Dear Editor,
I refer to a news article published on July 25, 2021 on Demerara Waves “Diaspora stakeholder complains to President about slothfulness, discourtesy on investment webinars.” I am an active member and advocate for deeper and wider engagement and participation of the Guyanese diaspora in the development of Guyana. However, we find Mr. Forde’s statements insincere and counterproductive, especially in the midst of an unrelenting COVID pandemic and the recent floods. Without a doubt, the diaspora is our most potent and valuable resource, more than all the natural resources available in Guyana. We must commend the Irfaan Ali Administration for recognizing this prized potential and creating an environment to leverage the resources of our diaspora. No one will disagree that there is room for improvement on the Government’s strategy and execution. The diaspora on the other hand, notwithstanding their potentials, lacks leadership and organization. Represented by hundreds of loose associations and groups globally, the diaspora is largely without a single voice, framework, or strategy. So who does the government engage with or talk to when it comes to the diaspora? I believe Mr. Forde’s frustration and “disappointment” should be channeled to the diaspora who he seeks to represent and claim to shepherd. Mr. Forde’s frustration stems from a planned investment webinar that did not happen because of the unavailability of the President. Mr. Forde should have worked with GOINVEST, the Diaspora Unit and the private sector, these are the organizations that execute on the President’s strategy and have deeper knowledge of the opportunities and how to access them. As mentioned above, the diaspora is the most potent resource available for Guyana’s development. It requires bridges and structures to be built that would enable a tangible and robust engagement between Guyana and its diaspora. This will have to go beyond talking, webinars and expectations from the government and frustrations. The diaspora, knowing their individual and collective worth with access to technology, finance and experience, need to professionally organize itself, build a strategy and establish the structures to engage and impact Guyana and Guyanese.
Sincerely,
Salaudeen “Salim” Nausrudeen