Latest update April 24th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jun 02, 2015 Letters
Dear Editor,
As an expatriate and a frequent visitor to Guyana, I have been pondering the thought of returning to Guyana for quite a while, either as a business consultant, or as an investor. However, the uncertainties and uneasiness in my homeland had hindered my decision. Nevertheless, I continued my bi yearly visits to enjoy the hospitality of this beautiful country and do some project work. It was only recent that the passion for sharing my professional experiences with my fellow countrymen was rekindled.
A few years back, I had started to pay attention to the political environment. This came about while having discussions with locals across Guyana, during my many trips. The key phrase I kept hearing from the diverse population was ‘the need for change’. Then, I was invited to a fund raising breakfast in Toronto for one of the Guyanese political parties. Again here, the word ‘change’ kept coming up during discussions. After this activity, my decision was made, spend some time in Guyana, experience the elections period and then look at next steps. Most of my friends tried to persuade me to delay my trip for several months but my mind was made up.
Arriving in Georgetown a few days before elections, I decided to tour around Guyana and get a feeling of the atmosphere. My trip started by heading to the Rupununi and enjoying the fresh air at the Manari ranch. If you have never visited this area, you are missing out on a breathtaking experience.
Next in line was the Essequibo Coast to Charity and then up the Pomeroon River. Visiting Kabacaburi, St Monica’s Mission and Karawab convinced me that ‘change’ was still the key word of the land. These areas are so beautiful and peaceful, with the people just waiting for more community development.
Although Elections Day was spent in Charity, I could not wait to return to Georgetown and experience the results impact. Yes, it could have been different but this time it was a quiet city as the population waited several days for the final results. I travelled around without any mishaps and by the time Friday came, there were mostly smiles and friendly greetings amongst the diverse population.
One of the experiences I usually enjoy in Georgetown is passing time with friends by Stabroek market in the evenings. Some may say that I am crazy to be there but are we not one people? They keep telling me that I could be robbed and injured, while walking around in the city. Yes but this could happen to me any day in other countries! The elections period had the same atmosphere, diverse people enjoying time with friends and looking at those passing by.
Returning to visit a couple of regions after the elections, the atmosphere was subdued but the comments mostly heard were ‘let’s give them a chance and see what will happen’. As I travelled by mini bus and speedboat across the regions, it was quite clear most of the population had moved on and now focused on the necessary changes to come. Passing by the stadium, and then looking at the Inauguration on Independence Day were experiences that will stay with me forever. I can see unity building but we all have to play our part in bringing about change.
During a recent trip to Moruca, I was fortunate to witness history in the making. The newly built Benab had its opening ceremony last Sunday with Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe in attendance. It was pleasing to hear her plans for the future of Moruca and for our indigenous people in general.
As a Guyanese living abroad and now thinking strongly about resettling in Guyana, I foresee hope and a bright future for my country. If the present cleaning up of Georgetown is any indication, it looks like we are moving at full speed! I am ready to do my part and use my professional experiences for the betterment of this beautiful country. As the new government takes its place, there will be many challenges to be faced. I would think that we should allow them the opportunity to succeed. Rome wasn’t built in a day!
Keith Hernandez
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