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Is reducing poverty a pipe dream?

Dec 18, 2015 Editorial, Features / Columnists

The fight against poverty in Guyana, since independence almost 50 years ago, has been a valiant effort by the two main political parties which should be commendable by all. However, over the years it has proven to be an elusive goal, and fighting it seems to have been a pipe dream, since there have not been any noteworthy improvements in the quality of life of the poor.
The former government essentially lost the war on poverty by developing and adopting policies to benefit the rich. One of the reasons for the continued rise in poverty in Guyana is the lack of decent paying jobs especially for youths, which should be the main priority for the new government. After all, youths are 65 percent of the population and the future of Guyana, and ignoring or abandoning them is to commit political suicide.
In the last five decades, Guyana has not made much progress from being a low-income society to a relatively prosperous developing nation, even though there have been more qualified people, higher levels of production, increases in remittances, and the advent of modern technology. Despite the many promises made by politicians to reduce or end poverty, it still exists all across the country, due largely to the many flawed policies. The poor continue to struggle to put food on the table, many are jobless and cannot afford a roof over their heads, and some have unfortunately and ill-advisedly turned to crime to survive.
In order to reduce poverty, the new government must embark on credible policies to grow the economy, create jobs; lower the debt which is 65 percent of GDP; construct more low-cost housing and provide a substantial increase in wages and salaries for public servants.
The government should also make sure that the most vulnerable in society, including the very young and old, have access to the basic necessities including food, shelter, health care and education. Imports must be reduced, corruption must end, and while the need for GO-Invest is not clear, a more embracing business environment is needed to make it easier to conduct business.
Since independence, the leaders of both political parties have identified a number of economic development goals that they would have liked to achieve in order to reduce poverty and improve the lives of the poor. However, no one has seriously tackled the real issues. It will require more than talk and empty promises. The government must be made aware of the severe impact of poverty on the poor, which some among the rich have dismissed as not being their concern. Corruption, which has been rampant during previous administrations, has been immeasurably harsh on the poor while the affluent have flourished beyond the normal person’s imagination.
Guyana has not done well in terms of reducing poverty, embracing and promoting gender equality in regards to wages and improving the plight of women, particularly those who work as home helpers. As of 2014, women still earn 74 percent of what a male earns. Payment of what can only be termed a subsistence wage to home helpers and to low income workers is not going to cut it in the fight against poverty. It will take a genuine commitment from this government to reduce poverty and provide a better life for all, as promised.
Significantly reducing poverty is an ambitious goal for Guyana, but if achievable, given the enormous resources and the gradually improving levels of education. It should not be a pipe dream. It clearly calls for more than just access to money or making promises. It requires greater equality in a society in which tolerance and harmony should be the norm. Every citizen deserves an opportunity to have a relatively decent lifestyle and to live in peace and prosper.

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