Massa, not sure what a Shabaab is, but it sound Zionist to me. Of course, myself like you ain't going anywhere, but you should, for you most certainly have written enough to promote the stuff that i am so against.

They need brave ones, you know, for the psychopaths & natural murderers are not enough to sustain the cause. Yes, i do see conspiracy in everything, and it is up to you and yours to prove me wrong.

The Blidergerg group that you spoke about is the head of your cause, and as i have said to you many times before; 'you don't know who your daddy is'.

This site is supposed to be a Guyanese site, where the well being of Guyana and all of it's people is foremost.

I also know that bullies pick on people that they can beat, and as the Middle East becomes harder to bully; the bullies will turn to defenseless places like Guyana to drink their blood, starve their people more and thief their resources.

If a Republican was in power; the situation would only be more acute. You might hear more saber rattling but it is all over, unless you want the world to end. Now i do believe that 40 % of you want that to happen, and it will,in a slow process of demise & downward spiral to where you might deserve, to be as per your ridiculous-self proclaimed righteousness.

I do not like the fact that i have to support Iran, for i am non-religious, but the vast majority of them support their current government, just like Nasrallah in Lebanon or Hamas in Palestine. 60 years of this dark neo-colonialism on this earth like a plague, but do you really think that most Black people or most people on this earth will follow Isreal or america, when they start the next war?

Even most Americans will rip their insides out!

Karlo, I guess you should just go join Shabaab or something. You know fuh mek squib? I read your posts and I can feel your hatred and anger for jews, but i think you are getting a bit extreme buddy. You see conspiracy in everything eh? I think you might very well be paranoid schizophrenic. there are actually drugs to halt the further deterioration of the brain tissue, but you must act with urgency my friend. But then again you might see a jewish name on the medicine bottle.....

I suggest we all take these opinions to open our minds to other possibilities, and not take the western press (all in synchronization) as gospel.

The area where the South Korean ship was struck is a narrow channel. The US naval ships were in the area & (as some say), were conducting training drills with the South Koreans-Now you all know how good you are at warfare, drones etc, so how could a North Korean primitive torpedo move an explode without any western detection?

The Ex-Japanese pm recently resigned because his promise to 'free Okinawa' of us troops, did not come about. You see the greenback is still the dollar hegemony, and China knows this for they are holding 2 trillon +, that might become toilet paper, if the hegemony fails tomorrow. And it might fail tomorrow, but for sure sooner than they will let you know.

In South Korea, you have a pro US puppet as Prime Minister, and his hatred for the North knows no bounds, but what he is chancing is his country's total destruction.

The world is going for all out war, as Zionism breathes it's final gasps.

Fidel writes more recently about a nuclear attack on North Korea, by the US, but that is when the remains of the good people in America , will seek revenge from the Zionist perpetrators. Of course the 'Black water' manned gated communities will be no more.

But it is most unlikely that any of this will happen. What will happen is this: Israel will continue to kill defenseless people, because they really cannot fight man to man.

They actually never could, but you would never believe me , as it contradicts all of western media, owned by them.

They can never attack Iran, no matter how much you hear of it, in the coming months. There is probably going to be another western financial bubble burst, around the time the first one popped.

And nobody, except those under the yolk of Zionism is joining up any time soon. The Ukraine just stated that they would not be seeking membership, anymore in the western union.

And in France Sarkozy's (Hungarian of Jewish decent), cabinet minister was fined for making racist remarks. The Zionist are all there daring everyone to stand up against them , at their own detriment.

Which other race/creed or religion has systematically not only taken over most western governments, but also tell them who to kill?

The end of this will be the beginning of all mankind to love and respect each other, and it is coming, unless China/Brazil and many more bow to 'what's in it for me' syndrome.

Exclusive report.

No Massa, it is feelings that go back since childhood & being bullied, and understanding that you got to fight back, or be just another victim.

It is something that bullies do not understand- the ability of the victim to fight back, against odds that most submit to and then fight to uphold-the bullying!

Burnham is dead, and even though you might feel enough compunction as to his legacy carrying on, it is only a matter of time before 'all buyying' is put to rest.

But it will not come from the likes of 'Bomb bomb Iran' or sister Pallin, but from people who see truth, recognize bad deeds, and want to change it to something better. Only then can we all work towards a common good.

The ability to change ones views depending on the situation, or the more education one receives, is much better that being led by bitterness from the past. To do so makes an individual graduate from the chains that bind them.

So while the misery continues, just remember that Burnham is dead! Move on.

Karlo....boy you would even give a woodpecker a headache!

Carol, i can assure you that Canada will be lockstep & barrel in any new war that Zion America creates, so no need for consultation. The current Prime Minister is Stephen Harper -a devout Zionist with Christian Evangelical roots, and i was always more scared of him than George W Bush. Only because he was supposed to be more intelligent.

In Canada , we have a minority Government, albeit republican-christian evangelical, but thankfully, it has allowed Canada to not become, yet, another state of USA.

The Liberal opposition is led by Michael Ignatieff who Canadians have slowly found out is also a Zionist russian, who live in the US and has come here to perpetuate war, for the west. His second in command is Bob Rae, another Israeli who will take the west down the same path of destruction, but Canadian governance is different from the usa, and so far is holding all these Zionists at bay.

Everything soverign has been given over to good ole usa or been bought up and Zion Harper has thumbed his nose at Asia/China. He is one of the old school 'white' who believe in the power of white, even though he is led by the self-chosen.

He cost maybe 10 billion in trade to Asia over the last few years, but is trying lately to come back to asian trade, on his terms. I hope they spit on him.

Canada is a police state, not Cuba , where the RCMP is the most powerful entity, and police prevalent on every street corner, making money by arresting people who go to work to pay 40% of their wages to fund Israel and Afghanistan. Here, two weeks ago, they killed a black boy -18 years old. They said that he died from aheart attack, but i say that they suffocated him. I too have been a victim of these racist bastards and i dream of meeting them one on one.

It is ironic that both countries bound or handcuffed by the chosen few should entertain immigrants for all of the world. The sad reality is that people from northern europe are not interested in coming to slog over 10 hour shifts, just to eat and be warm. So hence the mass of coloured immigrants that Canada played their part, in destroying their countries, so that this cheap labour is always available, for the chosen few, to pay the cyclical taxes. But no mention of this , just how good Canada is to accept immigrants. I want to work towards no one from any other country coming to this place, and i will see them beg for people to come and work and pay taxes, to support their pension plans.

But it is the racism/muslim terrorist bashing that will drive all of us from this madness , and leave the slave immigrants, the racist whites and the self chosen-self appointed bosses to your own devices. I look forwarded to this.

Karl, your initial introduction suggest you might be leaning a bit in favor of my statement regarding the wonderful woman....lol.  My friend we will not start another war without consulting Canada, after all you are our very close neighbors.    I know I am tired when I start writing stuff. 

A wonderful night to all.

