Guyana stands a better chance of moving forward from an entrepreneurial or self-sufficient frame of mind both from agriculture and trade or craft. It may be considered platitude now, though it remains a fact Guyana has the capacity to become the breadbasket of the Caribbean. In order to achieve this Guyanese have to move beyond talking to doing, in a structured and meaningful way. We have to create industries to make our breadbasket potential possible.
Guyana has the land necessary to provide the food. More importantly, where the organic food industry is a U.S multi-billion dollar business we are well poised to carve a niche for ourselves. Guyana has the land and fresh water but Guyanese have to envision the mechanism and means to make these resources work for us. We can do all of it. All that is missing is the entrepreneurial spark and enabling environment to allow for the opportunity to progress irrespective of race or political association.
Compared to many countries Guyana is not a densely populated society. Consequently, there is a lot of land available for agricultural purposes. We can plant every product needed to create an agriculture boom and engage the population in productive endeavours. People can be trained for the demands in a structured way to build for the future. Everyone can fit in based on skills set for agricultural, medicinal, environmental, biological, etc. Training can be from primary to value added products.
As a signatory to the United Nations 2015 Paris Agreement, which deals with managing climate change through sustainable development, water and solar, which are renewable resources can create different forms of industries to support our energy needs rather than have full reliance on the non-renewable oil and gas. While oil and gas are considered most reliable, a green economy could benefit from research and development on renewable resources as new means of energy based on the environment.
Notedly, agrarian development is more village oriented. Villagers could be trained to fit the demand of the emerging and growing (organic) food industry to keep them self-sufficient. Self-sufficiency will spawn or create new opportunities. When people are able to see new things and the possibility of same they would create new or their own industries to capitalise on opportunities. They will also be able to train, mentor and create new opportunities for the young. Persons can go from working to creating to investing which will spawn not only a new economy but creative growth. When things start to happen it will have a positive dominion effect on progress.
Though there exists perception the political class has not been too inclined to aggressively pursue a governing framework that would seriously facilitate local entrepreneurship this does not mean the entrepreneurial minds amongst us cannot get together and contrive new ideas of growth and creativity. Talent could also be sourced from the diaspora. Ways have to be found to reward people for their ability to create or produce without restricting creativity in a regulated environment.
Regulation should be used appropriately such as in dealing with misconduct, ensuring people are not taken advantage of, curtailing personal greed, protecting society and environmental growth and development. Regulations must not be used to stifle but aid creativity which will incentivise citizens. It is time for Guyanese to get to work in building a Guyana where no citizen is left behind and every one has an opportunity to thrive.
