Dear Editor,
On February 14, 2023, I was privileged to attend the opening ceremony of the second International Energy Conference and Expo in Georgetown Guyana.
All the presenters were of exceptional calibre. However, the most impactful speaker to me was none other than the Honourable Dr. Ralph Gonsalves – Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. During his speech, Hon. Dr. Gonsalves chose to move away from the traditional political discourse which is often decorated with politics, economics and promises.
Rather, he chose to redirect his thoughts and attention to the audience by highlighting the socio-economic challenges which are prevailing in our society. He has called on the leaders to focus on the importance of the unique family structure, domestic abuse, assault, divorce, poverty, teenage pregnancy and incest, alarming rates of obesity, high school dropouts, illiteracy, alcohol use and abuse in Guyana and the Caribbean.
I echo Dr. Ralph Gonsalves appeal, I call upon our educators, our local civil society leaders, our politicians, and leaders in our religious instructions to be cognisant of the ills and declines of the moral fabric of our society.
Do not shy away from the challenging issues. Work on addressing these matters urgently!
Respectfully,
Nazar Mohamed
Businessman
