Dear Editor,
So the Russian invasion of Ukraine has become the top story in the international media. My worry is that this, like other events, is likely to distract Guyanese from our main issues and the troubles that confront us as a people. Generally, it appears that this generation is easily distracted, thanks to the ease of information flow.
Today, Guyanese of every race, age group, political affiliation, colour and creed should focus on what appears to be a re-colonization process, a process that allows the conglomerates to hand Guyanese, with the compliments of our leaders, in the words of President Ali, ‘the wrong end of the stick.’ As we celebrate this rain-affected weekend, I urge all citizens to stay focus and keep our eyes on the ball. Guyanese must appreciate that investors who come to extract our non-renewable natural resources, come here to do business and to make a handsome profit. Whether you are a capitalist or a communist, this is the reality of our world.
However, there is a line between the investor and the developer making a handsome profit, and on the other hand, those who own those resources, gold, diamond, timber, oil and gas and obtaining the crumbs from the operations. This is why Guyanese leaders should come together and produce a common policy so that investors are not given too much elbow-room to manipulate local officials to maximize their profits thereby minimizing our returns. This weekend, let us therefore concentrate, all of us, on persuading our leaders, particularly those in the political and decision making arena, to ensure we get the best possible deal from the extraction of our natural resources. For us, to bring justice to Guyana and for this and succeeding generations, to benefit from our patrimony we have got to practice, not merely preach the philosophical underpinnings of One Guyana.
This weekend I pose this question for leaders in parliament, industry, religious and other organizations, ‘Is there a workable alternative?’ If there is, ladies and gentlemen and the powerbrokers, let us hear from you.
Sincerely,
Hamilton Green
Elder
