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Make the welfare Of Guyanese central to government policy

I once again congratulate His Excellency the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and the PPP/C, on their success at the March 2020 elections. Indeed, this has been a victory for our fledgling democracy, as this election cycle has amplified the extensive weaknesses within the institutions which manage our democracy. It is only because of the basic integrity and commitment to justice and the rule of law by a handful of persons that we were able to escape the sure dysfunctionality of a lawless dictatorship. Some quick observations to strengthen our democracy include, if this is not already the case, the selection of persons to the lead positions in those institutions responsible for maintaining our democracy, the High Court, the Court of Appeal, the Guyana Police Force, and the Guyana Defence Force, be similarly guided by the constitutional guidelines for selecting the Commissioner for the Guyana Elections Commission, where such persons are recommended by the opposition. This should extend to the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer of GECOM also, as it has become clear that the wrong person can create opportunities for failure where there should be none. Additionally, the composition of the Guyana Elections Commission should include two or three independent commissioners similarly appointed by the selection process outlined for the GECOM chairperson.
The installation of our new government brings with it great opportunity in a national and global environment challenged by the untimely Coronavirus pandemic, as an abundance of resources now need to be allocated to address the economic slippage and increased poverty which has unfortunately resulted from measures instituted to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. One of the unsung cliches of economics is that much, if not all, of the poverty of nations is a consequence of poor government policy.
I recently tasked myself with developing an economic policy framework for Guyana aimed at realizing the welfare of developed nations like the ABCEs. The wider perspective is naturally beyond the capacity of a single letter, but its basic nature is twofold, and is enshrined in the idea that Guyanese must derive the maximum benefit from our available natural resources, the management of which in this new global environment must be guided by international best practice. The new administration will undoubtedly wish to apply this to revise existing policy.
The overarching objective of my policy design is the realization of the welfare enjoyed by the ABCEs. This has necessitated making the welfare of Guyanese central to, the guiding force of government policy. Also critical was the commitment to maximizing economic growth, and represents another component. While increased welfare
is intrinsically tied to economic performance, policy should also be guided by Guyana’s commitment to the basic human rights of the United Nations.
Specifically, Article 23 (3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
This translates into, among other things, the right to a decent standard of living qualified by the right to a livable income, and the right to quality education and health care, among other things.
Demands placed by commitments to these basic human rights fuel the drive to stimulate activity to achieve these ends.
Success in these areas necessarily involves quantifying the magnitude and demographics of the problem. The IDB estimated that around 41.2 percent or three hundred and nine thousand Guyanese men, women and children lived in poverty as at 2017.
This is based on a poverty line of US$5.50/day (G$1,100/day or G$34,650/mth).
An attempt to determine a ‘living wage’ by myself had shown that G$150,000/mth was yet insufficient for a family of four, this being just slightly more than the poverty line of G$138,600 (G$34,650 x 4) for a four-member family.
‘Insufficiency’ is a term I have adopted to describe the situation of being out of poverty, but still unable to provide the rights and necessities for a family.
The demographics of the poor and those in a state of insufficiency include affected children and other dependents, unemployed persons, persons with disabilities, many of our retired persons, and the many thousands of workers whose families cannot adequately meet their needs.
There should be a national commitment to raising the minimum wage of Guyanese to close to, or above G$150,000/mth.
While it is easy to err into thinking that this represents a tremendous financial cost or stain on government, raising salaries to this level in fact represents an investment in our people, since one of the principal benefits of such a policy beyond improved financial stability in the home is reduced worker stress and increased commitment on the job, with the larger derivative of dramatic gains in the delivery in the areas of public education and health services.
This is even as the jobs of tomorrow require a solid educational background just to compete in our rapidly advancing globalized technological environment.
My best estimates for our disabled and retirees are G$60,000 per month, and 75 percent of my proposed living wage of G$150,000/mth, or around G$112,500/mth, respectively.
It is unconscionable that many of our retired workers find themselves impoverished and dependent after giving years of their lives to develop Guyana.
Unemployment insurance is not a new idea proposed for embrace, enshrinement within our government policy framework, along with some form of financial support for our unemployed youths, many of whom have been denied the benefit of the right to the proper education necessary to compete for jobs.
This could include adequate compensation to encourage enrollment in skills training, or funding to support the development of their business ideas.
One of the great benefits of such a programme is that these youths will have less time to engage in socially destructive behaviours.
Examples of sources of funds for these proposals could be garnered by evaluating strategies in the ABCEs and other developing nations, but a quick first response is a graduated unemployment insurance tax on businesses, with a smaller component for personal incomes, these not being so acutely affected as they benefit from higher salaries.
Our new government is undoubtedly presented with immense challenges of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and severely depleted financial position left by the previous administration, but I propose this as part of the basic platform for the national dialogue on moving Guyana forward.
President Irfaan Ali has articulated a sound commitment to inclusive government and constructive national dialogue, and we can all take this opportunity to both support and engage with him and his administration as we together strive to chart the best way forward.
