while time is lost and our human sufferings have magnified, it now seems that the PPP Govt. in desperation is trying to meld the national scientific and technological development policies of Guyana with that of the LCDS (Low Carbon Development Strategy). (See letter of Pro-Chancellor and senior Presidential Advisor, Dr. Prem Misir in KN, Feb. 8th, 2012.) Guyana’s science education including that at UG is being directed to meet LCDS objectives. For a mere pittance we allow others to control our fate.
The rich and technologically developed countries continue their heavy energy-consuming ways simultaneously maximizing their own national economies, wealth and profits. Some (in order to appear socially responsible on the world stage) have offered to pay a small token to assuage their guilt of transgressions and responsibility towards the planet. It is like they are giving alms to the poor as they accumulate more wealth by burning fossil fuels – gas or oil. Why are we allowing others to dictate our destiny, when we have so many resources?
The rich or rapidly developing countries (e.g. Canada, China and India) would not allow others to dictate what they must do or not do. (India and China recently announced they will shun the European Union carbon law.) They take care of their own national interests and priorities. Norway owes us nothing and was not our colonial master. It has vast energy resources of natural gas and oil from the North Sea, which it wants to use for its own economic advantage, but it also wants to maintain a good environmental standing on the world stage and with youths and people around the world. Norway will give money to countries like Guyana to maintain our pristine forests etc. while it utilizes its fossil fuel resources.
Pro Chancellor and Presidential Advisor Dr. Misir seems to see no problems with publicly and proudly reducing this country to a continued beggar status and embracing the dictates and restraints of the LCDS on our national development and utilization of resources in exchange for handouts. (See Dr. Misir’s letter mentioned above. This touting of the LCDS line was also mentioned by him in a previous letter.)
This approach of successive PPP governments also shows that we are still on our knees begging for more handouts. Over the decades, the PPP’s policies have stunted the growth and increased the impoverishment of Guyanese children. Meanwhile the country’s resources are being given away and exploited by others with little benefit to Guyana.
Enquiring minds must ask: Is this the best that the ‘brain trust’ of the PPP can do?
Over the years, we have asked this PPP Govt. to emulate countries such as India and China with regards to their investments in education, science, technology, research and development. We beg help from these same countries who are reaping the benefits of their sound educational policies.
This PPP Govt. is usually quick to associate with anything ‘Indian.’ This note was in The Scientist, Magazine of the Life Sciences (www.the-scientist.com), February, 2012 section on ‘Quotes, Speaking of Science:’ Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, announcing a pledge to more than double government spending on research and development over the next five years said: “Over the past few decades, India’s position in the world of science has been declining and we have been overtaken by countries like China. Things are changing but we cannot be satisfied with what has been achieved. We need to do much more to change the fate of Indian Science.”
This understanding of the role of science and technology in national development shows astute leadership by India’s PM Mr. Manmohan Singh. Where is the Guyanese equivalent of Mr. Manmohan Singh? Or, why are those in the PPP not learning from India?
This ‘canoe of state’ is adrift with no one at the controls and it is going rapidly over the falls. Pro-Chancellor and Senior Presidential Advisor Dr. Misir should know their current master plan is shortsighted and not in Guyana’s best national interests.
We have just lost precious years of research at the Iwokrama labs at UG under the watch of this PPP Govt. (European Union grants to improve UG’s biology labs were squandered.) The situation has not changed. We are not scientifically equipped to take advantage of our biodiversity heritage.
Guyana needs to assemble a panel of able individuals who also care for this country to formulate a proper strategy for education, science, technology, research and development to meet present and future needs. Such a strategic plan can then be made public for the input of other concerned citizens. The final non-partisan plan can provide a blue print for any Govt. in power.
When would narrow partisan interests give way to proper planning and national strategies for the betterment of Guyana?
Yours faithfully
Seelochan Beharry
