Guyana is ever improving its image

Dear Editor,

I remember the little adage which says that “two cannot quarrel, if one will not”. This refers directly to the effort to be at peace and not argue stupidly. Now if one were to turn this little proverb around and apply the positive side of it, imagine what would be the results.

Well, this is exactly so with United States’ Agency for International Development (USAID) in Guyana. Thursday, November 3, 2011 marked the 50th anniversary of President John F Kennedy’s creation of USAID, and what a creation it has turned out to be. So far, the organisation has proved very effective and beneficial, being a quiet force of progress in Guyana.

For example, the landmark Soesdyke-Linden Highway is a legacy which bears testimony to the spirit of cooperation between the U. S. and Guyana. This stretch of highway is still one of Guyana’s best, and I like to use it as a metaphor for combined efforts between two countries – long and lasting, and very useful.

So with cooperation by the two countries in the area of drug fighting, I am sure that a lot will be achieved in the very near future. In fact, the actual words of USAID Guyana Director, Eric Kite, say it better: “… whether vaccinating children against preventable diseases, improving crop yields, or responding to disasters, the agency has been a quiet force for progress not only in Guyana but 100 other countries, fostering a more peaceful and secure world.

“On this occasion (the 50th anniversary), USAID Guyana takes the opportunity to reflect on (the) work with the Guyanese people in expanding economic growth, protecting Guyana’s unique biodiversity, improving the health sector, and strengthening democratic governance.” Kite also elaborated on assistance to Guyana resulting in economic growth and strategic, export-focused partnerships with the Guyanese private sector. He also referred to the agriculture sector where the greenhouses and modern technology, such as drip irrigation, have been introduced to produce high-value crops, such as butternut squash, peppers, galia melons, and zucchini. These were areas and products that were once unheard of, but now are becoming realities here in Guyana.

In the area of eco-tourism, USAID was instrumental in establishing Guyana as a foremost birding and eco-tourism destination, and several interior lodges have won prestigious international awards. (NB Important things like these people need to know).

Also, as regards Guyana’s evolving culture, USAID’s Democracy and Governance programme has provided critical support to the Guyana Elections Commission, in fulfilling its role in the holding of transparent, free and fair elections.

USAID also introduced the use of mediation to reduce the backlog of court cases, and as an alternative form of dispute resolution.

Editor, the list can go on – AIDS awareness with media coverage, education, health etc. The point I really need to emphasise is that collaborative efforts always yield great dividends.

This kind of culture must be encouraged. As regards a side benefit, the country’s image gets a boost. Many ill-informed locals present a bad image to the international world where Guyana is concerned. So, when say an Eric Kite says otherwise, it is a welcoming debunking to these pseudo-gainsayers.

I close with a warm heart, lauding the efforts of USAID. I am extremely delighted that the pronouncement on Guyana is so positive, and its image is ever improving.

Sincerely,

Ramesh Pertab