Blueprint for Guyana to become competitive

Dec 29, 2015 Letters

Dear Editor,
The last time we wrote on this subject Mr. Editor (KN 25/12/2015) we asked the question where is the money? We are pleased that the latest report is that some G$7 billion was located and transferred to the Consolidated Fund (KN 27 December 2015).
Seven thousand millions is a great deal of money, so that the obvious next question is where is the rest of the money, since there is so much to be done?
We know Mr. Editor that the APNU-AFC administration is faced with a great many financial challenges and needs to be met, and we do not envy those responsible given the pressures and difficulties they now face.
However, the long term future of Guyana depends on critical changes which must start now.
A vital one is to reverse what most young Guyanese would agree Guyana has become, that is, a scientific and technological retard. We therefore recommend that some initial funds should be dedicated, in the 2016 Budget, to drafting a National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy, with sufficient funds allocated to immediately start a National School Science and Innovation Competition (scholarships and business start-up loans going to winners).
For practical reasons drafting the strategy should be led by a competently staffed Statutory Body, led by a Senior Executive and which should be authorized to report directly to Parliament.
It should be mandated to draft in collaboration with key interest groups and stakeholders such as the Opposition, Labour including the GTU as an independent voice and the Ministry of Education, Private Sector, Standards Bureau, Competition Commission, Consumer Bureau, University of Guyana Faculties of Natural Science, Technology and Engineering, IAST, the Technical Schools and Senior Secondary Schools (e.g Queens College, Bishops, St Stanislaus, Mc Kenzie High School etc).
When drafted, Government should invite independent reviews from the UN/UNESCO, major International Business Schools and Experts who now think about global scientific, technological and innovation trends, in relation to where Guyana is, before laying the Strategy in Parliament for adoption.
Each year after 2016 could then see budget allocations to implement the most critical components while grant funding is sought to complement national resources.
The National Development Strategy would have to undergo consequential revision and updating in order to incorporate the proposed Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy.
Objectives of the National Development Strategy such as ‘attainment of the highest rates of economic growth and the diversification of the economy’ have very little meaning without science, technology, engineering and innovation at the core, not to mention human capacity as the fulcrum of each. Indeed, one could argue that this may be the central task in Guyana for several decades ahead.
Guyana will not become competitive until it solves a number of problems including cheaper and reliable energy, learning how to compete, exponentially raising its productivity, and has infused science, technology, innovation and competition culturally throughout the society.
Guyana is late, and some are responsible for squandering and embezzling a great deal of public money. Some of what is available should therefore be dedicated to this most critical task.
Ivor Carryl

Latest News

Blueprint for Guyana to become competitive

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 31st, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Twin tons from Anderson, Imlach steer Eagles back on course

Race for quarterfinal spots commence today at MoE...

Marsh sets up Lucknow’s comfortable win...

‘One Guyana’ 3×3 Quest tips off today

Saints and GTI dominate as YBG Georgetown...

Carty misses ton, Hamilton (80) sets up tense...

Features/Columnists

The One-Man Republic

The U.S. “Joining” the Commonwealth: an unreasonable expectation

Polls – what they say, where I stand

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

Blueprint for Guyana to become competitive

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 31st, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]