SINCE the launching of the One Laptop per Family (OLPF) initiative, there has been a lot of contention about the government’s intention and their methods of selection and procurement of the laptops. I cannot seem to understand why this is the case since the programme is one that will be used to empower and transform the lives of thousands of Guyanese, with a recurring effect on future generations. The project aims to distribute 90,000 laptops to poor Guyanese homes, which will enable them to become computer literate and computer efficient in an ever-changing, technologically versatile world.

Criticisms were launched against this project from the moment that President Bharrat Jagdeo declared that he had a dream of propelling Guyana into the realm of development through technological innovation, by placing in the home of poor Guyanese, one laptop per family, creating the avenue for youth empowerment and education. Where is the disgrace in that? But it seems as though this is the purpose of this useless opposition; to oppose for the sake of opposing. This they do willingly, at the risk of the poor. Why would the opposition be in disagreement with the government placing 90,000 free computers in poor people’s homes?
The opposition should not be opposed to the government empowering poor people, through developmental projects like the one laptop per family project. However, this is not the first developmental project that the opposition has poured cold water on. There were many other projects which this government has tried to initiate but failed because the ill-advised opposition destroyed the dreams of empowering the people through these means. The Beal Deal, which would have created hundreds of jobs for Guyanese, while improving the employment rate, is one such initiative which was stomped on by the opposition and ultimately destroyed.
Although there are many other ways in which we could use the OLPF, this is another way to further assist the poor, and should be given a special chance to grow. In my opinion, the opposition should stop opposing solely for the sake of opposing and get on board with the government towards empowering and bettering the lives of the poor.