 

Ms. Carol Fraser, you don't think that i would impose on you views from around the world;intelligent,articulate and moral/truthful? No, there is enough information coming out of America, to get a true picture of facts, about this sad, unholy world that we all are caste in.

My protests are against the establishment, and most certainly not against the common people of America who happen to share my view. The majority that can't be heard, due to the way things have been setup.

I protest in the loudest terms against the widespread abhorrent nature of the human species, that have been nurtured and allowed to digress in this way, because of systems that have made us what we are.

If this God, that we were so used to growing up, in a simpler time was 'meek & mild' and looked upon us as gentle child, could come and take us from this evil; i would rejoice to kingdom come.

But this benevolent creature, or so we have now decades to learn, is a thing that promotes war and hatred upon others, depending on 'whether you are for us or against us'.

All, orchestrated by the hands of so few, at the detriment and suffering of so many. It is duly noted that one of the most universally hated figures-Hitler, pointed all of this out, but the problem with the west , is that their racism knows no bounds.

This one DNA error of Caucasians, has allowed a small group of people to completely take over the west's culture and thought process. The results are prevalent , all over this entire planet.

I submit to you that the very worse thing to happen to Guyana in the last 20 years was the flow of 'free tv' and the pornography that is prevalent in the west-almost it's definition of freedom/democracy, along with 'queerness'-which is now a good thing. Never mind that it takes a male and female to continue human life. But ; 'what am i saying?' I am supposed to be a leftist that supports this debauchery, and only the Christian born again evangelicals have the right to oppose these 'modern' views.The self-chosen values.

This garbage, along with an emphasis on violence as a good thing is at the very base of western society, and many thanks to the ones who promote it. I would like to add that most of their kids go to private institutions, and will be readily employed in the Goldman Sachs/Lehrman's and MADOFF'S schemes in the future.

But it is the hatred that they surreptitiously promote that shows the evil that is this small group, against the entire world to look upon them as somehow better.

And that is why i am glad for a place like China, that they cannot or never control, with changing their names, and going off to control, malignantly infest and take over that nation's finance, culture, media and communications.

They are doing it in India, because Indians cannot get over their Colonialism yoke, where they entertain all that is White, with an insane dislike and jealousy for China, when China never ever did them no harm.

But for all the west's-Zion Boss promoting of India, and their economic rise; the underlying fact is that most of their populous live in the most dire circumstances.

That, for the record is the difference between India and China, and never the twain will meet, except in a pre-ordained war that the entire west, including Israel, is going to lose.

So when we talk of the things that america find faults in others; i really want to know how you people ever believed so much in yourself, and i know that it is the propaganda/the hatred and the airwaves full of patriotism, when no other country has no need to do that.

However, there are lessons to be learnt, but since america never learnt anything even before Vietnam; you will just learn them, when the next war will carry you right over the cliff.

It is either that or the slow demise, which was already ongoing, and no option up.

Speaking of Ships; i go on record now saying that North Korea never fired any torpedo and that naval exercises were being conducted, and 'friendly' fire was the most obvious blame.

But, don't believe me; just start the next war, for billions are waiting on Zion Inc!

Karl, thanks.  Now that is also a different perspective but guess where she lives.  Yes my friend, in America.  Imagine the wonderful Ms. June Terpstra living in Cuba and writing a somewhat similar article about Cuba.   I hardly think so but what do I know. 

Cubans are hated for their way of life ( 0) By June Terpstra, Ph.D. Online Journal Wednesday, Mar 24, 2010

I write from Havana, Cuba, where the internet is connected through satellite because the USA blocks all cable that surrounds Cuba.

Monday, we met with trade union leaders, state diplomats, a medical doctor from Cinesex, the state sexual health department, and Havana university professors. The people are intelligent and gracious, advanced in their knowledge of world events and unbelievably patient in the tasks of hosting a group from that same USA who has caused them so much suffering.

Cuba and its people are beautiful and brave. They have lived through hundreds of terrorist attacks by the USA including but not limited to: economic terrorism through an embargo that attempts to starve the people; a blockade that prevents their medical health and technological stability; military invasion and coup attempts engineered and paid for by the CIA; countless CIA assassination attempts of their leader; blocking of communication access; media smearing and false propaganda campaigns; wrongful imprisonment of their people in the USA while those who commit terrorism against them are free; and preventing and limiting cross country family visitations and communication. T

They are a traumatized but brave people who endure in the face of hardships imposed not by their government but by the terrorist tactics used by the USA to politically enforce a program of capitalist "democratization" that will benefit the corporate and military elites presently controlling much of the world's resources today.

Why does America and the West hate Cuba? They hate it for its way of life. What is that way of life? A unique Cuban form of social justice governance comprised of people's committees at every level (grassroots, provincial, and national). A people who established a new way of life through the blood and tears of revolution deciding together to commit to the elimination of imperialism, slavery, racism, and sexism in order to share the country for and with each other holding a specific set of anti-oppression constructs that are foundational. Property, schools, and hospitals are not privately owned here and the Western elites hate that way of life.

Why do the global capitalists hate societies that attempt new forms of social justice governance models? Because when the people around the world self-determine their own resources the capitalists are not "free" to own it, control it, degrade it and deplete it. That is the operation of freedom the capitalist wants the people around the world to endure. In fact, "own it, control it, degrade it and deplete it" is the real program of so-called democracy in the USA and Europe. That is the USA's way of life that is to be imposed globally, be it through a program of bribery and corruption, or programs of debt slavery with so called development programs and "aid," or secret agency coordinated regime change, or outright military invasion and occupation.

The Cuban people understand and articulate very well the politics of colonialism, neo-colonialism, imperialism, and globalization. Unlike the public in the USA, they are not dumbed down. There are no McDonald's and other fast foods here to make them obese and infect them with Frankenfood diseases. There are no mega shopping malls or Walmarts to keep them distracted with materialistic consumption. The people here are not obsessively attached to cell phones or screens.

The Cuban people are in the schools, the universities, the government, the fields, the parks, the cafeterias, the hotels, and the streets talking, smiling, playing, working, and loving each other. The Cuban people are defending their way of life in their thoughtful relationships with each other. The Cuban people are attentive to what is needed to survive each special period imposed from the USA and each act of sabotage engineered by the USA. The Cuban people are surviving and enjoying the ocean in walks by the sea; drinking wonderful Cuban coffee while passionately debating politics; and suffering the ignorance of fools by hosting delegations from the USA.

Online Journal

It is not bashing Mr. Luck just a different perspective that you are allowed to challenge.  A very pleasant evening to you.

Not sure why Cuba seems to be popping up on the Zion American Radar to denigrate, except that to see that the situation on the ground is not going as planned.

After all, the millions of human beings destroyed in Iraq/Afghanistan-the countries completely decimated, has not led to an outpouring of goodwill to the perpetrators of such good will-Zion America/Europe Incorporated!

