Divorce politics from economics

Jul 25, 2008 Features / Columnists

Peter R. Ramsaroop, MBA

Introduction:

It is of no small interest with which I’ve watched the furor that has arisen over basically simple matters of economic need and the machinations of our “plunder” state as evident by the many outbursts against the private sector by senior government officials.

The heady days of public-private cooperation have degenerated into a tit-for-tat press battle and even tacit competition between public and private sector.

We hear about phantom investments that are touted by official offices that at the end of the day, we never see them come to fruition.

Many conversations with fellow business leaders and hours of introspection have led me to believe that our economic state cannot be effectively divorced from the political condition we find ourselves in.

As a long-time student of economics and an avowed believer in the power of free markets and unfettered competition, I find myself very disappointed in what our nation allows from the public sector.

The private sector must step up, and government and legislators must do their job by creating a friendly investment climate with the right investment codes and tax incentives.
Free and Competitive Economy in Guyana? NO.:

The evidence is clear, and to me irrefutable, that there is no way in which the economy of Guyana can be considered free and competitive.

The sorry state of affairs impacts every facet of our economic life – from overly expensive imported products that would improve our quality of life and stimulate what is at best an immature retail sector to non-competitive exports due to our tax regime that stifles export-led growth in agriculture or other sectors.

During the last elections, the PPP/C used the platform of prosperity, dreams, and even a slogan of a “Democratic and Prosperous Guyana” I would have hoped that would have been their plan 15 years ago.

Now, those words will ring hallow to us as a people as they have proven over and over, they only understand the ‘JumbieEconomics’ method that will not bring about a prosperous Guyana as evident by the suffering of our people, who are not better off.

Many now will not be able to pay for transportation to send their children to school; much less put enough food on the table.

Without a way to stimulate our economy, create jobs and increase the opportunities to make enough money to support our families, many will continue to struggle to survive.

As many of my columns before have outlined, there is a need for a free market, unfettered competition, a dynamic private sector, new economies in technology and non-traditional agri sector and the method of Public-Private Sector partnerships to bring results in the economy and make us prosperous.

Conclusion:
Four years ago, I launched my first Guyana book – Hope for the Nation – to much positive press and even kind words from the public sector.

The spirit of that work was to encourage dialogue, cooperation amongst all facets of society, and above all else – to strengthen the hope that better days for Guyana are possible.

I am no less confident today that better times are ahead. I have followed up with my latest book “The Road to Eldorado” that outline further policy changes necessary to improve our nation.

As I’ve reviewed my efforts in our land, the thoughts of the Hope book keep invading my thoughts. The words that still ring true to me today and I’d like to extend the hand of cooperation across the great gulf of intransigence to the public sector so that we can work together for a brighter future.

“Working together, all of us can build a disciplined, caring society, one in which every citizen has an equal opportunity to achieve their fullest potential.

But to reach our goals, we must have optimism, courage, and the commitment to on-going effort even in the face of frustration and setbacks. Most of all, we must have the certitude that can raise the fortunes of our land.”

Please provide comments and questions to peter.ramsaroop@gmail.com

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