Govt commits to intensifying engagements with Diaspora

…plugs role Diaspora can play in Guyana’s development
Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud has reiterated Government’s commitment to intensifying its engagements with the Guyana Diaspora, something evidenced by the various outreaches the Government has embarked on.
The Foreign Secretary made these comments during a virtual read-aloud with the Office of the Queens Borough President that featured Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who read a short story while surrounded by local children.

According to Persaud, it is important that second and third generation Guyanese living abroad become familiar with their country of origin. Additionally, he noted that connecting to the Diaspora and getting them involved in Guyana’s development is a priority.
“Today’s (Wednesday) event is simple but also significant in the fact that we’re trying to bridge the gap or understanding of our young people, particularly the second or third generation Guyanese who live in the United States or the wider Diaspora, in appreciating, understanding and being aware of Guyana.”
“Through this effort we hope that their knowledge and interest will be heightened. We want, as part of our Government’s effort, to intensify our engagement with the Diaspora. We started that in the business arena. We’re also looking at forms of youth engagement. We want to get more Guyanese in the Diaspora involved in development process of our country,” the Foreign Secretary said.
Particularly, he noted the importance of the children knowing more about Guyana, the country their parents or grandparents were born and migrated from. According to the Foreign Secretary, the hope is that these children will even encourage their parents to carry them to Guyana. Persaud also expressed hope that the event can be extended to other areas and boroughs.
“Let me acknowledge the collaboration we’ve been able to develop with the Queen’s Borough. We’re hoping to extend that to other boroughs within New York, the tri state area, and even beyond. This is just a start,” he added.
Wednesday’s event was facilitated by the Queens Public Library, whose young members viewed the programme online. It is one of several initiatives that were conceptualised to foster greater relationship between the Office of the Queens Borough President and the Guyanese Diaspora in New York.
As part of promoting Guyana to young members of the Diaspora in a captivating way, a short video on Guyana’s unique fauna was shown, followed by a Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activity to further reinforce the video.
Back in April, Persaud had said that the Government is partnering with the International Organisation for Migration to target the second and third generation migrant population and fill the demands in several sectors.
The aim, according to Persaud, is for them to come back: to serve/volunteer, and work with both the Government; Private Sector, civil society, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and groups that are in need of special care, attention and support.
“We don’t want to lose the second and third generation of Guyanese living overseas, losing interest and also missing out on the opportunities here but also to attract their skill and capital to support what is taking place,” the Foreign Secretary had said at the time.
Apart from Diaspora engagement, Government has been engaging Guyanese missions, consulates, consul-generals and honorary consuls across the globe. This has extended to Guyanese organisations in North America and elsewhere to update on developmental projects.
An allocation of $50 million has been earmarked for the Diaspora and Remigration Unit for staffing, internships, and providing the positive information that will attract possible remigrants. Rosalinda Rasul was recently recruited to spearhead this department. (G3)