Then one takes into consideration, the Ponzi Scheme that is Wall Street, and Europe in a complete mess, following the dictates of Israel & their financial gurus, spread around the west to reap, exactly what they have sowed, and the 70,000 barrels of crude flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, daily, with no recourse, and you wonder why?

Why do they, with all their instruments of propaganda bother with Guyana or Cuba, and the sad fact is that their evil knows no bounds, or the effort to 'score a win', when all is slowly but slowly dissolving.

Russia, had the sad historical reality to be saddled with Zionists that infest the western world. Russia directly bled from 10 years of occupying Afghanistan, when Zion West supplied the TALIBAN.

Cuba has been under an embargo from great Zion America, which has done everything in the last 70 years to see that Cuba suffers.

Cuba has helped millions of South American Africans by producing great doctors, who uphold the Hippocratic oath.

There is so much great speeches and insight that Fidel Castro has made and left to this world, but this is not a site for that.

But it is a site where you see the people that left Guyana take up different points of view depending on what they experienced in Guyana, race or religious beliefs etc..

But more than that; it depends on who is employing them, as per the ridiculous/already discredited USA point of view.

That is intrinsically a selfish point of view, but i will not beleaguer the point .

My 16 year old son was in Cuba one month ago and he told me ; 'that i would love to live there'. He was right except that it is too close to America.

What half decent people in America cannot come to terms with, is that billions of people from the outside do not share your view of what you think is 'free press' & democracy'.

We simply think that based on observation, you are the evil in this world, and no amount of Fidel or Hugo Chavez bashing is going to change it!

Captain Of A Sinking Ship

Source: Miami Herald                                                                                                          05/25/2010

By Carlos Alberto Montaner

By the second half of the 1980s, Raúl Castro knew that the communist system was tremendously unproductive. Despite the enormous Soviet subsidies, the island sank gradually into misery.

Then it occurred to him that Cuba's economic disaster was caused mainly by the poor management instituted by government bureaucracy. He became a defender of technocracy and believed he could fix the communist system with the tools of capitalism.

He sent several dozen Army officers to fine educational institutions in the capitalist world specializing in entrepreneurial studies. When Mikhail Gorbachev around that time became Kremlin chief, Raúl fell in love with the changes begun by the Russian and completed his recipe: Good management, together with a profound reform of the State, with special emphasis on decentralization, would help save communism.

He ordered a translation of Gorbachev's book Perestroika and distributed it among many of his officers. He was going to rescue the system and solve an enigma that had puzzled him: Why some societies with great human capital -- with an abundance of well-educated and healthy persons -- were so unproductive.

After all, Raúl Castro had reason to feel optimistic and confident: Under his direction, the Cuban Armed Forces had become the world's ninth-largest army and had triumphed in Angola and Ethiopia.

From his perspective as minister of defense (by then he had held the post one quarter of a century), under Moscow's tutelage, that poor little island, which generated so little wealth, had been transformed into a military power with world stature.

Raúl did not understand that demolishing a bridge with cannon fire is infinitely easier than building it. Gorbachev made the same error. He knew the deficiencies of the Communist state and believed that he could correct them with a mixture of reforms and sophisticated management.

It annoyed him to hear that his huge country, more than twice the size of the United States and rich in natural resources, was contemptuously described as ``Bangladesh with nuclear missiles.' Ultimately, he discovered his fundamental error: The system could not be reformed. State-run collectivism led to ever-spreading impoverishment and could not be saved by the technocrats even if they were very well intentioned.

If the objective was development, competitiveness and prosperity for the masses, one had to forget the communist utopia and imitate the countries situated at the head of the planet.

Raúl Castro today is exactly at the same spot where Gorbachev found himself at the end of the '80s. Sugar production has fallen to the levels that existed more than 100 years ago and the country, in full material degradation, cannot even feed itself. Why? For six reasons that make communism irrelevant.

• Without a strong currency that maintains its value and purchasing power, economic transactions are tantamount to plowing the seas.

• Without private property, individuals do not conserve the material wealth they create or make an effort to create more. The ``public good' is a laughable fantasy. Without private property, there is no development.

• Without a price system ruled by supply and demand, it is impossible to effectively assign the available resources. The prices fixed by the market form the language in which the economy is spontaneously expressed. This is not a capricious ideological dogma but an observation confirmed one thousand times in the real world.

• Without economic freedom and clear rules that facilitate the creation of businesses, reduce corruption and reward savings and local and foreign investment, wealth can never be generated in a systematic way.

• Without a legal system and an effective, equitable and independent judicial power that resolves the inevitable conflicts, punishes the guilty, protects the rights of persons and provides guarantees, it is impossible to sustain a prosperous society.

• Without transparency, without accounting for the acts of government, and without installing officials under the authority of the law, guided by meritocracy and legitimized in periodic elections, no decent standards of development can be set.

Is Raúl Castro ready to admit these bitter truths, or does he prefer to keep patching the hulk to keep the boat from sinking?

At one time, Raúl said he wasn't ``elected' to bury the Revolution, only to improve it. By now he knows that that's impossible. It is the same dilemma Gorbachev faced -- either Castro renounces the harebrained communist model or insists on keeping it and damages Cuba even more.

So far, everything indicates that Raúl prefers to die in his mistake, even if he bequeaths the Cubans a country in ruins. That's called bullheadedness.

Arrite karlo, take a deep breath before the 'man' come and use up the little oxygen you have left. The reason the oil spill is a blip on the news is because is Obamsy in the white house now buddy....if it was Bush....you know the whole world wuddah been screaming for his frikkin head. just read the manifesto of WTF and you will see the hypocrisy of which I speak. ....coming from all these liberals. this is his reply to your comment about 'American media Values'. I guess he forgot that these are the exact same 'American Media Values' that Obamsy used to win the election. More proof that America is actually full of sheeple....this is WTF reply to you...change we can believe in. You still got hope?

'I also say that what you are promoting in Guyana is American Media values,' is rather unfounded when one considers these planks of my Manifesto:

1. Respect for the human person and for the family is the true basis of society.

2. The welfare of the community must prevail and must be safeguarded from the abuse of power by sectional interests.

3. True democracy is inseparable from political liberty and is based on the conscious free enlightened consent of the majority.

4. That civil right and political rights must be guaranteed to all as a part of equal protection of laws under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenant of civil and Political rights. .

I shall address your other concerns at a later date.

WF.

Absolute horse !@#$!

MC, not sure what you mean by 'putting me on a ledge'. WF has to reply because he is the one with the Manifesto, not me.

I see truth aside from all the rhetoric and propaganda and expose it as such. It is up to others to find holes in the arguments, and confront it/refute it or show that it is incorrect.

For instance: when a person was found alive in Haiti (several days later), after the earthquake that killed 100,000; it was described as a miracle. But then i thought of the 100,000 that died and immediately asked; 'what of the 100,000 that died?". Well your Christian right -wing evangelicals refuse to see that, and their logic is what is running the west, albeit at the instructions of the Zionist few.

