Govt policies based on equity, fairness – Foreign Minister tells Diaspora

Members of the Guyanese Diaspora were on Sunday assured by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd that Government was focused on creating fair and equitable policies for the benefits of Guyanese.
The Foreign Affairs Minister accompanied President Dr Irfaan Ali during a town hall-style meeting with the Guyanese Diaspora in Orlando, Florida. In his presentation to them, Todd spoke about the Government’s intention of implementing fair and just policies.
“When we look at the development of Guyana, it means that we have to have leadership at every level. So, at the political level, we have policies that are inclusive. That are based on equity or fairness.”

“And President Ali speaks about that a lot. Fairness. Making sure that each and every Guyanese citizen gets what they deserve. So, our mandate is to ensure that we can create prosperity,” the President also said.
Todd informed the Diaspora that the government was motivated by a desire to transform the lives of Guyanese. He also referenced the “One Guyana” initiative and its importance for building nationhood and a strong cultural bond.
“When President Ali speaks about development, he’s speaking to Guyana and the Diaspora. And he’s focusing on a balanced development. Not just the infrastructural works that you would see, but the tangible things that you won’t see. But the main emphasis is on social development and enhancement.
“So, when he speaks about transformation and transforming lives, everything that we do in terms of our policies and our strategies, centres around the individual – the citizen. It’s important for us, because our sovereignty depends strongly on our value system and how strong we are as a people.”
In his own address to the residents, President Ali had told the Diaspora of the Government’s plans, including for the agriculture sector and tourism. He had also responded to questions from the crowd as well. The President and the Foreign Minister were presently in the US for the United Nations General Assembly.
The Government has consistently paired calls for the Diaspora to return to Guyana, with updating them on efforts to develop and transform Guyana. Back in July, President Ali had assured members of the US Diaspora that fundamental principles of transformation were currently in the works to enhance the lives of citizens.
While addressing a reception with members of the Guyanese Diaspora on Wednesday evening at Guyana’s Embassy in Washington, DC, Ali had pointed out that the Diaspora community would want a level of confidence in the local system to return to these shores, which Government was seeking to address.
“You want to know that you can return to a health-care system that can take care of your family. You want to know that you can return to an education system that can give your children the best possible education. And you want to know that you can return to a system where the security of your family is not a worry, but a given. These are three fundamental principles that we must address,” he said.
However, he said such aspirations extend beyond infrastructural investments. Physical transformation must be complemented by human transformation – a feat that must be undertaken by every Guyanese, which brings focus on the “One Guyana” initiative led by the President.
“These are fundamental issues which require a change in mindset, thinking, attitude, behaviour, and the way we operate. That requires hard work, commitment, the involvement of every Guyanese in this project called “One Guyana”,” he explained. (G3)