Dear Editor,
THE overwhelming majority of Guyanese in the diaspora ( the U.S., the UK, Canada and the Caribbean) with whom I conversed support the recently legislated law on the Natural Resources Fund Act (NRFA). The diaspora is of the view that an important legislation such as the NRF should have enjoyed cross-party and (near) unanimous support. Regrettably, debating of the bill turned into a controversial fight in Parliament.

The findings of the sample of Guyanese with whom I spoke suggest that the diaspora is more united in their approach to the bill and the law and what is best for the nation than politicians in Guyana. The sampled views overwhelmingly condemn the disruptive behaviour of the opposition in Parliament during the debate and reading of the bill. Several opposition MPs degraded the sanctity of Parliament with their conduct.

While not familiar with details of the bill, most in the diaspora are more supportive of it than the one passed by the preceding APNU-led Coalition Government, saying it is legally passed as opposed to the Coalition’s bill. Almost everyone feels it is a better bill than the Coalition’s, and they say it is a very good start that can be subjected to amendments to address flaws. They point out that the Coalition’s bill was passed after the government fell following its defeat in the no-confidence motion. In addition, the then opposition did not turn up to Parliament to participate in the debate on the Coalition bill, pointing out that the recall of Parliament to conduct business was illegal. In contrast, the current bill (legislated and assented into law) was passed with opposition input. The ruling party included amendments in the bill suggested by the opposition. In fact, one respondent pointed out that the new NRF bill included several aspects of the Coalition’s.

The diaspora notes that not everyone will agree on a bill. Also, not every political party or members of civil society or the opposition agrees on a better version of the law. As one person commented, not everyone in Parliament or in the country would agree on everything about the bill or the law. There would be differences. There were different approaches, obstacles and arguments in favour of or opposition to one clause or another, over what conditions need to exist, how close to the previous law, or how perfect a bill the country should have. Some critics in the public and the opposition and some in the diaspora also wanted more time for discussions. But they did not put forth what they would like to discuss — what would they like to see in the bill, what proposals they have to be included in the bill. Suggestions can be made for amendments.

The diaspora feels that instead of the two sides sparring with one another and the opposition engaging in disruptive activities, the two sides should discuss disagreements and come to an understanding. The diaspora is of the view that since the Act has been already assented to, differences can be narrowed over time as efforts are made towards implementation and amendments legislated. Some say it is not a perfect law and that like all laws it may be improved.  One will have to work with it until it can be improved on. In any case, the law must be put into force as a first step in a process of tapping into the money that is kept in an American bank as the government borrows funds for programmes.

The diaspora notes that for the first time in its history, the country is poised to reduce or even eliminate poverty and advance the quality of life for all Guyanese. They would like to see the funds used for upgrading of infrastructure towards modernisation. They express hope that this and future governments will provide good stewardship of the Natural Resource Fund. They also hope that the current and future governments will enforce the robust reporting system and punitive sanctions in the NRF Act.

Some in the diaspora say they would like the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee (PAOC), as part of its monitoring and evaluation function, to ensure that resources are properly expended and accounted for and spread across all sections and geographic regions of the country.

The diaspora urges the political parties to put petty partisan interests aside and act in the interest of the nation, rather than in the interest of the party or self-interest, which is so often the case with politicians in Guyana. Given that government in Guyana may change, the close and nationally beneficial cooperation of each party in implementation of the NRFA and accountability must be paramount.

Yours sincerely,
Vishnu Bisram