May we fulfill the dreams of Dr. Cheddi Jagan for a united and prosperous Guyana, and may we work to realize our dreams for tomorrow today.I once again congratulate His Excellency the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and the PPP/C, on their success at the March 2020 elections. Indeed, this has been a victory for our fledgling democracy, as this election cycle has amplified the extensive weaknesses within the institutions which manage our democracy. It is only because of the basic integrity and commitment to justice and the rule of law by a handful of persons that we were able to escape the sure dysfunctionality of a lawless dictatorship. Some quick observations to strengthen our democracy include, if this is not already the case, the selection of persons to the lead positions in those institutions responsible for maintaining our democracy, the High Court, the Court of Appeal, the Guyana Police Force, and the Guyana Defence Force, be similarly guided by the constitutional guidelines for selecting the Commissioner for the Guyana Elections Commission, where such persons are recommended by the opposition. This should extend to the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer of GECOM also, as it has become clear that the wrong person can create opportunities for failure where there should be none. Additionally, the composition of the Guyana Elections Commission should include two or three independent commissioners similarly appointed by the selection process outlined for the GECOM chairperson.
The installation of our new government brings with it great opportunity in a national and global environment challenged by the untimely Coronavirus pandemic, as an abundance of resources now need to be allocated to address the economic slippage and increased poverty which has unfortunately resulted from measures instituted to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. One of the unsung cliches of economics is that much, if not all, of the poverty of nations is a consequence of poor government policy.
I recently tasked myself with developing an economic policy framework for Guyana aimed at realizing the welfare of developed nations like the ABCEs. The wider perspective is naturally beyond the capacity of a single letter, but its basic nature is twofold, and is enshrined in the idea that Guyanese must derive the maximum benefit from our available natural resources, the management of which in this new global environment must be guided by international best practice. The new administration will undoubtedly wish to apply this to revise existing policy.
The overarching objective of my policy design is the realization of the welfare enjoyed by the ABCEs. This has necessitated making the welfare of Guyanese central to, the guiding force of government policy. Also critical was the commitment to maximizing economic growth, and represents another component. While increased welfare
is intrinsically tied to economic performance, policy should also be guided by Guyana’s commitment to the basic human rights of the United Nations.
Specifically, Article 23 (3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
This translates into, among other things, the right to a decent standard of living qualified by the right to a livable income, and the right to quality education and health care, among other things.
Demands placed by commitments to these basic human rights fuel the drive to stimulate activity to achieve these ends.
Success in these areas necessarily involves quantifying the magnitude and demographics of the problem. The IDB estimated that around 41.2 percent or three hundred and nine thousand Guyanese men, women and children lived in poverty as at 2017.
This is based on a poverty line of US$5.50/day (G$1,100/day or G$34,650/mth).
An attempt to determine a ‘living wage’ by myself had shown that G$150,000/mth was yet insufficient for a family of four, this being just slightly more than the poverty line of G$138,600 (G$34,650 x 4) for a four-member family.
‘Insufficiency’ is a term I have adopted to describe the situation of being out of poverty, but still unable to provide the rights and necessities for a family.
The demographics of the poor and those in a state of insufficiency include affected children and other dependents, unemployed persons, persons with disabilities, many of our retired persons, and the many thousands of workers whose families cannot adequately meet their needs.
There should be a national commitment to raising the minimum wage of Guyanese to close to, or above G$150,000/mth.
While it is easy to err into thinking that this represents a tremendous financial cost or stain on government, raising salaries to this level in fact represents an investment in our people, since one of the principal benefits of such a policy beyond improved financial stability in the home is reduced worker stress and increased commitment on the job, with the larger derivative of dramatic gains in the delivery in the areas of public education and health services.
This is even as the jobs of tomorrow require a solid educational background just to compete in our rapidly advancing globalized technological environment.
My best estimates for our disabled and retirees are G$60,000 per month, and 75 percent of my proposed living wage of G$150,000/mth, or around G$112,500/mth, respectively.
It is unconscionable that many of our retired workers find themselves impoverished and dependent after giving years of their lives to develop Guyana.
Unemployment insurance is not a new idea proposed for embrace, enshrinement within our government policy framework, along with some form of financial support for our unemployed youths, many of whom have been denied the benefit of the right to the proper education necessary to compete for jobs.
This could include adequate compensation to encourage enrollment in skills training, or funding to support the development of their business ideas.
One of the great benefits of such a programme is that these youths will have less time to engage in socially destructive behaviours.
Examples of sources of funds for these proposals could be garnered by evaluating strategies in the ABCEs and other developing nations, but a quick first response is a graduated unemployment insurance tax on businesses, with a smaller component for personal incomes, these not being so acutely affected as they benefit from higher salaries.
Our new government is undoubtedly presented with immense challenges of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and severely depleted financial position left by the previous administration, but I propose this as part of the basic platform for the national dialogue on moving Guyana forward.
President Irfaan Ali has articulated a sound commitment to inclusive government and constructive national dialogue, and we can all take this opportunity to both support and engage with him and his administration as we together strive to chart the best way forward.
May we fulfill the dreams of Dr. Cheddi Jagan for a united and prosperous Guyana, and may we work to realize our dreams for tomorrow today.

