Lewis Raises Concerns Over Sovereignty, Immigration and Resource Control

Lewis’s critique pivots around two major pronouncements made by President Irfaan Ali at an event in 2023. The first statement declared a shortage of coastal land available for development, suggesting that “the reality is that we don’t have that land now on the coast.” This assertion raises immediate alarms about the allocation of land and who truly benefits from its use.

If, as the President indicates, there is little coastal land left, it is imperative to scrutinise how the existing parcels have been distributed and under what circumstances. The general secretary underscores the necessity for a thorough and independent audit of land distribution, emphasising that “citizens can be assured that national assets are not being concentrated in the hands of a few.”

Equally troubling is the President’s projection that our population could surge to three million by 2030, a figure met with skepticism by Lewis and other analysts. The discrepancies in the 2022 census, which reported an increase to 878,674 citizens from an estimated 750,000, call into question the credibility of these numbers. Given our history of modest population growth, any forecast suggesting such an extreme rise must be treated with caution. Lewis aptly notes, “A sudden expansion of this magnitude cannot be explained by natural growth,” hinting at the need for further investigation into what such growth would entail and who would be part of it.

The general secretary’s apprehension revolves around the implications of unregulated immigration and its potential to alter the demographic fabric of our nation. He warns that “it raises legitimate concerns about whether Guyanese could become a minority in their own country.” It is not immigration itself that poses a threat, but rather the lack of a transparent national policy to manage and integrate newcomers. The absence of clear strategies risks exacerbating existing inequalities and social pressures, straining essential services such as housing, healthcare, and education.

Lewis passionately advocates for a targeted immigration policy that prioritises the needs of our country and addresses skills shortages. He states, “If immigration is necessary, it must be targeted — focused on skilled, technical labour shortages.” This call for a considered approach underscores a broader vision: that our national development should be rooted in the welfare of our citizens, not merely driven by external economic interests or unverified projections.

Moreover, the socio-economic realities cannot be overlooked. Lewis highlights the urgent need to improve the lot of the many still living in poverty, as wages stagnate and the cost of living continues to rise. These challenges must be addressed before considering significant demographic shifts. He questions the government’s readiness, asking, “What is the plan, who benefits, and how will the interests of Guyanese be protected?”

As a representative of the working class, Lewis urges vigilance from the Opposition and civil society, warning against complacency and silence in the face of such monumental changes. He insists that “this cannot become another ‘no interest’ moment,” recognising that the stakes have never been higher for our nation’s future. The promise of progress should not come at the expense of those who call this land home, and his insistence on transparency and accountability rings loud.

In a country still in the process of defining its identity, the trade unionist’s observations call for an urgent reassessment of our national policies on immigration and resource management. The current trajectory — shaped by the leadership of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) — has raised more questions than answers. With the spectre of inequality looming and a potentially divided populace, our future can only thrive on well-considered strategies that engage all citizens in the journey ahead.

Lincoln Lewis’ analysis serves as both a warning and a call to action for all Guyanese. It beckons us to reflect on our past, scrutinise our present, and forge a future that prioritises inclusion, accountability, and the rights of the people. The decisions we make now will resonate for generations to come, and the responsibility lies with us to ensure that our land and its resources remain under the stewardship of those who cherish and protect it