Dear Editor,
I awoke this morning to the news of Russia invading Ukraine. Though it is far away from our country, many international analysts have been repeatedly saying that it will trigger consequences throughout the world. From skyrocketing oil prices to food shortages.
As a father of five young children I worry about these consequences and respectfully enquire of my government what will be their response to this international crisis? We are already faced with a soaring food bill not seen in decades. Pray tell, what will happen now with the commencement of this invasion? Can the average citizen of Guyana survive further steepling increases as warned by the analysts? I only hope that the government’s response will be proactive and not reactive. As a country we are quite fortunate that we can actually grow our own food so that may mitigate against importation of any increase of food prices on the world market.
But the government needs to play its part to push its people to become more self-sustainable at this time. May I humbly suggest an aggressive agricultural program to plant kitchen gardens or even get into commercial farming? With the express aim of being able to keep the nation fed and sustained. Give out plots of lands to those who are willing to till the land. Subsidize costs to develop the lands. Provide transportation to get produce from the farmlands to the homes. Such an initiative needs to commence immediately as time is not on our side. As we pray for the people of Ukraine, let’s not lose focus that we will also be severely affected. And let’s pray and hope our government offers real leadership at this time.
Sincerely,
M. Abraham