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Guyana Diaspora Forum

We have a large database of Guyanese worldwide.  Most of our readers are in the USA, Canada, and the UK.  Our Blog and Newsletter  would not only carry  articles and videos on Guyana, but also other articles on a wide range of subjects that may be of interest to our readers in over 200 countries, many of them non-Guyanese  We hope that you like our selections.

It is estimated that over one million Guyanese, when counting their dependents, live outside of Guyana.  This exceeds the population of Guyana, which is now about 750,000.  Many left early in the 50’s and 60’s while others went with the next wave in the 70’s and 80’s.  The latest wave left over the last 20 years. This outflow of Guyanese, therefore, covers some three generations. This outflow still continues today, where over 80 % of U.G. graduates now leave after graduating.  We hope this changes, and soon.

Guyanese, like most others, try to keep their culture and pass it on to their children and grandchildren.  The problem has been that many Guyanese have not looked back, or if they did it was only fleetingly.  This means that the younger generations and those who left at an early age know very little about Guyana since many have not visited the country.  Also, if they do get information about Guyana, it is usually negative and thus the cycle of non-interest is cultivated.

This Guyana Diaspora Online Forum , along with its monthly newsletter, aims at bringing Guyanese together to support positive news, increase travel and tourism in Guyana and, in general, foster the birth of a new Guyana, which has already begun notwithstanding the negative news that grabs the headlines.  As the editor and manager of the publication, I am committed to delivering Blog entries and Newsletters that are politically balanced, and focused on the positive ideas we wish to share and foster among Guyanese.

