NO one can downplay the contribution of the Guyanese diaspora in the socio-economic and political development of Guyana.  This is true of Guyanese in every corner of the world but moreso in the United States and Canada which are now home to a countless number of Guyanese who left the country of their birth for new opportunities and the hope for a better life. The reasons for leaving their homeland and their subsequent contributions have a long history, dating back to the dark period of PNC authoritarian rule. Many Guyanese began to lose hope for a comfortable and secure life for themselves and their children as the economy deteriorated and living standards plummeted. The situation was made even worse in the late 1970s which saw the banning of essential food items such as wheaten flour, split peas, potatoes, milk, cheese, sardines and a host of other items. Political and racial discrimination, imposition of compulsory national service, nepotism, bribery, corruption and a host of other vices created fertile ground for a mass exodus of Guyanese to foreign shores.

One consequence of the indiscriminate ban on basic food items was the emergence of what became known as the ‘underground’ economy where banned items were smuggled into the country and sold at exorbitant prices. Only those with money could have afforded to purchase those items, at considerable risk of being caught by law enforcement officers and hauled before the courts. At a more fundamental level, however, was the mass exodus of Guyanese to the neighbouring countries such as Suriname, Venezuela, the Caribbean as well as North America, especially the United States of America, which is today home to the largest number of overseas Guyanese. Most of them have adapted well in their new homeland. Only recently, the City of New York co-named an avenue ‘Little Guyana’ in recognition of the contribution of Guyanese to the growth and development of the City. It is hard to imagine what life would have been without the diaspora. Many in the diaspora contributed to their loved ones at home by way of remittances and the sending of barrels of food items, clothing, footwear and other items. That provided an important safety net for many Guyanese who were unable to survive on their meagre incomes.

The contributions by the diaspora to Guyana were not confined to sending money and barrels. It was the love for country and the passion for change that became a defining characteristic of diaspora involvement in the political life of the country. It was the lobbying efforts of the diaspora communities in several countries that was partly responsible for the heightened attention by governments to the plight of the Guyanese people which culminated in the restoration of democratic rule on October 5, 1992 after over two decades of PNC dictatorial rule. With the restoration of democratic rule, the focus of the diaspora has now shifted to one of renewal and rebuilding. The diaspora, with access to capital and expertise, has a key role in the rebuilding process. And, as pointed out by Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, during a recent meeting with the diaspora in New York, there is an abundance of investment opportunities in the country, especially in the private sector which is now a key player in the growth trajectory. Despite our newly found oil riches, we are still relatively poor in terms of per capita income even though this is likely to change in the coming period ahead as our revenues from oil and gas kick in.

The economic tide is changing in favour of Guyana. This will lift all boats and our Guyanese diaspora can be a significant player in this new and exciting period in our economic and social transformation. President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, during a virtual address to a recent Diaspora Conference, organised by the Guyana Government, was high in praise for the contribution made by overseas Guyanese and lauded their role in securing our democratic values. He charged the Diaspora to use their influence, finances and expertise to help develop the country and the lives of their fellow Guyanese. The President pointed to a number of important pillars of diaspora involvement including influence, investment, information, identity and integration, all of which are important elements in the way forward in terms of a prosperous and cohesive Guyana. The President’s call could not have come at a better time as the country continues to explore new pathways to sustainable development.