Dear Editor,
DAILY, am receiving phone calls from Richmond Hill, New York to SUGGEST this item for consideration, DECISION and action by the Government of Guyana.
DECEMBER 17, 2022 VILLAGE VOICE NEWS : “ With the totality of my Global experiences, travels and observations to eighty countries on five continents, with residence in Kuwait, and conferences for Islamic Development Bank (IsDB 57 Nations), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC 57 Nations), do strongly recommend to the Government of Guyana for 2023, for EACH HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD USD $1,000: ( One Thousand) as a start, through Head of Households BIOMETRIC CARDS for Identifications, for the withdrawals, from Banks, with an “ ARM’S LENGTH TRANSACTION”. These payments to be listed in the Ministry of Finance, WEBSITE for Transparencies, Practicing Democracy and Equal Treatment to all heads of households. With all due respect, His Excellency Hon. Minister Dr. Ashni Kumar Singh, should secure Cabinet’s approval and include in the 2023 Budget, and for WIRE TRANSFERS to head of households’ BANK accounts.”
ALL GUYANESE including the DIASPORA are entitled to receive the G $100,000 (USD $500), as the approximately USD $7 BILLION OIL REVENUES are BLESSINGS to ALL Guyanese, EVERYWHERE.
The AVERAGE AIR TICKET from JFK New York, TODAY is USD $945.
Is the Guyana Government with Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh, the holder of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Accounting and Finance awarded by the University of Lancaster in the United Kingdom, expecting the DIASPORA to spend TWICE PLUS to TRAVEL to GUYANA to collect their USD $500: ??? Penny Wise, POUND Foolish.
With RESPECT the Government should arrange for DIASPORA to receive their CASH GRANT at Embassies and Consulates. There are AVAILABLE SKILLS, and RESOURCES for this to be arranged, from Guyana OR the Diaspora.
The Guyanese DIASPORA is Approximately 231,649 Guyanese Americans live in the United States, with the largest concentration in New York City (around 140,000)
– New York: 140,000
– Massachusetts: Significant population
– Connecticut: Significant population
– New Jersey: Significant population
– Florida: Significant population
– Georgia: Significant population
– California: Significant population
– Texas: Significant population
– Canada: Approximately 80,000-100,000 Guyanese Canadians live in Canada, with the largest concentration in Toronto and the surrounding areas
– United Kingdom: Around 30,000-40,000 Guyanese people live in the UK, with many residing in London
– Other Caribbean countries Significant numbers of Guyanese people also live in other Caribbean countries, such as Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and Jamaica
– GLOBALLY: The Guyanese diaspora can be found in many countries around the world, including Australia, Netherlands, Panama, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Malysia, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Nigeria, et al
POTENTIAL BENEFITS
1. Increased accessibility: By providing CHECKS or VOUCHERS, the Guyanese government can make it EASIER for citizens in the DIASPORA to access the OIL REVENUE BENEFITS , especially for those who MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TRAVEL BACK to GUYANA.
2. Convenience: This approach could save time and effort for recipients, as they would not need to travel to Guyana to collect the USD $500: benefit and to spend USD $945: for Air Ticket.
3. Economic stimulus: By injecting USD $500 into the pockets of Guyanese CITIZENS in THE DIASPORA, the Government may STIMULATE economic activity IN GUYANA, as recipients may choose to SPEND or DONATE to Charity or INVEST the USD $500: in Guyana.
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES
1. Logistical complexities: Implementing a system for distributing checks or vouchers through consulates and embassies could be administratively challenging and may require significant resources from GUYANA and DIASPORA’s Expertise.
2. Eligibility verification: Ensuring that only eligible Guyanese citizens receive the benefit could be difficult, especially in cases where citizenship status or identity documents may be disputed.
3. Security concerns: There may be risks associated with distributing physical checks or vouchers, such as theft, loss, or fraud.
A VISIONARY, STRATEGIC, and WISE SOLUTION.
1. DIGITAL PAYMENT SYSTEMS: The Guyanese government could consider using digital payment systems, such as mobile wallets or online banking, to distribute the benefits. This approach could be more efficient, secure, and convenient.
2. COLLABORATION WITH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS: Partnering with financial institutions that have a presence in both Guyana and the diaspora communities could facilitate the distribution of benefits and reduce logistical challenges.
Yours truly,
Dr. Shamir Andrew Ally
SECOND Ambassador to Kuwait: 2016-2020
FIRST Alternate Governor, Islamic Development Bank, 2017-2020
Deputy Chairman, GO-INVEST, February 2026 to December 2019