JaniyahCenturies for Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Tevin Imlach against Windward Islands in Antigua on day three.

Guyana declared on 224-2; Windwards need 420 runs to win.

Scorecard: https://matchcentre.windiescricket.com/match/13df0ffb-dfc3-4d3a-94bd-17426751e07c/scorecard

#cricnation592 #Guyana #TagenarineChanderpaul #TevinImlach #cricketnews #cricketlovers
(22.03.2024, 17:54)(17:54)0
JaniyahGuyana 436 all out, Permaul 90*,Anderson 87, Sinclair 72, Imlach 55, Chanderpaul 40.Roach 2/52, Jason H. 2/52, Warrican 2/98.(14.03.2024, 18:23)(18:23)0
MadisynThe United States will send a new military aid package for Ukraine worth $300 million, President Joe Biden's administration said on Tuesday, the first such move in months as additional funds for Kyiv remain blocked by Republican leaders in Congress(12.03.2024, 20:23)(20:23)0
ketchimRamadan BEGIND tonight !(10.03.2024, 12:52)(12:52)0
SawyerHeavy gunfire near Haiti's National Palace in Port-au-Prince(09.03.2024, 19:34)(19:34)0
MadisynBiden Signs $460 Billion Spending Package, Averting Government Shutdown(09.03.2024, 18:57)(18:57)0
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SawyerPutin ally says 'Ukraine is Russia' and historical territory needs to 'come home'(04.03.2024, 18:56)(18:56)0
MadisynJetBlue, Spirit Airlines call off $3.8 bln merger on antitrust hurdle(04.03.2024, 18:50)(18:50)0
ketchim165 not out ~(24.02.2024, 17:38)(17:38)0
ketchim1658 to Kevin Sinclair ~(24.02.2024, 17:38)(17:38)0
ketchimKane Williamson(16.02.2024, 12:22)(12:22)0
ketchimKanw 133 not out !(16.02.2024, 12:21)(12:21)0
CatherineHow Do I Know I’m Not the Only Conscious Being in the Universe?(13.02.2024, 10:33)(10:33)0
CollinI am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the information that you have provided on your website. I have found your site to be an invaluable resource of information, and I have learned a great deal from the articles and resources that you have shared.(11.02.2024, 13:05)(13:05)0
Collinbla... bla... bla...(11.02.2024, 13:05)(13:05)0
Collinthis was Sixes....semis next !(11.02.2024, 13:04)(13:04)0
CollinThe article is really good. I found here looking for a good article because my heart was empty. There are a lot of different articles, so reading them makes me feel a bit empty. Next time I want to read an article about ... please(11.02.2024, 13:04)(13:04)0
CollinThis blog post resonated with me on so many levels. Your personal anecdotes and real-life examples added a relatable touch to the topic. I could feel your passion and expertise shining through every word. I'd love to hear more about your experiences and insights on [related topic]. Thank you for sharing your blog wisdom and inspiring others in the process!(11.02.2024, 13:03)(13:03)0
CollinThis is very fascinating, You are an excessively skilled
blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look ahead to in quest of extra of your magnificent post.
Additionally, I’ve shared your website in my social networks
(11.02.2024, 13:01)(13:01)0
CollinVoucher to najlepsza forma prezentu dla ukochanej osoby. Taki bon podarunkowy, czyli voucher, czy też kartę podarunkową, możemy dać bez stresu ponieważ daje on możliwość wyboru w momencie korzystania, a to dla wielu osób jest najważniejsze. Kup voucher, spraw radość bliskim osobom i nie martw się, że prezent będzie nietrafiony.(11.02.2024, 13:00)(13:00)0
CollinMasaż jest to metoda leczenia znana od wielu lat. Zapraszam do salonu. Kliknij w podany link: drenaż limfatyczny Kielce(11.02.2024, 12:59)(12:59)0
CollinWitam. Piekny blog i opisy. Ja polecam Forum Kosmetyczne(11.02.2024, 12:58)(12:58)0
ketchimthis was Sixes....semis next !(03.02.2024, 16:22)(16:22)0
KennediSo our yute did nt make the semis because of a washout. These global contests should set aside rain days for teh semis and finals.(02.02.2024, 19:44)(19:44)0
CatherineConfirmed by Cricket West Indies that West Indies will play a County XI side in a four-day warm up match at Beckenham in Kent starting 3rd July(31.01.2024, 19:51)(19:51)0
AugustineStep Aside Sir Joffra Archer and Kagiso Rabada..
Shamar Joseph has Arrived !!!
? ? ?
(29.01.2024, 13:43)(13:43)0
ketchimAfter 27 years, a VICTORY !(28.01.2024, 13:48)(13:48)0
ketchimWest Indies brat Australia by 8 runs : Guyana Shamar 7Fer !(28.01.2024, 13:46)(13:46)0
Niko2nd Test, West indies 266/8, Da Silva 79, Hodge 71, A.Joseph 32, Mckenzie 21, Chanderpaul 21, Sinclair 16 not out .(25.01.2024, 08:26)(08:26)0
ketchimexcellent Win : Jewel 64*(24.01.2024, 11:38)(11:38)0
KareemGuyanese fast-bowler Isai Thorne took 4-46 from nine overs as West Indies restricted Scotland to 205-9 from 50 overs at the ongoing ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa.