Today, the 'international community',(usa,england,france, australia,germany) along with South Korea, said that a North Korean topedeo destroyed the SA warship. I believe that this is BS, BUT EVEN IF NOT SO-NOVEMBER 2009 SOUTH KOREA DESTROYED a NORTH KOREA ARMY VESSEL.

4 Days ago, Iran/Turkey/Brazil reached an agreement about transfer of uranium, in line with the united nations mandate. This was not good for Hillary/Albreight/Rubin/Emanuel/Kissinger/Brooks/Krauthammer/Kristol/Yetenahu etc etc...

The oil spill in the gulf of Mexico is a blip on the western press, but it is beyond the word catastrophe!.

On PBS-FRONTLINE, you see american soldiers admitting to murdering civilians for the fun of it, and their subsequent murderous ways coming back home. But i always knew that they butchered thousands, if not millions of the people.

The world you know and hold dear is imploding and WF has time to change his manifesto.

He should talk about the 'Carbon Credits' that Guyana have given to the west, in exchange for a few dollars. They seem to have given up on the scam to keep developing nations from realizing their true potential, in using fossil fuels, to buying up large areas of the world's forest, at the detriment of the people that inhabit those lands. More Palestinian genocide!

Karlo, boy you can't see Fordee put you pun a ledge and gone? If you think he coming back to reply to your questions....then I got a new tin foil cap fuh sell yuh. that one you got pun yuh head picking up too much static from the Russian space station....time for a new tin foil cap buddy.

You know WF, the west has ruled with an iron fist for hundreds of years, but mankind existed before them. If fact, it seems that things were much less violent then, but you should read history for yourself, to get a grip on where the new ideas come from.

I see the west imploding daily through ignorance,lack of vision, racism & a mixture of 2000 year old religions, designed to keep most humans in poverty and suffering.

I see the Zionists, at the top of the food chain, filling us with daily drivel. Pornography/Homosexuality, and freedom for women to do like the gay community. To uphold their feelings and desires above all else. I see your born again Christian Evangelicals, also funded by Zion Inc, (44% of America), waging hatred for all colours/races and cultures that are different from them.

I say to myself that the next nuclear bomb, will come from these types of people, for America is imploding , as we speak. However, the end result of jesus or moses coming to the rescue, will not be a result, but a beating by all the world's polulous, who have had to put up with this BS for much too long.

I do believe it is too convenient that people of black origin have had to rely on western-2000 year old values, to make their point. But i say to you that the greatest black people was inbred in Malcolm X's movement, and the ones in Africa that rejected white rule and opted for Islam or otherwise.

Not because it might have been better, but because it came from choice. An alternative to something wrong.

Guyana's biggest problem is crime and the inability for people to work, mostly because of this phenomenon. The west is ridden with this problem and will never find or help with a solution to fix this. After all, their answer is to steal more, as per Iraq/Afghanistan/Pakistan. Madeline Albright (Zionist)said it best for you when she stated:'What is the use of an army if you don't use it!".

Simply, it would mean that they would be left behind, as China have done to them, despite their interference.

Guyana need to not cut any deals with anyone, and be patient for the world is changing, and freedom is soon coming.

Karl I have not presented my complete Manifesto yet, but would share a part of it here. I admire your honesty in admitting to the fact that you are not very familiar with the politics in Guyana, therefore, you might not be able to discuss the issues from a factual position.

Your comment;'I also say that what you are promoting in Guyana is American Media values,' is rather unfounded when one considers these planks of my Manifesto:

1. Respect for the human person and for the family is the true basis of society.

2. The welfare of the community must prevail and must be safeguarded from the abuse of power by sectional interests.

3. True democracy is inseparable from political liberty and is based on the conscious free enlightened consent of the majority.

4. That civil right and political rights must be guaranteed to all as a part of equal protection of laws under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenant of civil and Political rights. .

I shall address your other concerns at a later date.

WF.

WF, I could well tell you that your vision is what America should adopt, but i guess that you like the rest feel that you speak from a position of authority.

Now, if i was to ask you where does any of your policies work in America; you and anyone else would have a hard time producing results. Most certainly, in what you propose for Guyana.

I must confess that i am ignorant of Guyana politics, but they seem to be doing better than America.

I submit to you that if America stops meddling in other countries that all of us would have much better lives.

I also say that what you are promoting in Guyana is American Media values, which have similarity to what has been done to the American populous, although they are illiterately beguiled, as per the program.

I say that America has had more than enough time over the decades, to show some good, but the bad is manifested everywhere, and duly noted.

So the despair you speak of is in every column of the western press that either Rupert Murdoch owns or some other Zionist entity.

I happen to think think that Guyana improved under the government of Jagdeo, as opposed to Burnham/Hoyte, but you in America ; tell me why i am wrong?

The plight of Guyana, as dire as it is, has common threads rooted in the history of class struggle-bourgeois and proletarian; freeman and slave; plebian, Lord and serf and moreover, oppressor and oppressed. .The solution is ultimately a revolutionary reconstitution of society at large:

• War on poverty with an economic opportunity mandate. • Education as a basis for development. • Relief: for the unemployed and poor • Recovery: economic and human development • Reform: Judicial, legislative and penal. • New programs for national recovery and fair labor standards. This platform for change must be clearly articulated by a new visionary leader- devoid of the ties to the old establishment. It is only through innovative leadership could the Nation emerge from the cauldron of despair into the light of a new tomorrow for the future generations-Change We Can Embrace. WF.

tank yuh tank yuh...tank yuh...

That was well said Comrade....

Hey Fordeee...when you going home eh? I can't even scratch me own back properly much less pat it every day. you musse got long hands banna. And the other maggah dawg deh on hey too eh? I wonder is when the white people dem found out that jamaica and grenada had beautiful beaches fuh tek sun.....listen up those of you wishing to 'change' guyana......yuh rass getting old eh, try relax in your old age and count yuh blessings. guyana deh good, what de ass some of you does be tekkin on about Guyana? it ain't the country you left! get a grip! You can not expect to relive your childhood days eating green mango and salt walking down carmichael street! Some of you go home just because yuh rass fass...yuh wan see how BAD tings deh...so you could feel good about running away when you did. Stop talk and go home rass! go live there! retire yuh rass and go live there! Change meh rass!

Hopefully not another Omai(Oh My)-Cambior (CIP) produced over 3.7 million ounces of gold over the past 13 years. Guyana receives a royalty of 5%. The cyanide disaster during the period was due to improper monitoring/regulations. Radon and radioactivity are more hazardous than cyanide-a serious concern.. Even before the Omai disaster, I had inquired of Rudy Luck (Prof of Chem) about ways to test for pollutants in the region-two years later it happened.

WF.

It is interesting to note that the theme of this thread (Who wants to go home)is now being echoed in the Kaieteur News.The thread was created several months ago-

'Guyana needs to encourage its highly skilled overseas-based people to return February 24, 2010 | By KNews | Filed Under Letters.."

