The incumbent Government is once again making a pitch for Guyanese in the Diaspora to return home and take advantage of the many opportunities here. President Dr Irfaan Ali, during a virtual address at an event, recently made a passionate appeal to Guyanese residing in Canada to explore the various business ventures available, and “take the bold step” and return here.
In making the pitch, President Ali presented his vision of the country he intends to build. One that is inclusive, modern, robust, and with a diversified and resilient economy capable of delivering economic prosperity, which he explained would later contribute to higher levels of employment and improvement in the quality of life for citizens.
The President, since taking office in August, has taken a very proactive approach in managing the affairs of the State, and has on more than one occasion committed to ensuring that Guyanese in the Diaspora are not left out of the discussions as to how they could also be part of this transformative process.
Many huge developmental projects are in the pipeline, and will, no doubt, spur interest from the Diaspora.
For example, the President pointed towards the completion of the East Coast Demerara Highway; the resurfacing of the East Coast Railway Embankment from Sheriff Street to Enmore; the remodelling of the Linden to Lethem Highway, and work on the Linden to Mabura Hill section.
President Ali also pointed to the construction of a road link between Ogle and Diamond; the development of a four-lane highway between Georgetown and Timehri; a road link between Parika and Rockstone; and a new, high-span bridge across the Demerara River – which is expected to be completed before the end of 2024.
He added that a deep water harbour; a new international airport at Lethem; industrial parks and free-trade zones would integrate Guyana’s economy with more powerful markets, and convert the country into a major economic hub in the Western Hemisphere.
Guyana’s emigration rate, which skyrocketed in the 1960s due to the hardships created by the then LFS Burnham-led Peoples National Congress (PNC) Government, is one of the highest in the world. According to a recent report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the first-generation immigrant Guyanese diaspora today is estimated to be approximately 550,000 worldwide, not including their descendants. Experts believe that the capacities and expertise of the Guyanese diaspora, if properly understood and engaged, could become an important factor contributing to the growth and development of Guyana.
We have stated several times before that there is much the Diaspora can do to help in moving our country forward, once the necessary systems are put in place for them to do so. First, there needs to be a proper mechanism through which such engagement could become operational. The mechanism must include major components, such as effective follow-ups, monitoring and feedback.
Some experts have suggested that Guyana should weigh the differences between a stand-alone ministry, as seen in India, and some formal structure, such as a “diaspora advisory council,” as seen in the Dominican Republic.
The key recommendation presented in the CSIS report, which was directed at both the public and private sectors and at Guyanese Diaspora communities around the world, is to work collectively to establish broader communications, engagement, and collaboration between Guyana and the diaspora through a “Guyana Global” initiative.
Having recognised the importance of tapping into the investment potential of the Diaspora, the incumbent administration, while in office, has always pushed incentivised measures, such as land allocations, as well as concessions within the mining, technology and manufacturing sectors, to encourage foreign investment, whether it be direct or through multinational corporations.
This tried and tested approach to development was abandoned in favour of increased taxation under the APNU/AFC government. The PPP administration’s move to re-introduce vigor into this developmental aspect by reversing a plethora of tax requirements under APNU/AFC’s tutelage has been seen as a good start. However, other forms of engagement and support must be explored, to ensure that those who are willing to return can do so with little or no hassle.
We are pleased that President Ali has recognised that much more needs to be done from a governmental perspective in making easier the process for Guyanese to return home.
