Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Oct 06, 2014 Letters
Dear Editor,
In the remarks given by Minister Ali to open GuyExpo 2014, the honourable Minster used the word ‘transformation’ several times in the context of economic and market-based development. He talked about trade, increasing investments, growth and so on.
What amazes me about this speech, likewise that of President Ramotar, is that no mention was made about transformation or direct investment in the context of human capital? I believe this is so because the report would have been abysmal. We all know and experience reduced literacy levels among both youth and adults. Even at the University of Guyana, functionally illiteracy is a major concern for a number of professors and lectures.
So here is my theory as to why no mention was made about the returns on investment in the education, training and development of our people, but not markets and economic growth. I believe that the PPP/C Government has purposefully facilitated the underdevelopment of the vast majority of Guyanese people because one of the key factors in attracting investments is the cost of labour. In other words, the wage and salaries paid to workers must remain low for profitability, especially in a country of fewer than one million people and high energy costs in order to attract large scale investments not of the money laundering type.
So while out one side of his mouth the Honourable Minister harps about economic growth and developing markets, the other side of his mouth is silently saying that cost of labour must remain low.
And for it to remain low, the Government has to have major influence in labour wages both in the public and private sectors. Additionally keep wages low means keep education, especially specialized and tertiary level training just out of the reach of most.
To the Honourabe Minister and President Ramotar, I encourage you both to share the outcomes of direct investment in human capital; and do not tell us how many schools were rehabilitated, roads built, etc. This is indirect human capital investments.
To you gentleman, I also say Invest in our people, invest in relevant and modern skills training, invest in education not no child left behind, invest in our University, not control of the Council, invest in the provision of quality and easily accessible public health care and invest in the provision of tools and skills to our people to help all become financially empowered not dependent on political goodwill.
In short, invest in human capital with the same vigor and passion your Government has chosen to invest in foreign investors, market development and economic growth. I know of no country that has a stable well-functioning economy without sufficient human capital to support it.
Mike Archer
Please share this to every Guyanese including your house cats.
Apr 19, 2024
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