Even more inspiring is the fact that the slogan 'Change We can Embrace'was also used by a leading politician in Guyana recently(did give credit to WF).

Somebody is paying attention.

WF

In the words of the late Martin Carter, "All are involved, all are consumed". 

Let's talk.

WF. 

Mr. Forde, allow me to suggest that I am far from being an "informed" citizen of Guyana.  I will leave you with the following quote:

 
Children need models rather than critics.

-- Joseph Joubert (1754-1824) French Philosopher

Sorry WF. It's not Carol but me. I seem obliged to keep this from a domestic dispute.To add a third dimension, hoping to keep the' Massa' from just spewing jokes, and hoping to snare 'your honor' back into the discussions. But most of all to hear from that think 'outside of the box', that you so 'presidentially' laid out.

The only reason that Guyana is far down on the poverty index, as a Caribbean state is because we do not have Tourism. Most Caribbean islands would be suffering, much like Haiti, from the dire poverty that exists there. I remember when Jamaicans and Grenadians used to come to work in Guyana.

In Jamaica, the beaches and resorts are monitored by police and the army, so that 'visitors' do not encounter problems, but you go to Kingston 1-4 and see what a difference a few miles make.

Guyana should focus on Education, Healthcare and Economic independence. This can only be achieved if the crime/killing is eradicated, so that even the people you promote can come and do business. But all of that business, including Iran & China is welcome, as long as the biggest benefits go directly to all the Guyanese people, on a 75% to 25% return.

Religion, race and all the other crap is secondary.  The other crap like  Iran is a menace to the world, like Iraq was, Alfganistan is and China soon to be, as per your pundits, think tanks and media.

Illiteracy is a terrible thing in Guyana, but more so in the west, that boasts (daily) of how great they are. Sadly, the second or third page news of how backward the students are, coming out of high school and into University/College does not make the BBC or the most trusted (self acclaimed) CNN etc. No, it is always 'who is next' to bash because we need to fight to keep cheap labour/resources coming our way, for that is the basis of Capitalism.

China should veto this push by Israel controlled America, to sanction Iran, but maybe the timing is not just right. One way or the other; this back & forth is merely a blip on human history. Believe it or not, but this christianity/muslims and jewish control over the west is fleeting, soon to be replace by something else.

I know that the actions of zion israel show a people hell bent on controlling all other humans, at any cost, but it is only India left. It is crystal clear that China will never succumb to jewish rule, like America or the west, despite the 1 trillion dollars owed. That might mean WW3 , but 'bring it on and fight somebody your own size' is my feeling. The backing of the 'against' coalition will suprise a lot of people , but then most people just read things that feed into their programmed beliefs.

John F, like Slippery Billy (Clinton) was not great as was made out in decades of western written history. They were servants of Zion, and many of the brightest minds in America came from all parts of Europe and Asia. That is drying up like everything else.

Guyana has been under the so-called 'strategic interests' of America and it's boss for many decades, and the present situation is a direct benefit of this. All poverty is attributable to the systems in place, and it is intrinsically evil.

MC. Ever wonder why your messiah Bush 2 and his zionists leaders never stop Mexicans from crossing the border? Simple! They love cheap labour. Now that goes against all the hatred that they preach to the masses of fools, slightly educated, but full of racist dna.

When you wake up and start protesting, there will be the 5th/6th/7th/8th us freedom fighters , on the streets to welcome you!
'Thinking outside of the box' is great, but you got to get outside of the box first.

Miss. Fraser, it is always a pleasure to hear your thoughts and views. As a concerned and informed Guyanese what would you like to see changed in Guyana?

 

WF.  

Wayne, not contemplating your findings as to the "poorest country in the Western Hemisphere" but having visited Guyana during that period and having had the opportunity to sit with many and discuss various subjects.  I must say I wondered about Guyana's readiness to deal with any major disaster.  For now I will say that I am overwhelmed.

Is Guyana Next?

By Wayne Forde.

                                   

11/01/2010

 

Today the largest earthquake ever to hit the  region, has devastated the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere(Haiti)-a country already ravaged by political unrest and  four catastrophic hurricanes over the past year(2009).Needless to say, it is a country least prepared for such a sequence of natural disasters.

 

What is echoed repeatedly across the media is the fact that Haiti is the poorest country in the region.

 

What would happen if a natural disaster of similar proportion occurs in the third poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere? Is it also ill-prepared?

The answer would depend on which country wins the fight for third position. The contest remains between Honduras and Guyana for this unenviable position.

Guyana has a GDP of $4,029 per capita (according to UN 2009). Guyana also has the lowest HDI (human development index). Actually, Nicaragua wins second place and Guyana is third on the list of poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere based on one other criteria-Honduras has a higher density malnourishment and clinches that second position. .

 

How could a country (Guyana) so rich in fertile land, minerals and natural resources, lush forests, rivers and streams teaming with fish be the third poorest country in the Western Hemisphere?

With more than 19% of the population living in abject poverty, 34% highly impoverished and unemployment topping 50%, what needs to be changed?

 

 

 

Is wuh you had fuh dinner last night man? make sure you eat your last meal before 7:30 at night, this way you will cut down on your night sweats and fantasy islandesque brain lapses...

                         Guyana the Dream.

                         By Wayne Forde           

 

It is the year 2020, and the Nation of Guyana has been transformed into a prosperous and highly respected country in the Caribbean and around the world. The society once rife with racial strife, ethnic dissension and political ethnocentricity is now healing rapidly-national unity is the creed and blankets the land. Nation building has begun in all earnest and enthusiasm.

 

It has been a decade since ‘Guyana the Dream’ was written back in 2009.Today the dream is becoming a reality with a new dynamic leader who articulated a clear vision of racial unity and harmony earlier, and has since delivered on his promise. He was inspiring and innovative, striving to heal the wounds of the past which had festered for over 50 years. Now the pattern is being reversed.

 

There is a fresh clean and developed Georgetown, which was once the Capital. A modernized port now exists, which attracts cruise ships on a daily basis and a new tourism industry is generating a stream of revenue which is creating jobs and building solid infra-structure. The unemployment rate has been significantly reduced to single digits due to strategic alliances and partnerships with major developing countries. There is a new Toyota manufacturing facility and plants being erected-and more are planned. There are call centers for major corporations which employ thousands.

 

Two new maximum security prisons have been built to house thousands of criminals and corrupt elements. The sweeping Penal and Judicial reforms have impacted the social structure and way of life here in Guyana in a powerful way-crime and corruption are at an all time low. Democracy, peace and civility with human rights and justice for all, now truly exist. The population has doubled due to the influx of foreign investors, expatriates from North America and Europe, and more are returning in droves.-new talent, skilled technicians, professionals and investors...

