According to the United Nations: worldwide, some 1 billion people live in extreme poverty, and more than 800 million endure hunger and malnutrition. However, since 1990, extreme poverty rates have been cut by more than half. This is seen as a remarkable achievement, and all stakeholders, especially governments, are expected to continue making the necessary policy interventions and allocate the needed resources to further bridge the gap between the rich and poor.
Beyond income alone, what matters to people is whether they are able to realise their aspirations for themselves and their families. This means having food security; access to basic services, such as healthcare, transportation and education; and living in peaceful, stable societies.
In Guyana, too many citizens are still considered living below the poverty line and being unable to access opportunities that would allow them to lead better lives. We are well aware that Guyana is not a poor country in terms of natural resources. This country possesses bountiful natural resources, but in spite of this, the country remains underdeveloped and mired in poverty. It is plagued by poor infrastructure, which in itself is an impediment to development.
Also, there is a wide disparity in development and in household income between the hinterland and the coastland regions, and between urban and rural areas. Urban areas are more developed, and have much higher household incomes. Efforts must therefore be made to reduce this gap if the nation is to become more equal in terms of urban versus rural areas and/or hinterland versus coastal regions.
President David Granger had said before that Guyana has enough resources to banish poverty forever. However, the nation is still waiting to see what concrete plans and programmes will be put in place to address poverty and create “the good life” that was promised on the campaign trail over three years ago. With the oil and gas sector set to take off, it is hoped that the benefits would be trickled down to help develop and provide more opportunities for the poorer sections of the community, which would eventually lift them out of poverty.
Most would agree that what we have seen so far coming from the Government since it took political power in 2015 is not very encouraging. Rather than creating more employment opportunities for citizens and providing businesses with the incentives to expand etc, the Government has made certain policy decisions that saw hundreds of sugar workers jobless and forced into poverty. It could be recalled that in spite of the mounting calls for the APNU/AFC Administration to reconsider its decision to downscale the sugar industry via closure of sugar estates, the Government went ahead with its decision to close.
While alternative mechanisms were touted to cushion the social and economic impacts on communities, nothing substantial has been earmarked that would stem the swelling of unemployment occasioned by the closure of these estates. Certainly, the estates are a major source of sustenance for thousands, and their closure is being felt deeply and far and wide. Workers and their families are fearful that their communities would be destroyed, families broken up, and there will be increased incidents of crime and other social problems.
The Government must come up with plans to improve education and expand the country’s economy to create more economic opportunities, especially for those several thousands of young persons who have spent years equipping themselves with the necessary skills to function in the world of work.
Having said that, it is not the role of the Government alone to work towards reducing poverty; the private sector also has a crucial role to play in this regard. Businesses can create decent, sustainable jobs, foster economic activity through their supply chains, and contribute tax revenues for basic services and infrastructure.
Building a sustainable future requires governments and other stakeholders to intensify efforts towards eradicating extreme poverty, and ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities that would allow them to live full and productive lives. In this regard, the full participation of the poor in decision making on issues that impact their lives and communities must be at the centre of governmental policies and strategies to help build a sustainable future.
