Dear Editor,
I would like to ask anyone reading my letter if they are able to clearly imagine Guyana 50 years from today? What comes to mind? How are the economies, communities and skills peoples of each region improved? How are we leveraging the comparative advantages of each region and aligning human development measures to advance regional economies and their social development?
For me, it is difficult to see how we are planning for this and where we are going. It is like building a house, we need a blueprint, we need to understand where the various rooms are, how they interact and fit, what materials are needed, in what quantities, by when and so on. A concrete vision, organized development and region-focused modernization are basic actions countries such as China, Singa-pore, Dubai and similar countries who were behind the development curve just a few decades ago, implemented to improve living standards and strengthen their economies. Simply talking up development projects and investments in the Green State Development Strategy or other national development plans does not cut it. I suspect that many Guyanese feel like I do, unable to envision a unified outcome of Guyana’s historical and current development investments and efforts.
I am pleased to see the PPP Government at the helm of Guyana’s transition to an Oil and Gas Economy. I learned, intimately, over the past three years, that the PPP is capable of leading Guyana at this crucial moment in our country’s history. The regional and international influence and networks are there; the inclusiveness is there, despite the propaganda that communicates otherwise, human capital is there and certainly the political inclinations are there. Some uncertain purely political actions aside, the rapid pace of development and concrete actions in over the past two years is unprecedented in Guyana. Any right and unprejudiced thinking Guyanese would agree. This not to say that the Coalition is not capable, nor that there are no roles for the political opposition beyond reacting and opposing.
What I am saying is that both political organisations must employ the basic blueprint to successfully plan and advance regional economic and human capital growth. And for obvious reasons, at this moment of our history, the PPP is better positioned and equipped to manage our economy and sovereign affairs. I am therefore advocating that a more nuanced attention is directed at advancing regional economies, leveraging comparative natural resource, industrial, human capital and other regional advantages and opportunities. Aligning regional skills development and human capital investments tailored to the requirements and goals of regional economies must also take center stage. Ultimately such measures must be tied to and full our long-term aims as a people and nation. The bigger picture should be easy for all Guyanese to imagine and take great pride in.
Sincerely,
Rawle A. Small