 

A new modern metropolis is being constructed in the interior, a strategic move since Georgetown is prone to floods. This modern Capital will be the home to critical resources and Government apparatuses, commercial offices, new housing developments, opportunities and entertainment complexes, sport facilities and malls for five hundred thousand Guyanese and foreigners.  This project is creating thousand s of jobs and Guyanese are feeling a sense of prosperity and renewed dignity. This is good .They are seeing endless   possibilities for themselves and the next generation. The Hydro- electric plant is nearing completion and will generate power to every city in the nation-no more blackouts. The solar energy farm is already online and has provided another source of income and employment for many in the nation. Guyana is now seeing unprecedented growth and prosperity.

 

The quality of life and standard of living have improved for every Guyanese. The racial divide has been bridged, wounds are healing, and the gap between the rich and poor has diminished significantly. The disenfranchised and oppressed now have a voice in community affairs and feel a sense of belonging.

 

The two dominant political parties have become Dinosaurs as fresh blood, visionary leaders and innovators emerge from every sector of the populace and Diaspora. The restoration of integrity and trust become evident in every facet of business and Government operations. Hope is reignited; self-reliance and self -actualization become a way of life.

 

The government is now truly the servant of the people.-with equality justice for all.

 

Emergency services respond to fires and medical needs within 12 minutes. Meanwhile, more qualified educators are returning home to help improve the educational system... Wages have been increased commensurate with the cost of living. Investors are opening shop and pumping more revenue into the economy. A new super- highway has been built between the new Capital and Georgetown.

New markets are being developed for Bauxite, Sugar, Rice, Timber and Fish. A booming eco-tourism industry is growing rapidly.  

There is a trade surplus and the Chinese have invested heavily in manufacturing facilities.

Repatriation is on the rise. This reverse exodus is revitalizing...

Trinidadians and Barbadians are flocking to Guyana to seek their fortune.

 

Guyana is becoming the bread basket of the Caribbean once again.

 

The country is no longer a Highly Impoverished Country (HIPC) with 50% unemployment and soaring crime. It is now a place to which many, who had left decades earlier, are now returning.

 

Guyanese are now proud, prosperous and live in peace and harmony. And this is only the beginning.  

 

                              Why did it take so long?

 

                          One People. One Nation. One Destiny. 

The ordinary man can make a contribution

By Stabroek staff | November 23, 2009 in Letters 

Dear Editor,

I wish to applaud the editorial entitled ‘Our public discourse,’ with particular reference to your comment or emphasis on Dr Ramcharan’s quest for “independent public policy reflections.” You have touched the nerve for the inclusion of a recognized national forum to embrace not only the intellectual but also all interested parties drawn from the society.

Too often we tend to communicate to one sector of our society forgetting that the ordinary man can indeed make a contribution. Any peace-loving citizen who supports or agrees with Dr Roopnaraine’s address at the recent Queen’s College reunion where he called for us “to embrace reconciliation and aspire to a higher humanity” should not be left out of this or future debates.

It is the ordinary man or woman whose vote determines which political party goes into power at election time, and not that of the intellectual and business man/woman who are in the minority.

Yours faithfully,

What awesome sounds......

Who really wants to go home? I hear crickets....crickets....crickets...in the distance.....and a rice eater howling...and what sounds like a monkey laughing up in a tree....

Wayne, 

I had a chance to read through the entire document. I think the concepts are well articulated and the foundation is absolutely necessary. 

Let me say though, that we have to give more thought to the strategy/approach. As I mentioned in our conversation recently, the prevailing psychology which has been engrained in many citizens is the notion of a nanny state which will continue to give to us and demand nothing of us, except a vote on election day—after that we must  submissively standby and wait for instructions or the next election. Apparently, this has always been the ideology of Guyanese politics, apart from the racist element. “Vote for us and we will do for you…” OF course nothing is ever done for us. Our viewpoint of the role of government in our lives has been thwarted. I think the strategy has to focus on people taking responsibility for their own lives and the development of the country. 

Secondly, someone said that many Guyanese have mentally migrated. The idea that you need to leave to find “betterment” is prevalent and borne out by the high migration rates, even into nearby countries. When the so-called Diaspora returns with its wealth and success to throw at those living at home, it only confirms this view. So people are not really prepared to stay and work to improve the country—they want to leave like we did and enjoy the wealth of the developed world. We have to keep that in mind as we return.

In my view, any attempt to change the political scene in Guyana has to be focused at psychological reformation which is intended to change the way people think about themselves, their family and by extension, their country. Jumping on the political scene with promises backed up with wealth only serves to enhance the notion that “someone else is here to give to me”. We have to work towards getting people to think about “what can I do for myself, family and my country right here in Guyana”—being responsible citizens—but we must first be responsible parents, responsible children, and responsible neighbors.  We will eventually need to lay out a plan that shows Guyanese (both at home and abroad) how they are an integral part of the development of the country and that their voice and vigor are just as important as their vote—building Guyana together, not just one group doing all the hard work and the rest just waiting for the benefits.

We can discuss some programs I have in mind that I think can help to achieve some of these goals. But I think the idea of the foundation is definitely a step in the right direction.

Guyana International Philanthropic Foundation (GIPF)

By Wayne Forde

Edited by Denise Bacchus

Vision:

          As globalization makes its way across borders, reshapes communities, and effects economies, we envision a pluralistic Guyanese identity in which all can play a part.  The future promises exciting possibilities for a diverse Guyana.  We recognize that the past has to give way to a future generation that looks to restore national unity, cultural continuity, cohesion and diversity.  As this new horizon beckons, the time for a dynamic Guyanese organization is now.

 

Mission:

          The Guyana International Philanthropic Foundation (GIPE) is that organization.  GIPF is an organization that draws on the involvement of the Guyanese Diaspora.  The purpose of GIPF is to convene a diverse group of Guyanese professionals, individuals, organizations, and associations in a unified and collaborative effort to provide funding, pool resources, skills, and talent to contribute to improving the lives of all Guyanese.  The organization intends to create new empowering projects and assist with existing ones in Guyana.

 

Values:

          GIPF believes that the future of the people is dependent on the education and health of each individual in every community.  Our mission is to provide educational assistance and humanitarian aid to the impoverished and disenfranchised in Guyana and to contribute to an improved standard of living and quality of life for all regardless of race, religion, gender, or age.  GIPF is committed to supporting projects that are focused on enriching and strengthening communities by promoting the broadening of cultural awareness and diversity.

 

Structure:

          The organization (GIPF) will be formed under a non-profit status 501©3 with bylaws and a constitution specific to its purpose.  GIPF plans to include all from the Guyanese Diaspora who can contribute in any form.  Participants will bring knowledge of the Guyanese experience, values, and contribute to the identification of opportunities for the foundation.  There will be a transparent and ongoing campaign to solicit funds and donations from organizations and corporations.  The funding will sustain those individuals and organizations that are willing to return to Guyana to contribute time and expertise. Subsequent contributions to the Guyanese people will be coordinated with the local charitable groups, schools and organizations in Guyana.

