Latest update January 18th, 2025 7:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Pressures and political instability

May 24, 2008 Letters

Dear Editor,
Rapid population growth, especially when it occurs in regions with sharp ethnic differences like Guyana, can put great stress on political institutions and complicate the problems of governance.
In a study of 120 countries, the population crisis committee found that only a few countries with severe demographic pressures managed to maintain stable constitutional governments and achieve good records on political and civil rights.
Of the 31 countries rated highest on political instability, nearly all had serious ethnic differences against the government of the day. Conversely, most nations that were relatively stable and democratic tended to have lower levels of demographic. There are many links between ethnic growth and social conflict.
When growing populations compete for limited or inequitably distributed resources such as land, food, water, or income, conflict may occur. When population growth outstrips economic growth, declining per capita income and living standards can lead to social unrest and civil war.
And when deteriorating natural resources can no longer support growing populations, conflicts can arise as people are forced to move to seek a livelihood.
In some venerable countries like Africa, many of these “ecological refugees,” driven by desertification, have crossed national borders and come into conflict with people living in the areas they try to enter. In general, when large groups move voluntarily or are displaced, they increase the competition for jobs and resources in their new location, and they may be resented.
Tensions resulting from migration and ethnic differences can develop in any country, but the most serious conflicts often occur when the opposition parties instigate troubles. As more people compete for scarce resources and seek equality and autonomy, hostilities often erupt. These increase crime and in some places have aggravated ethnic discord to the point of civil war.
Mohamed Khan

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | January, 13th, 2025

 

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Ramnath sets tone for WI ahead of opener

Ramnath sets tone for WI ahead of opener

Jan 18, 2025

ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup… (SportsMax) – West Indies Under-19 Women’s captain Samara Ramnath has made her intentions clear ahead of her team’s campaign at the ICC Under-19...
Read More
Seales dominates but Shakeel, Rizwan lead Pakistan’s recovery

Seales dominates but Shakeel, Rizwan lead...

Jan 18, 2025

Youngsters impress as final day draws near

Youngsters impress as final day draws near

Jan 18, 2025

BCB/Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi U15 Inter Club Competition continues today

BCB/Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi U15 Inter Club...

Jan 18, 2025

Windies captain Brathwaite stresses bravery, belief ahead of Pakistan Test Series

Windies captain Brathwaite stresses bravery,...

Jan 17, 2025

In-form Savory dazzles on second day with classy half-century

In-form Savory dazzles on second day with classy...

Jan 17, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]