The Diaspora is the most potent resource available for Guyana’s development, let’s not waste it Kaieteur News Online Jul 29, 2021 Related--COVID-19 Dear Editor Kaieteur News – I am referencing a news article published on July 25, 2021 on Demerara Waves titled “Diaspora stakeholder complains to President about slothfulness, discourtesy on investment webinars.” It is quite paradoxical that Mr. Forde, who is “committed to promoting and encouraging active diaspora engagement for social and economic development in Guyana,” would exhort such energy and resources to complain and express disappointment with the Government and suggest widened mistrust between Guyana and the diaspora. This seems quite contrary to his UGDGN’s core purpose of “a prosperous and harmonious Guyana for all Guyanese.” I am an active member and advocate for deeper and wider engagement and participation of the Guyanese diaspora in the development of Guyana. However, like so many in the diaspora, we find Mr. Forde’s statements insincere and counterproductive, especially in the midst of an unrelenting COVID-19 pandemic and the recent floods. Guyana’s development is directly and critically linked to its global diaspora population. The global Guyanese diaspora is estimated at one million possessing significant wealth, skills, disposable income and a deep desire for Guyana. More than 50% of the diaspora are second and third generation Guyanese, who are talented, innovative and excited to explore and contribute to Guyana. Without a doubt, the diaspora is our most potent and valuable resource, more than all the natural resources available in Guyana. We must commend the Irfaan Ali Administration for recognising this prized potential and creating an environment to leverage the resources of our diaspora. Let’s mention a few for clarity. The early opening of the airports to ensure investors, diasporeans, and others can access Guyana’s potentials; upgrade of GOINVEST to highlight and bring urgency to the vast investment opportunities in Guyana; the establishment of a Diaspora Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop the structures and strategy for active and ongoing diaspora engagement; pursuing a bustling private sector focused economy with benefits for the diaspora as well as local investors; the commitment to a “one window” economy to deliver efficient services; and more than anything else, the Government has placed Guyana back on a development path after years of economic neglect and mismanagement. No one will disagree that there is room for improvement on the Government’s strategy and execution. The diaspora on the other hand, notwithstanding their potentials, lacks leadership and organisation. Represented by hundreds of loose associations and groups globally, the diaspora is largely without a single voice, framework, or strategy. So whom does the government engage with or talk to when it comes to the diaspora? I believe Mr. Forde’s frustration and “disappointment” should be channeled to the diaspora who he seeks to represent and claim to shepherd. Mr. Forde’s frustration stems from a planned investment webinar that did not happen because of the unavailability of the President. Mr. Forde should know that the President meets diaspora investors almost daily in Guyana; these are serious investors who are making real effort with time and money to do business in Guyana. Secondly, the President has already outlined his vision and commitment in the May 22 Diaspora Conference, it is for the diaspora to learn and align itself to access investment opportunities. Thirdly, Mr. Forde should have worked with GOINVEST, Diaspora Unit and the private sector, these are the organisations that execute on the President’s strategy and have deeper knowledge of the opportunities and how to access them. As mentioned above, the diaspora is the most potent resource available for Guyana’s development. It requires bridges and structures to be built that would enable a tangible and robust engagement between Guyana and its diaspora. This will have to go beyond talking, webinars and expectations from the government and frustrations. The diaspora, knowing their individual and collective worth with access to technology, finance and experience, need to professionally organise itself, build a strategy and establish the structures to engage and impact Guyana and Guyanese. Yours truly, Salaudeen “Salim” Nausrudeen A © page from: Guyana: Land of Six Peoples