Dear Editor,
I felt compelled to comment on the recent government job fair held in New York City to recruit skilled labour within the diaspora. While the event garnered a mix of positive and critical feedback, I couldn’t help but think about an essential figure who was seemingly left out of the planning process: former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.
Back in 2009, I had the privilege of meeting Ms. Rodrigues-Birkett for lunch in midtown Manhattan, New York City. Our conversation centered on a topic that remains as relevant today as it was then—the potential of the Guyanese diaspora to contribute to the development of our beloved country.
What struck me during our discussion was her candid and insightful approach to the pros and cons of engaging the diaspora. She had clearly thought deeply about this issue, considering it from both a cost-benefit analysis and a patriotic sense of duty. Her understanding of how to tap into the high-value skills and knowledge within the diaspora, whether on-site or remote, paid or voluntary, was both practical and visionary.
Fast forward to today, and Guyana’s pace of development has accelerated significantly, largely due to the country’s burgeoning oil revenues. However, while the influx of wealth has created new opportunities, it also presents challenges in ensuring sustainable growth that benefits all Guyanese. This is where the diaspora’s expertise and experience could play a crucial role, making Ms. Rodrigues-Birkett’s insights more relevant than ever.
Given her experience and depth of knowledge, I strongly advise the organizers of this job fair to reach out to Guyana’s current Permanent Representative to the UN, who could facilitate a renewed engagement. Her input could be invaluable in crafting strategies to recruit members of the diaspora who are eager to contribute meaningfully to the development of Guyana.
Lastly, I hope the government has upgraded the car assigned to Ms. Rodrigues-Birkett, given the sorry state of the one she had back in 2009.
Sincerely,
Keith Bernard