Dear Editor,

THE change of government last year has not brought much expected relief in economics, security and youth affairs by the APNU/AFC administration.The government ascendancy to power may be the continuation of its predecessor’s unilateral economic policies, systemic security failure, and autocratic rule by those who now sit on opposition benches.

Editor, the youth population had expected the government to promote racial harmony, job opportunities, and inclusive participation in managing our country’s affairs. Instead, the government seems reluctant and more interested in hiring aging party loyalists from the bygone era.

Governments across the globe work closely with their youth population and key sectors to develop and maintain their economies. However, in Guyana, the government is neglecting the youths. Editor, while foreign investments are needed to keep our country’s economy growing, land ownership by foreign companies has become a major issue in Guyana’s hinterland and coastland.

In the future, land will become scarce and land occupation by foreign companies in disputed areas will endanger Guyana’s national security and create tensions with its continental neighbours.

At present, Guyana’s economic growth is slow, and urgent actions need to be taken. However, if our government plans to create a green economy, then this will have serious implications for mining and forestry if Guyana is to achieve this goal.

The extraction of oil will commence soon in Guyana’s territory, and will create more tensions with her neighbor, Venezuela. Our military is not strong or modern to defend this country in any major conflict. Therefore, foreign companies will depend on their respective governments to protect them from possible military intrusions. They will call on Guyana to accept military protection, and we will end up with a different type of situation.

Accepting military protection from any of those countries will create strained relations with other countries that do business with Guyana, and will create a negative spotlight for Guyana on the world stage. It is also a form of modern-day colonialism for another country to occupy a sovereign state.

Editor, we are a peaceful people; let’s remain that way. We must never allow foreign intervention to cause strained relations among our people. If our government is seeking to be re-elected in 2020, The President must reshuffle his cabinet, include youths in government affairs, upgrade security and land ownership policies, create economic policies that will benefit locals in the hinterland and coastland, and stop playing “Political Monopoly”.

Regards,
DWIGHT LARSON
Isseneru Village