Dear Editor,
There is a current wave of optimism regarding upcoming dialogue between Guyana’s President and Opposition Leader, initiated by former US President Jimmy Carter; and expectations by civil society, social commentators, the private sector and politicians as a whole are very high.
These meetings are expected to address a range of issues affecting the forward movement of the country, and it can be agreed by any right-minded Guyanese that the pooling of intellectual resources and ideas is critical to Guyana’s transformation and development.
But perhaps the greatest derivative of these meetings would be a consensus on the most effective utility and investment of imminent revenues from Guyana’s oil bonanza. Guyanese locally and in the diaspora have been cautiously optimistic about the fruits of the oil and gas industry, partially due to the absence of a clearly outlined plan.
There have been variances in views held by operatives on both sides of the political divide, as well as by private sector bodies, as to the most suitable way to spend these monies; and these meetings can provide a platform for a fusion of ideas and proposals regarding this very critical sector.
Irrespective of which side of the political spectrum we find ourselves on, this is an opportunity for us to sit with our leaders and channel our ideas upwards, so as to ensure that the best models are considered at the highest level.
It must be remembered at all times that our political leaders are merely elected stewards who oversee what is in effect ‘our wealth’, and we have a duty to ensure that this is done in a way that benefits the country today and in the future.
Regards,
Andrew Mc Bean
