Guyana cannot afford to remain divided along racial lines or become distracted

Dear Editor,
Our beautiful Guyana is beaming with oil and gas, awashed with gold and rich in other precious minerals, flourishing in agriculture, overflowing with water and an abundance of fishes all over the country, yet it is still relatively poor. Many if not most of us seem to think or believe that not too far in the distant future, Guyana could become a prosperous country achieving the lushness of Dubai. Some have even contended that Guyana, is blessed with its vast oil and mineral resources and huge forests and could become wealthier than Dubai. Others are of the opinion that it could happen because not too long ago, Dubai was a dry and sandy desert with hardly any oil or natural resources. Jobs were scarce and its people were struggling to survive.
The truth is Dubai did not become rich overnight. Its wealth stems from a combination of factors, including its significant oil and gas reserves, strategic economic diversification, and a thriving tourism and real estate sector. The discovery of oil in Dubai in 1966 provided a substantial income source and allowed its leaders to invest heavily in infrastructure, healthcare, education, human development and public services, thus transforming it into a modern, global economic power. The leaders of Dubai had planned carefully and they had a vision to make Dubai a truly independent and affluent nation.
And even though Dubai’s total outstanding debt is US$112.4 billion, which is 22% of its GDP and which includes both direct government debt and debt from Government-Related Entities, it is actively working to reduce its debt burden by more than half through a debt sustainability plan. Furthermore, its leaders did not squander the country’s money or build mansions for themselves. They have built roads, bridges, airports, schools and a massive tourist attraction similar to what President Ali’s administration has done and continues to do. Simply put, the leaders of Dubai are smart and insightful in that they had the wisdom and foresight to spread the country’s wealth across many sectors. Today, Dubai is raking in huge sums of money from its oil and gas, tourist attraction and its real estate ventures, among others.
It is the belief of many that Guyana can do the same or even better than Dubai, but it will take strong, discipline, courage and proper leadership and astute, skilful and sensible planning. If we do not heed this advice and spend our oil revenues wisely, the vast majority of the population will remain poor and impoverished despite our enormous resources. Another reason why Dubai has become filthy rich in such a short span of time is because white collar crimes including corruption, bribes/kickbacks and embezzlement of public funds are dealt with swiftly and severely. The delay in progress in Guyana is due largely to corruption and bribes/ kickbacks which are rampant at almost every level and, in some cases, have become institutionalized with hardly any harsh penalties or severe consequences. It must end immediately.
The nation, especially its youths are tired of corrupt practices, frustrated with cronyism, fed up with bad roads, poor schools, and annoyed with pitiable and mediocre health care services. And while a few are getting rich, a large section of the population has remained poor and are getting poorer. Those in authority have to think carefully, act strategically and embarked on smart farming, clean energy, eco-tourism, and improve and enhance human development, health care and education.
We the people of Guyana cannot afford to remain divided along racial lines or become distracted. We must remain focus and keep our eyes on the prize. Development cannot be achieved with empty speeches, broken promises and unfiltered rhetoric, but with action by our youths who are roughly 65 percent of the total population. We need leaders who will serve the people, lift up our youths, instil confidence in them, and make every citizen proud to be Guyanese. Our leaders must be committed to good governance, transparency, the perseveration of democracy, equality and an impartial, ethical and virtuous justice system for all. Guyanese must not accept poor management as normal, excuses for excellence and party loyalty for progress. We must develop and build a Guyana in which every citizen, regardless of race, ethnicity, party affiliation or status must have a chance to strive.
The name “Guyana” is derived from an Amerindian language which means land of many waters due to the numerous rivers, creeks, canals and streams that traverse the country, including the Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice rivers. Guyana also has large reserves of oil, gold, fertile lands, huge rain forests all of which make Guyana the envy of the world. Guyana also has a rich culture and brilliant minds and is sitting on a treasure chest, but these alone cannot build a nation like Dubai. What the country needs is unity, and selfless leaders with vision, courage and integrity. We do not need separate groups divided by race and politics, but one people united, free and strong and fighting for one future and one Guyana.

Sincerely,
Dr Asquith Rose