 

Strategy:

          GIPF recognizes the unique challenges facing the students/young adults and place emphasis on the agenda of community transformation and identity restoration through education and self-actualization.  In order to realize systemic change, GIPF is committed to going beyond the practice of isolated one-time projects on a small scale. Instead, we prioritize capacity-building for long term wide scale initiatives.

 

Purpose:

It is the organization’s purpose to provide a number of services:

 

Ø     Literacy/Education

Ø     Adopt a school

Ø     Adopt a classroom and teacher

Ø     Adopt a student

Ø     School supplies.

Ø     School repairs/facilities

Ø     Lunch Program

Ø     Clothing

Ø     Education Training/Teaching

Ø     Outreach Programs

Ø     Sports supplies for the youth

 

Team:

1. Leadership team will consist of five (5) members constituting the               Decision making Board

2. The Advisory Board will consist of seven (7) members.

3. All records and activities will be full transparent.

4.The Constitution will be made available to anyone desiring to                      review it.

 

          In our staff we look for the ability to be change agents and thought leaders in the field of education and humanitarian needs. We are committed to including talented professionals who are passionate about our mission and who are inspired by the Guyanese tradition- improving and perfecting the world.

Short Term Goals:

Build awareness

Recruit members/contributors

Start fund raising.

Project Development

Website under construction

 

Long Term Goals:

Expand the reach of the program

Increase involvement of Diaspora

 

          We are seeking officers to sit on the Executive team and the Board and members who are committed to the purpose of the GIPF.

 

          Thanks for your interest and participation. Kindly forward your comments/suggestions to Wayne Forde.

.

Best regards,

 

Wayne Forde.

Email:Waforde@verizon.net

FB: Wayne Forde

 

Denise your thoughts, contribution and insights are refreshing and greatly appreciated. We would hope that other members of the Diaspora share their views as well.

Best regards, 

Wayne Forde.

                           A Bridge to Unity – A Forde Vision

           Guyanese Children: The Spokesmen and Women of the Future

                by Denise Bacchus, Ph.D.

 

Alissa Trotz to QC Alumni, Toronto 2006.. …. “How do you see yourselves, this association, in the context of what is happening in Guyana?  What difference, however small, might this association make?  We might say we are not a political association, but at a time when the country is on the brink, the political parties are proving themselves to be not thinking at all in the national interest and to be utterly inept to stop the slide of the country, is there a role for civil society organizations to play?  Bringing this back to us, let me suggest this is the school that was attended by and produced Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham, Walter Rodney.  It has given us 1953, 1964, 1980.  In other words, it has given us the problem and it has given us efforts at solutions.  What is our collective responsibility today?”

 

Professor Trotz’s questions were asked of a particular audience, but these are questions that many Guyanese confront and they are questions that should be presented to all who have benefited from the many Guyanese schools they attended.  As Professor Trotz articulated so clearly in her speech, Guyana gave us much, what are we prepared to give back?

 

Wayne Forde, in his vision for Guyana “To create a dynamic organization with global involvement of the Guyanese Diaspora to assist the poor and needy across Guyana,” wanted to address this question posed above by Professor Trotz.  As he wrestled with how best to give back as a Guyanese who feels a responsibility to his country and its citizens, he came to the conclusion that his best approach would be through education.  After some thought and discussion with fellow Guyanese of like minds, it was understood that education in Guyana would have to be specific in its goals.  Observations of Guyanese society suggested to Mr. Forde that one main issue challenging Guyana’s progress was its racial divide.  Political affiliations, angst, and conflict seemed to be split along racial lines between Indo-Guyanese and Afro-Guyanese creating chaos stripped of logic and the best intentions.  In order for Guyanese children to have a positive and productive future a solution to this problem had to be found.

 

Forde’s mission is to provide educational assistance and humanitarian aid to the impoverished and disenfranchised in Guyana and to improve the standard of living and quality of life for all, regardless of race and religion.  His purpose is to bring together Guyanese individuals, organizations and associations in a unified and collaborative effort to provide funding, and pool resources to contribute to Guyanese society. 

 

The Challenge:

Guyana is faced with many challenges that date back to colonization. One of the strategies used by the colonizers was one of divide and conquer; they overpowered the native peoples, pitted Indian against Black and Black against Indian and both against the Portuguese; and they gave the Portuguese a certain amount of privilege over both groups.  These methods created racial discord and impeded harmony and unity.  Unfortunately, today this legacy still corrodes the fabric of Guyanese society.  The biggest obstacle is the racial divide that exists between Indo-Guyanese and Afro-Guyanese.  Progress in Guyana will be very difficult if this hostility, that permeates all levels of the society, continues.  In light of this challenge, he understands that a program must be designed that has as its focus unity between all groups of Guyanese.  Education (involvement in the classroom and the curriculum) is the most beneficial path to success.  It is also evident that an attempt to unify the Guyanese society will mean a long term commitment and the firm belief that the younger generation must be the doers and the spokespeople who heal the Guyanese society.

 

The Approach:

            Education is more than pencil, paper and books.  A good “education” includes all aspects of the student: psychological, physical, intellectual, environmental and political.  In order to break through the racial barriers and build bridges of communication and understanding, education would have to be global, student centered, and based on a critical thinking philosophy. 

 

The Program:

Critical thinking:  Students are seen as makers of knowledge (they are not empty vessels to be filled with the truths of others).  In this way every experience and all prior knowledge that students bring to the classroom is seen as food for thought and discussion.  Students learn history and current events about their relevant communities; students use books and various media to explore and understand society; courses are designed to allow students to question what they see as common place; the readings give them access to many aspects of Guyanese and Caribbean culture. 

Student Centered:   Students gather knowledge, share knowledge and students produce knowledge.  This means that students’ opinions and ideas take center stage in the learning environment.  Students and teachers are seen as learners, facilitators, and teachers.

 

Educational ideas for program: A Global theme

• History of racial divide and the consequent socioeconomic impact
• Hands on projects – interviews/oral histories of Guyanese women and men
• Books based on Guyanese history – Indian and Black and native
• Focus on global events
• Visits to historic sites that deal with all histories
• Current events in all communities
• Understanding religious and traditional practices in all communities
• Presentations that help student share/teach what they learn
• All courses have as their theme the focus on cultural bridges

 

Trotz’s call to her peers to become involved in the future of Guyana is echoed by Forde.  All Guyanese individuals, organizations, and associations are a part of Forde’s audience as he reaches out to Guyanese to contribute to a united and healthy Guyana of the future.  It is only in collaboration and conscious action will the Guyanese of the future stand together.

 

 

 

 

This message was deleted on 10:41PM - Sunday September 13, 2009

Carol you made a comparison between Trafficking in Persons in Guyana and the USA.

 

Here are the facts:

 

Trafficking and exploitation plague all nations and no country is immune. What differentiates one country from another are the criteria used to determine compliance and effectiveness,which fall into three areas.

 

1. Prosecution

2. Prevention

3. Protection

 

Prosecution: USG Anti-trafficking efforts strategy Traffic Victims Protection Act (TVPA) was created in 2000.

