Diaspora, Ponzi scheme and Kidney Foundation

May 30, 2021 Features / Columnists, The GHK Lall Column

By GHK Lall

Kaieteur News – I consider the outreach to the diaspora an interesting development, which can be encouraging, if it results in what is being trumpeted. I am cautious, since diaspora programmes, from government to government; seem to be no more than some campaigning trick like manifestoes, or presidential inaugural speeches about clean governance and unity. If some overseas-based Guyanese had waited on government, the odds are, they would still be waiting somewhere out there, with their hopes and frustrations, their disappointments and disgusts.
But with oil in the mix today, I think that a well-conceived diaspora programme can be a game changer here. Skills, finances, track records could all make a significant difference locally. To those, I would add the priceless benefits of those who were exposed to a different way of life, operating under different conditions and succeeding on their own, and without a government sponsor or handout. In other words, people who are confident and take no nonsense from anyone, be he or she a president, a viceroy (of a certain kind), or any preening sycophant in the government’s inner circle. To make it utterly clear: they are no beggars coming from the outside looking for alms from the state.
For sure, this government is not going to be comfortable with that, but if the returning members of the diaspora are only about grabbing and bootlicking, then this place would only be the worse for their arrival. On another note, any programme from any government – with this one especially in mind – must be comprehensive. It must not screen and weed out those considered ‘undesirables.’ To be frank, there are going to be interested PNC stalwarts in the diaspora, who would want to participate in any government vision for Guyanese exiles. They must not be excluded; or be made to meet different requirements, made to dance endlessly, pushed around. For whatever the government has in mind for the diaspora, it must be inclusive and comprehensive. It would be encouraging to observe such.
In the next pen stroke, I am compelled to visit this tiring saga of the Ponzi scheme played out on Guyana’s stage. It is disturbing that the chains around the necks of thousands of dejected Guyanese investors are being yanked this way and that, with one cruel trick after another played upon them. It is clear that, no matter the oaths taken, the loud promises made, these investors are sent rushing from corner to corner, as their cages are being rattled, with one shabby development following on the heels of the other. As much as I regret having to be the bearer of bad – really bad – news, I sense that these shortchanged and abused Guyanese investors will be lucky if they get any money back anytime soon.
What is disturbing is that I can detect very clearly that a clever game is being played. They are being setup with some rosy words about repayment, but with those making the promises knowing all along that there is nothing to backup those commitments. It is all smoke and mirrors to buy time, and to make arrangements to dodge obligations. The only way that I will believe in the sincerity of what is committed to, in terms of repayment, is when I learn that investors have gotten something back for their pains. Some may get something small – some fraction – of what is owed; and once that happens, they can kiss the rest goodbye. And, by the way, I think that those responsible will get away with their delaying tactics, which I interpret to be nothing less than full-blown trickeries.
There was the encouraging from the Kidney Foundation of Guyana (KFG) aiming at raising the level of national awareness about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Many sufferers, and those still not knowing or admitting, could use such timely education. What constitutes healthy nutrition, risk factors, warning signs, and helpful lifestyles, are essentials that can be beneficial to many Guyanese, some of whom still harbour antiquated ideas about sickness. I applaud the efforts of the KFG, and would be even more encouraged should Guyanese take the messages to heart.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

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