The view from abroad

Dec 10, 2008 Features / Columnists

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Peter R. Ramsaroop, MBA

INTRODUCTION
This week, I am visiting many cities in the United States, speaking to overseas-based Guyanese on the status of our nation. The number one question I am asked is what is going on with the crime situation. Our front pages are riddled with the many murders and crime that happen in our country, and that is then multiplied numerous times over when one reads it on the Internet.
There has been some measurable success by the Joint Forces’ change of strategy in trying to capture rather than kill the bandits.  I believe Minister Clement Rohee has finally found the job that best suits him.  He has been able to put a strong fist and leadership in bringing about some semblance of order in crime fighting, and it is commendable.
It now seems that bandits have reverted to the smaller crimes but with brutal results, such as murder. We must also focus on the economy and build incentives to create new jobs in order to curb the unemployment and, ultimately, crime.

THE ROLE FOR “WE”
I have touched before on the very important issue of an engaged citizenry. We are a free people of our nation, and as such, we alone decide the political fate of our leaders; and we can blame no one but ourselves for the state of Guyana. Those abroad must not just sit back and tell us that our nation is messed up, but figure out how to become more engaged in helping us fix it.
We must ask the tougher questions, such as where is the country’s economic plan? Where are the tax incentives to encourage local and foreign investments? What is the plan to curb the massive unemployment? And where are the plans when the US dollar falls in 2009 as predicted, since Guyana’s currency is tied to the US dollar?
A single individual can feel overwhelmed – like there is nothing he or she can do to change the state of our country. However, the question should not be “Should I try?” or “Why should I try?” The question each Guyanese around the world is obliged to ask them self is: “How can I not try?”
Each of us alone might feel like this task is overwhelming, but together — through teamwork – we can create a new Guyana. The more of us that are moving toward this noble goal, the better our chances are of achieving success. The larger our team, the more ways there are to help get Guyana on a road to recovery.

WHO ARE THE “WE”
Another issue that I have discussed with the Diaspora this week is the continued brain drain that continues at a rapid pace.   I told the Diaspora that they are all part of the brain drain, but all is not lost.
We need to gather all of the brainpower we can muster, and when we have done that, let’s then borrow even more brainpower, because even though the task may seem daunting and the issues insurmountable, we are still all Guyanese with a vision.  Therefore, we must continue to ask for help from brothers and sister abroad.  We accept their criticism that we must do more internally, but they must be part of our solution.   In times of crisis, the best experiences must be used.
Now is the time to gather all visionaries from across the nation and from the Diaspora together, regardless of race or former political affiliations. Our focus should be to move forward, and we cannot — we must not – fail. We need to check our proverbial compasses and make sure we are all going in the same direction.
Together, we can march as one people to take back our country from criminal forces and scheming politicians. We can rip our nation from the firm grip of poverty. Fear is nothing new to the Guyanese people, yet we hold out and hope for a brighter day; however, a passive wish will not make the fear go away.
If we truly want to be free from fear and want, there is so much that needs to be changed – but this transformation starts with you and me first.  Our hopes can be realised and our dreams can come true, if we take up the task of reforming our country’s political system with our own hands.

CONCLUSION
We need to empower some bold leaders from all walks of life who are qualified and optimistic men and women with the courage of their convictions and the vision to lead our nation to greatness.
Guyana’s problems are many and complex. Hence, we need goodwill, good laws, good resolve, and good men and women who will lead with fear of favour.
Our hope does not lie in the reliance on status quo leaders who curtsy to the whims of the elite. We need leaders who have the internal fortitude to turn away from the temptations of power. We need leaders who seek national interests over personal interests.  We need bold leaders who govern with compassion and wisdom.
Our Christmas wish this year is less crime. This is a clear demonstration of how selfless Guyanese are – and how much they want to see a healthy nation.
Here’s hoping that Santa is good to Guyana this year and brings us each of these Christmas wishes.   Until next time. “Roop”.

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