Recognising our need for the Diaspora

by Peter R. Ramsaroop, MBA

Regardless of where someone is presently residing, they are forever linked to their land of birth through the burial of their ancestors or through inheritance (be it language, attitudes, customs, habits etc). The Guyanese Diaspora embodies this linkage yet it seems as if many of us here at home have lost sight of this. Quite clearly, there is only a limited consideration for the historical and/or political issues that resulted in the creation of our large Diaspora over the past 40 years.

Recently, we have seen a move by the Coalition of Parties/Civil Society (Third Force) and also the PNCR emphasising the need for the Diaspora's involvement in Guyana. I whole-heartedly support this concept. In 2000, the REFORM released a strong position paper on this subject. I have included parts of this position paper in this column.

During the 1970s and 80s, Guyana was caught up in an international political tug-of-war, due to, among other things, poor governance, ideological dogma and to its non-aligned posture - a status that was not chosen by the general Guyanese public. Nevertheless, this posture resulted in pressures that had direct economic consequences on the average citizen. As a result, many Guyanese exited our shores.

After Dr. Cheddi Jagan was elected as our President in 1992, there was a short-lived movement calling for the return of the Diaspora. However, since the death of Dr. Jagan, we have once again seen a mass exodus, as the nation has endured negative economic growth under the present administration.

Although most of the Guyanese who left in the 70s/80s did so as refugees escaping political turmoil and economic ruin, their unexpected viability and success in other places were responsible for them developing the ability to return home to make a difference for all - especially for those who were unable to leave. The general desire of the Diaspora is to help the general population of their fellow Guyanese to regain the collective pride of achievement that would come from turning the country around.

Unfortunately, their desire to do so appears to be demonised by various acts from the Government and even Parliament. These acts have marginalised the numerous “sons and daughters” of Guyana who have been ambassadors worldwide of Guyana's ability to provide high-calibre performers to the global community who can use their knowledge, ability, experience, networks and resources in helping Guyana to find a meaningful place in the “global village.”

The overall impression is that there are those in Government would like to see overseas counterparts “suffer a little” at home before being allowed to contribute meaningfully whether its in business or politics. This mood has crept into other aspects of society including the media.

Kaieteur News columnists and respected Guyanese human rights activist Freddie Kissoon has recently brought to light the issue of the Government imposing a Vice-Chancellor of its own liking on U.G. against the protests of the University wishes. I addressed this subject in a past column on September 04, 2005. This controversy has taken on a racial twist, and I should note that any proof of racially motivated decisions will never receive my support.

However, controversy concerning a UG Vice-Chancellor is nothing new to Mr. Kissoon. Five years ago, Mr. Kissoon commented that he does ‘not agree with the policy of bringing a Vice-Chancellor from abroad to head U.G.' (The Moral Issue of Staying here to face the music can't be ignored, Stabroek News Letter to the Editor, 18-Jan-01). In other words, the fact that a Guyanese has lived abroad has more importance in his mind than the superior qualifications and experience that he or she may bring along.

Hence, the worldwide trend towards globalisation and the creation of a “global village” seems to have gone unnoticed by Mr. Kissoon, John Mair – (Bill Cotton/Reform), Roy Paul, and others, due to the perceived need for insulation from the Diaspora.

Since my first return to Guyana in 1999, I have been told the statement “we do not do it that way in Guyana” many times by senior Government officials and prominent businessmen and women. This statement has the side effect of legitimising a common belief that overseas-trained Guyanese are too “out of touch” with Guyana to be able to contribute meaningfully to the various sections of modern national development. The obviously ridiculous nature of that notion shocks thinking persons at home and abroad, especially when one considers that Guyanese experts are assisting in the modern development of countries all over the globe.

It must be appreciated that Guyanese are a highly motivated group, oriented towards achievement, willing and capable of making the necessary sacrifices to succeed. The desire to return home and participate at the leadership level in Guyana's development is a natural consequence of Guyanese being Guyanese in the best sense of the word.

South Africa is a good example. During Apartheid, many South Africans were forced into exile. These individuals were spread over many countries in Africa, Europe and in the USA. There, they were able to educate themselves. When apartheid was removed, those, such as Nelson Mandela, who stayed at home, warmly welcomed them.

Today, South Africa has a President, who was a member of the Diaspora for several years of his adult life in President Mbeki. Other returning souls also run many of the new businesses and hold a significant amount of high governmental positions.

Likewise, Guyana needs the Diaspora to move our country forward. Who would be better equipped to shoulder this great responsibility than Guyanese sons and daughters who have proven their abilities in the global marketplace? The advantages are obvious: they are already attuned to Guyana's climate, diet and culture; they would be sympathetic to the overriding goal of nation-building; and they would be more inclined to invest energies beyond the call of duty as they strive with greater levels of zeal than non-Guyanese equivalents.

It seems self-defeating to alienate this immense pool of human resources comprising an unfathomable array of skills and knowledge.

By discouraging the Diaspora, Guyana places itself in the position of having to depend more and more on non-Guyanese experts and consultants. This has the pride-eroding effect of making us into supplicants to “developed” countries.

Any attempt to restrict these natural inclinations of the Diaspora in their love of their country and their desire to see it prosper should be perceived as an attack against Guyanese character and consciousness. We need to distance ourselves from the current administration's approach to the Diaspora.

I appeal to all in the Diaspora to not give up on our nation. We need your assistance in developing a prosperous nation free of crime and corruption. We need your help to thrust Guyana into the global stage of the 21 st century.