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Development ‘Generators’

Sep 28, 2009 Editorial

Since the beginning of time, infrastructural development has been based on the generation of energy. In prehistoric times, it was the discovery of fire; in our era, it was the industrial revolution – with the invention of the steam engine – that saw numerous advances in science and technology all of which paved the way for significant development of that time.
If there is a link between energy (electricity, in our time) and development, then Guyana stands at a precarious position. Failure to generate a constant supply of electricity can translate into failure to allow development to take place.
Neighbouring countries like Suriname, which was arguably far behind Guyana in terms of development, has transformed and has overtaken Guyana.
Many Caribbean island states are far more developed than Guyana. While there are many reasons for the advancement of these nations, one of them is a constant supply of electricity.
For some, the blackouts represent a mere nuisance; a short time without electricity, without television and without lights. For most of these people, candles suffice. Candles and lamps have become the accepted norm.
For others, a constant disruption in the supply of electricity, translates to downtime – business cannot be run and goods for trade cannot be produced.
Needless to say, the government has not been unaware of the sad electricity situation.
While some may argue that the problem was not simply ignored, and that strides were made in the direction of an uninterrupted source of electricity, the simple fact is that in the 21st century, Guyanese citizens cannot count on those mandated to provide them with electricity.
The simple failure of the powers that be, to provide an uninterrupted supply of electricity to the nation has, and is hindering development of much needed infrastructure, and in doing so, is throwing a monkey wrench into the already labouring gears of progress.
On one hand, the government has encouraged and made efforts to attract foreign investors and overseas-based Guyanese to come and invest in Guyana. On the other hand, unreliable power generation undermines all efforts to provide these people with the kind of security they need for their investments.
The truth of the matter is that investors will not come and spend their time and money in a country where they are not guaranteed certain things, one of these things being an unwavering source of electricity.
It is for this reason that Guyana will not grow as a tourist destination or as a manufacturing state, even though the potential exists. There is great potential in the tourism industry in Guyana, but certain things are expected if guests are to come again. Electricity is one of those things.
A hotel, restaurant or almost any other business in the hospitality sector needs to equip itself with a means of generating its own electricity, when their section of the power grid goes dead.
This is quite possibly one of the reasons why Georgetown, despite its charms, historic buildings and rich culture is in no position to compete, or even work with, other destinations in the Caribbean, capturing a good tourist market.
Similarly, Guyana may be consigned to exporting raw materials (mineral and foodstuff) as the fragile power grid, most likely, cannot support the 24/7 demands of a processing plant. At the same time, business runs on being able to deliver a product within an established amount of time. Frequent losses in power may result in the loss of contracts or the inability to meet deadlines – something which no exporter or manufacturer would be keen on.
Through the blackouts, low voltage and load shedding, it seems that the only ones who are content with the lax attitude with which the dilemma of Guyana’s electricity is being handled are the businesses that are selling small portable generators.

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