GUYANA is an open society characterised by constitutional governance and the rule of law. The economy, for all practical purposes, is market-driven with the government creating an enabling environment for the private sector to grow and prosper. The private sector is the engine of growth as the economy soars to higher levels of growth and development.

This observation was made by outgoing United States Ambassador Carol-Ann Lynch during a recent interview in which she commended the ruling PPP/C administration for the economic and social progress the country is making in several facets of national life.

As observed by the Ambassador, progress is everywhere to be seen such as infrastructural development, improvements in the delivery of education and healthcare services and other areas of social services.
And even though developments may not be as dramatic and earth-shattering as some may like to see, there can be no doubt as to the upward trajectory of the Guyana economy and the positive impact these developments are already having on the lives and well-being of the Guyanese people.

As noted by Ambassador Lynch, while it might take some time for persons to actually see this development, they must be cognizant of the fact that development and changes do not happen overnight.

“I think change doesn’t always happen overnight. Some of these things that are being put in place will take years actually. It is going to be a lot of hard work too, and I think citizens need to know that they need to be part of it,” the Ambassador said.

This is indeed sound and objective thinking from someone whose own contributions to the political and economic health of the country has been substantial. It was during her tour of duty in Guyana that the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) was established and the strengthening of relations between Guyana and the United States took place, especially in the areas of governance, security and economic prosperity.

According to the Ambassador, Guyana has a small population and every citizen matters. She urged persons to get educated and improve their skills so they can adapt to the development that the country is experiencing.

Guyana has been investing heavily in human resources development and social capital. However, despite the best efforts of the current PPP/C administration to enhance the working and living conditions of workers there still continues to be a strong ‘pull factor’ especially as it relates to certain categories of skills such as doctors, nurses and engineers. The ‘greener grass’ syndrome continues to pose a developmental challenge to Guyana as in the case of other developing countries.

The hard truth is that despite our oil riches, Guyana is in no position at this current stage of development to pay wages and salaries comparable to that of the United States and Canada. There is, therefore, need for some measure of patience, based on the fact of our current economic realities.

As the economy gets stronger, more and more resources will be available for wages and salaries which over the course of time will narrow and eventually close the compensation gap. It is important therefore to have an understanding and appreciation of the fact that the country’s development under the current administration is assured and sustainable, thanks to the visionary leadership by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP/C administration.

Much of the country’s development is attributable to the goodwill shown to the country by friendly nations of which the United States has been a major contributor. It is to the credit of the United States government that constitutional democracy was preserved following attempts by the previous APNU+AFC to subvert the democratic process in the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

But United States support to Guyana transcends the boundaries of political support. Ever since the restoration of democratic rule in October 1992, the country has benefited from significant economic and technical assistance which has been further deepened since the discovery of oil.
Guyanese owe a debt of gratitude to the United States in general and Ambassador Lynch in particular for the assistance rendered to the country over the past years.