The disparity between those who have access to resources and the masses is vast

Feb 25, 2024 Letters

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Dear Editor,

I have noticed eminent persons in Guyana past and present are highlighting atrocities in Gaza. Their contributions are important as they seek to remind the world of the basic laws that govern modern-day society. On the other hand, these same eminent persons have not condemned the actions of Putin against Ukraine, where human life and critical infrastructure are targeted leaving many persons in grave difficulties. Mr Editor, this is an old technique used by leaders, where they distract their population by focusing on international issues thus hoping their problems will solve themselves.

At home, teachers and other public servants are been treated worse than the people of Gaza and Ukraine. The cost of living is skyrocketing, wages are depressed corruption and nepotism are high our health care system leaves a lot to be desired. Persons who require stem for heart surgeries are told that the government-run machine at the Public Hospital is not functional but they can have the same surgery done privately at a very exorbitant cost.

Unfortunately, the most vulnerable are told to be patient. When this scenario is compared to the glowing reports that are written about Guyana, it leaves you to wonder if the reality on the ground is the same as these reports. Economic development is not solely based on infrastructural works but it must include the socio-economic improvement of the people.

The social services must be on par to cater for the needs of the people. President Lula of Brazil in his previous term in office managed to lift millions of Brazilians out of poverty, by implementing policies and programmes that cater for the poor in society, in Guyana the reverse is happening projects are created for the friends of the rich.

The government’s counter-argument is the unavailability of resources, this sounds strange while this government refuses to renegotiate the oil deal or to ring-fence future projects or introduces certain taxes on the oil company. It is an insult to read in the daily, millions of US dollars that foreign investors are repairing while Guyanese teachers are paid a meagre salary.

A select few in this population seem to be enjoying the fruits of the country’s resources while the masses are suffering at the hands of this select few. The infrastructural works held up as development are a mirage if the human population is not educated or has access to quality health care and well-paying jobs. When the oil exploration is over.

We will be left with white elephants a sign of the Dutch disease. When will the airport be finally completed? Often correctional works are been done or extensions are needed, even the blind can see this scam. When questions are asked the blame is placed on the Opposition namely dictatorship and rigged elections. Had the opposition had the golden opportunity that this government is enjoying much more would have been achieved.

If an objective comparison is made the achievements under the previous administration were done with little resources. We are living under an autocratic government that defines democracy as their right to govern without listening to the voice of the masses that are growing discontent. The disparity between those who have access to resources and the masses is vast.

At the end of the day, these loans will have to be repaid by future generations if they are not well-trained educated and healthy how will they manage to repay these loans? At the same time, a select few are living elegantly while residents in, the city of Georgetown and other areas are subjected to daily power outages despite the additional engines which were recently purchased.

Guyana will never develop under such circumstances; economic development will not be achieved. This country needs an equitable distribution of resources. Development is a concept that begins in the mind and must be carefully planned with the participation of the masses; the best human resources are assigned to these projects irrespective of affiliation or appearances.

Secondly, if our minds and thoughts are dirty for example (listen to the recent debate in parliament) which excludes and degrades other groups of people in society then we cannot make progress. This polluted thinking is being filtered down to persons on the street who share similar beliefs. Finally, leadership is a service, not a divine right. Dr Jagan once stated that ‘you cannot drive a Benz or a Rolls Royce in a donkey cart economy’ his words are coming through.

Thank you,

Name Withheld

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• International, Name withheld, public, resources, servants

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