– Finance Minister tells Guyanese residing in California

GOVERNMENT has not given up on Guyanese who have migrated from the country during times of hardship, but is rather proud of their achievements in their adopted homes or new country of residence, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh told a large gathering of Guyanese in Los Angeles, California on September 28.“The Guyanese diaspora has distinguished itself wherever it has gone, whether is it in academic or professional accomplishments, whether it is in civic and political affairs, whether it is in business or entrepreneurial activities, …but in every field of endeavour, Guyanese nationals and Caribbean nationals in their adopted homes have distinguished themselves, and we are immensely proud of what they have accomplished and the contribution they have made in their adoptive homes.”
Addressing the mostly professional members of the audience, the Finance Minister noted that with the passage of time and the proliferation of technology, members of the diaspora are no longer disconnected from their homeland, pointing to the instantaneous manner in which the internet allows Guyanese abroad to communicate with their loved ones at home, and the swiftness with which they can access information on current activities in Guyana. This, he said, has also helped Guyanese and Guyanese organisations overseas to make meaningful and timely contributions to their country.
“Today’s interconnected, connected wired world allows diaspora communities, like yourself, to remain in touch with your source country, your homeland Guyana, and allow you, I believe, to have a far richer engagement and a more substantial contribution, and we are delighted to see that communities like yours have seized that opportunity,” Dr Singh said.
“I want to say to you that we value immensely that contribution, not only the tangible contribution in helping to build hospitals and so on, but you have an important role to play too in ensuring Guyana is represented, the Guyanese flag is flown proudly, that you are good ambassadors.”
He also pointed to the significant importance of Guyanese living abroad in ensuring Guyana maintain its rightful place in the global community and to advocate the country’s interest at every possible forum.
The Finance Minister stressed that Guyana needs the advocacy of its diaspora to tackle the legislative challenges facing the country at this time. He also spoke of Guyana’s progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and reiterated his government’s commitment to moving Guyana to a place where all Guyanese can enjoy maximum social benefits. However, he noted that government alone cannot achieve this, and as such, looks forward to the continued contribution of the Diaspora.
Dr. Singh accompanied President Donald Ramotar’s delegation to the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, and the team took the opportunity to meet with the Guyanese diaspora in the United States.