…proposals received in oil & gas, medical & other areas – Diaspora Unit
Since the formation of the Diaspora Unit in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, there has been considerable interest from the Guyanese diaspora in investing in, and collaborating with, the Government in a number of issues, including education and health.
Diaspora Unit Head Rosalinda Rasul
The Diaspora Unit hosted a virtual webinar on Wednesday with members of the diaspora. During the discussion, Diaspora Unit head Rosalinda Rasul revealed the various areas that have most piqued the interest of the diaspora.
“We’ve had so many meetings from June (to now), and persons will probably ask what were the tangibles…we have commitments and proposals for projects in oil and gas, technology, sport, services, manufacturing, construction, food franchises, just to name a few,” Rasul said.
She noted that the unit has already facilitated a Canadian diaspora group to talk with the Health Ministry, adding, “They’re going to do a medical outreach in Region Two later this year. We already facilitated another group out of Canada who want to establish an orphanage and training facility for at-risk young people.”
There have also been commitments from US-based Guyanese to establish a state-of-the-art shore base facility and training academy. Interest has also been registered in the areas of agro-processing, construction, and the medical sector.
Discussions with the United Kingdom (UK) diaspora are expected to start soon on a programme for elderly care.
Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud
“Discussions will also start next week for a project in mental health. This is a major area for which we have seen a lot of interest being expressed by members of the diaspora. We’ve already reached out to a number of persons on sports and cultural development,” Rasul also said.
“We have commitments for the establishment of a high-tech park and a business incubator that’s going to help local companies and small businesses, particularly that want to take their businesses up to the next level.”
There has also been interest, particularly among the Caribbean diaspora, for investment opportunities in the tourism sector – particularly ziplining and multi-destination tourism.
These discussions are slated to commence soon.
She further explained that members of the UK diaspora have expressed an interest in donating medical equipment to hospitals. There is also a proposal from the Canadian diaspora for law enforcement wellness programmes and social initiatives. This proposal has been passed on to the Home Affairs Ministry.
Eagerness to partner
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud reiterated the Ministry’s eagerness to partner with members of the diaspora and utilise its diaspora policy. He also laid out what members of the diaspora can expect in the coming months.
“In the coming months, you can expect the Government to work to ensure its relations with you are strengthened and its engagement is sustained. You can expect a new Diaspora online platform that will enable you to stay connected with us, and always be updated on events, news and opportunities in Guyana. It will serve as a key information and interactive portal for you.
“We will soon be hosting a conference targeting 2nd and 3rd generation youths in the Diaspora, and in addition to this activity that seeks to engage youths, there will be the launching of a Diaspora Youth Volunteer project that is being done in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration,” Persaud further explained.
Meanwhile, a few members of the diaspora who took part in Wednesday’s webinar testified to the responsiveness of the Government to their attempts to reach out. Canada-based Guyanese Amar Ram, who said he recently led a Canadian delegation to Guyana, came away with a good experience.
“I’d like to give my unsolicited feedback on the Diaspora Unit. Every appointment booked was fulfilled. Every time we attempted to reach out to the Diaspora Unit it was done in an effective manner,” he said.
Since its return to office, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government has made engaging the diaspora, particularly at a pivotal time of Guyana’s development, a priority. Apart from diaspora engagement, Government has been engaging Guyanese missions, consulates, consuls-general 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 was earmarked for the Diaspora and Remigration Unit for staffing, internships, and providing the positive information that would attract possible remigrants. (G3)
