NATIONAL pride is an important factor in uniting a people and energising a country to compete with others. Products made in a country and rightfully labelled so bring confidence to the citizens and respect for the nation. In some respects, Guyana continues to hold its own in specific areas, but more needs to be done in a concerted and consistent manner to not only ensure psychological benefits, but also social and economic development. Guyana’s rum, sugar, bauxite and gold are known to hold prized positions in the international marketplace. Our rum has won numerous international awards. Sugar is renowned to the point where an American company is packaging sugar, brought from other countries, using the brand “Demerara,” which has affinity to the production of sugar here.
Our bauxite is known as a sweetener in enhancing the capacity in steel and aluminium processing plants, and Guyana stands out as the only country that produces this specification. The reputation of gold dates back to the fabled El Dorado that saw many expeditions, including the legendary stories of Sir Walter Raleigh and others, in search of it. Being allowed opportunities to produce products from local materials enhance a people’s ingenuity and competitive spirit, which are integral factors in growth and development. It would not be lost on the discerning, the opportunities that can be derived from a new economy which can create wealth in industries that are considered safe and green.
For instance, the coconut industry which has been neglected, offers economic opportunities outside of the water. Bauxite, in its raw form, can add diversity to the ornament industry. This product comes in a variety of colours and specification and can be attractively packaged for the market.
The forestry industry, where Guyana stands out in its variety and type of woods, outside of use in the furniture and construction industries, can be used for ornaments, jewellery and other special pieces. Similar approaches can be taken to every product and service Guyanese are capable of producing, packaging and marketing.
Not to discount the success of other countries in being able to exploit their resources, creating opportunities for their people and entering our markets, the time has come when Guyana and Guyanese must move from being primarily on the receiving end to that of being equally competitive. This would require a new approach that factors in strong and continuous technical research, such as in product development, identifying markets, tastes and preferences.
Government is expected to play a role through revisiting investment programmes, strategies and laws wherever necessary. It will require stimulating a new economy by exploiting resources with the assistance of new incentives. This can be done in the form of grants to places such as the University of Guyana, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, and the Institute of Applied Science and Technology to conduct studies. There can be tax concessions and duty-free concessions for businesses that create opportunities at home.
Registrar of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), Glenroy Cumberbatch, in his address at the launching of Guyana’s accreditation earlier this year to award Caribbean Vocational Qualification, engaged in what can be considered a rarity in self-critique. Cumberbatch questioned the education being offered and called for an alignment of education and training to meet the needs of the Region’s social and economic development. Even as the Government of Guyana works with its CARICOM counterparts to examine such advice, where presently a Commission of Inquiry into the education system is being conducted, it may help to bring under examination such offerings consistent with the nation’s developmental thrust, on which education ought to be built. Synergies can be forged and made possible in alliance with the tri-sectoral economy. Partnership with Government, private and cooperative sectors should not only come with recognition and appreciation of the unique ability and responsibility of each, but also the importance of cooperating with each other to be competitive at the international level. Guyanese want to build Guyana. And while it is laudable that our procurement law requires at least 20 percent of the contracts be given to small contractors, a similar approach may be needed in other instances in ensuring that Guyanese are allowed to earn, produce and benefit from the nation’s resources and opportunities. (Reprinted)