By Francis Quamina Farrier
We are now at the end of August and it is six months since the controversial General and Regional Elections of March 2, 2020 were held. During the hours, days, weeks and months since many voices both in Guyana and abroad were raised about democracy in Guyana. Some of those voices were extremely passionate. Voices were from both sides of the political aisle and some smack in the middle. Most of what came out, is that democracy is really not a one-event occurrence with citizens voting in free and fair elections every five years. Democracy should in fact be a daily exercise where all citizens are treated fairly and there are opportunities for them to reach their full potential as citizens of a sovereign nation.

There were also some voices raised which were more in an advisory capacity. One such voice is that of Sir Ronald Sanders who is the Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States (USA) and the Organization of American States (OAS). What is special about this diplomat, is that he was born in Guyana and spent his early working years in radio as one of the celebrated broadcasters in the country during the 1970s.

More recently from his Washington, DC, lockdown location, Sir Ronald Sanders referred to the future of Guyana in the short and long term. “The one upside of the challenges facing the new Government of Guyana is that the country’s economic growth in 2020 is projected at a whopping 52.8 percent- surpassing all 26 Latin American and Caribbean states. This trend is likely to continue for many years to come.” Sir Ron also mentions the new oil and gas production which has already earned Guyana a bonanza in revenue. “Between December 2019 and June 2020, this newly found wealth in oil and gas provided the government US$95 million in royalties paid by ExxonMobil from its first two oil sales,” Saunders pointed out.

With this emerging Oil and Gas wealth, Guyanese both at home and in the Diaspora are looking forward to peace and prosperity for all Guyanese as never before. “Money could go a very long way to alleviate the circumstances of the Guyanese people who, since the 1980s, have been the second poorest in the Caribbean; Haitians being the poorest,” Sir Ronald emphasised. He is very knowledgeable about the financial fortunes of Western developing countries such as Guyana, and predicts that, “Income levels should now increase, improving living standards for all, particularly the poor.” That, of course, is good news for those financially struggling Guyanese. And many are anxiously awaiting the day when there will be many more jobs available and with attractive salaries. Others expect to see the city of Georgetown void of pavement dwellers and beggars.

It is known that there is some apprehension regards the way the oil and gas income will be used. As such it is very much the responsibility of the new government to keep the Guyanese people well informed regularly. There is a new and young president in the person of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. In his address to the nation after his swearing-in to the highest executive office in the country, he promised that his government will be for all the people.

A present health challenge for the new government is the current COVID-19 pandemic. Although not as rampant in the early months, positive cases and deaths have been on the increase recently. That is as a result of too many undisciplined citizens who are not observing the COVID-19 protocols. Guyana also continues to grapple with a border issue with neighbouring Venezuela. However, it must be noted that Venezuela seems to be like a neighbour who threatens you but gives you oil to rub your toe whenever you stump it. What will be the relationship between Guyana and Venezuela in the future now that Guyana has its own oil in abundance? That is left to be seen.

Most importantly, the Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador shared his opinion of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM): “The way in which the Commission is appointed should be scrapped and replaced by a broad-based body, representing various sectors of the society,” he advises, emphasizing that, “ways should be sought to institutionalise ethnic balance, including by enshrining it in the country’s constitution.”
Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders lauded the promises made to the Guyanese people by President Ali that his government is for all of Guyana. Sir Ron noted that, “Making a reality of this pledge will be the new Guyana government’s biggest task, but one which will bring even bigger benefits to Guyana if it is accomplished.”