Dear Editor,
Guyana is well poised to receive its share of oil early in the new year. Hopefully by then the elections will be over and a new Government will be in place, one that is democratically elected in free, fair and transparent elections.
The emergence of oil and gas has generated tremendous interest for the international community in the upcoming elections. Guyana is no longer a small and insignificant player on the international stage. Its geo-strategic importance has been significantly enhanced, thanks to our newly discovered oil riches.
This sector, if properly managed, could have a transformational impact on the economic and social life of the Guyanese people. The promise of a better life has, in the past, been elusive despite an abundance of natural and mineral resources. There is poverty in the midst of plenty, for which as a society we have to take collectively responsibility for our inability to optimally and effectively harness our resources for the benefit of all.
The question that is uppermost in the minds of most Guyanese is whether or not oil will be a ‘game changer’ in terms of enhancing our collective well-being or will it be yet another wasted opportunity to transform our lives. As we approach the elections there will be promises from all sides of the political spectrum but as the saying goes, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.
This is why the stakes in this upcoming elections are so high. Whichever party emerges victorious at the polls will be in a position to have command over financial resources not hitherto possible which could be utilized to create a more prosperous and just society.
Yes, without a doubt this will be the ‘mother of all elections’ and the entire world is watching on. Our elections are long overdue and any further delay could do harm to our image as a democratic and law governed society. One consequence of such an outcome is that it could undermine our ability to bargain from a position of strength in doing business at the bilateral and multilateral levels including key financial institutions particularly in the early years of our emerging oil and gas economy.
Job creation, visionary leadership, security, trust and good governance will be some of the ingredients that will influence voting behaviour in the upcoming elections. The electorate is in a better position to make informed decisions on which, from among the competing parties, is more likely than not to deliver on Manifesto promises, thanks to social media.
Yours faithfully,
Hydar Ally