This a must-win match for West Indies after they lost their opening match to the hosts by 31 runs.

(Photo: Cricket West Indies)
(24.01.2024, 10:27)(10:27)0
KareemKevin Sinclair will replace Gudakesh Motie in the second Test match in Australia.

This was confirmed by Captain Kraigg Brathwaite on the eve of the GABA Test.
(24.01.2024, 10:04)(10:04)0
MarthaVirat Kohli withdraws from first two Tests against England citing personal reasons.
BCCI has requested media and fans to respect Virat Kohli's privacy during this time and refrain from speculating on the nature of his personal reasons.
(22.01.2024, 10:57)(10:57)0
AlondraDat Jawbreaker from Joseph reminds me of Marshall !!(19.01.2024, 08:26)(08:26)0
ketchimFirst ball DUCK but was Hazlewood !(18.01.2024, 14:48)(14:48)0
AlondraTage to face(16.01.2024, 19:35)(19:35)0
AlondraStarc has the ball(16.01.2024, 19:29)(19:29)0
AlondraRally(16.01.2024, 19:29)(19:29)0
ketchimAustralia win Toss and chose to field(16.01.2024, 19:19)(19:19)0
ketchim6:30 p.m. EST(16.01.2024, 17:09)(17:09)0
ketchim1st TEST : 6>30 EST....this evening ....Australia time is tomorrow lol(16.01.2024, 17:01)(17:01)0
chairmanWest Indies U19s clapped up New Zealand U19s in the warm up game.

Nathan Sealey, Joshua Dorne and Jewel Andrew the star turns.
(15.01.2024, 07:42)(07:42)0
ketchimMatch Draw but 105 to DaSilva and 99 to Kavem Hodge.....so good warm up match result !...(13.01.2024, 13:15)(13:15)0
ketchim251 - 8(10.01.2024, 12:59)(12:59)0
ketchimMotie and Sinclair not out ~(10.01.2024, 12:56)(12:56)0
ketchimWarm Up match and couple of boys made DUCK 8 down for 232(10.01.2024, 12:55)(12:55)0
ketchimTEST match starts on 16th !(07.01.2024, 13:55)(13:55)0
AlondraRanji Trophy is BACK, another Exciting Season to look forward too. Big Scores, Grand Daddy Centuries, Lots of 6 and 7 Fer .(07.01.2024, 08:11)(08:11)0
ketchimIndia became the first team to lose six wickets without scoring a run in Tests(03.01.2024, 13:55)(13:55)0
Vera
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