DOJ Civil Rights Division and the US Attorney Office initiated 182 investigations, charged 89 individuals and obtained 103 convictions in cases involving human trafficking.

How many did Guyana prosecute?

 

The FBI and the DOJ combat prostitution in children through the Innocence Lost National Initiative. This resulted in 308 arrests, 106 convictions and 181 recovered children.

 

Protection:  USG continues to provide strong victim protection services which includes 50 countries (US State Dept)

 

Prevention: USG efforts have increased over the years against the exploitation of children.

 

Guyana sits on the Tier 2 Watch List.

 

Guyana does not comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. (US State Dept).

 

Protection: This stands at a modest level of victim assistance.

 

Prosecution: Limited progress in Law enforcement against traffickers last year.

 

In essence, Guyana has done nothing and remains ineffective in this area.  

 

Regards,

 

Wayne Forde.

Response to Clive: nothing's wrong with the way you feel; I'm sure you're not alone.  When I told a close relative of mine I was going back in August after just being there in March, she looked at me as if I had gone crazy.

I never expected to (willingly) go back to Guyana.  When I had the unexpected opportunity to do so in 2004 I went to areas I had never seen before and it broadened my view of Guyana.  I was more appreciative of our culture having been away at least 24 yrs, and I was glad to be able to help.  Still I had no burning desire to be there on a regular basis.  Until this year.

In March I was stationed in GT, which is where I grew up.  Nothing prepared me for the incredible love I felt in my heart just being in my old stomping ground.  Being able to contribute to my (former) community revitalized and energized me in ways I could not begin to describe and left me wanting to do more.

So going home is not for everyone but I don't think Wayne meant for that question only to be taken literally.  I think he meant who among us is ready and willing to see some positive change in Guyana and is committed enough to do something about it.  I have no naive illusions about the political climate in Guyana and it is certainly not my primary focus.  As I've said before, just doing one small thing to help someone have a better life is a big step towards significant change.

Per your statement regarding your duties in your country, I contribute many volunteer hours of care to my current community in the US, which is much needed; but being a naturalized American will not prevent me from doing the same for Guyana.  People need help everywhere and I am glad that I can finally reach back and give those less fortunate a helping hand. 

Thank you for your good wishes.  I do hope more of our hearts become ignited.

Karen.

Wayne, the following are your words:   "Are we becoming another Thailand or Cambodia?"  

Know this while I love America and tend to shy away from being critical of it trafficking in women plagues the United States as much as it does underdeveloped nations.  The last estimate showed 14,000 women and children a year.   Los Angeles had a record of  5,000 chinese women in 2008.

When I choosed to migrate to Canada it was because of hindsight by my mother who at the time realised there will be a downward sprial of the running of the country. Since then I am in a position to make my own decision.

Why should we feel responsible for the people and the Guyana goverment who runs the country, when it is up to the residence of Guyana to make the country better, by standing up for changes.

 In a way we are responsible for making it a nation of want, by feeling bad for their woes by sending barrels of goods and money on a monthly basis.

The problems of Guyana lies within the country any change needed to be made has to be addressed there not outside the country, where you would only recieve lip service with out any results.

 My job is to make the country I am living in a better place, remember the country of my birth and be realistic about what I am responsible for in life.

This does not mean that I am not proud of what you are trying to accomplish and wish you success, god willing.

Trafficking in persons:

 

The grave economic climate compounded by staggering unemployment and poverty have led Guyana to become a source, destination and transit point for human trafficking.

Men women and children are trafficked for forced labor.

Most of this exploitation seems to be in the remote mining camps in the interior bordering Brazil.

Guyanese women and girls are trafficked for sexual exploitation to neighboring countries.  Men and boys are exploited in construction and agriculture-Suriname, Brazil and Venezuela.

For a second consecutive year Guyana remains on the Tier 2 Watch List for failure to produce evidence to combat trafficking. Under the Combating Persons Act signed into law in 2005,the Government has yet to produce an anti- trafficking conviction and did not make an effort to reduce demand for commercial sex acts during 2007(2008).

 

Are we becoming another Thailand or Cambodia?

 

Wayne Forde.

Wayne, sorry.  I only just read this.  Thanks.  I look forward to traveling this road with you and others.  It has been on my mind for years.  I feel some responsibility and some guilt.  I left and I don't feel I can make any criticisms.  I can only try to help.  My success in school here I owe to my start in Guyana.  It feels good to know that I can get involved.

Karen, I'm interested in hearing about the literacy program.  Can you tell me more.  Email address - bacchus_59@yahoo.com..  As you know Wayne has started a conversation about going home.  I'm planning to spend the summer in Guyana in 2010 and I'd love to be involved in anything while I'm there.  Since I'm in education I'd love to hear more about the literacy program.

Karen, pray tell, when should the extremely curious start packing?  I saw your pics - beautiful. 

Oh you guys are funny.  I thought it was obvious, but since it isn't then I won't say anything.  The extremely curious will have to come back home with me to find out......LOL!

Karen, you have all of GT Admin curious.....

Who or what are you falling in love with???   Just curious.....

Thanks Wayne but I'm just hoping to draw out the curious and interested.  Anybody out there?  :):)  A word of caution: you will fall in love again (and that's not so bad, is it?).

kg.

Mark,Karen and Friends,

Thanks for your thoughts,emails and phone calls.I am doing fine and truly appreciate your concern. 

Karen,it seems like you contribted a lot  again-great. 

Regards,

Wayne.

Sorry to hear that about Wayne.  Hope you're okay.

Well, a week flew by quickly and I'm back.   We worked very, very hard, seeing more than 100 patients daily. But we also made up for it at the end of the week with dinner invitations, parties, etc....

It felt longer than a week while I was there.  HERG dispersed into 4 groups: Literacy Program, Georgetown Team A, Georgetown Team B, Surgical Team and Berbice Team.  The Berbice folks roughed it out with tents and other camping gear, bathing in the creeks and etc.  City girl that I am, GT was the place for me.

The Literacy Program was a success.  It runs for 4 wks every summer and the before and after tests show the children's progress.  These children have also been getting better grades in school since the program began.  Our website is hergweb.org.

The best part for me is always what I can give back.  The gratitude expressed in the eyes, faces or other expression from the patients makes my heart grow larger everytime.  My last night I was able to do a home consult with someone who had a horrible arterial ulcer.  It was extremely rewarding to be able to help her.

I am working on a project to get more educators involved.  So any of you out there who might be interested, let me know.  I don't know if I can upload my pics to this thread but will try.

I would recommend that anyone who wants to contribute his/her expertise should at least spend a week or 10 days there first.  It will give you a better sense of what you want to accomplish and how you want to do it. Not everything has to be done physically in GT.

Going home always inspires me, and this trip was no exception.

Hi Wayne,

It is good to  see that you doing better  after "a rough landing"  from your car accident  on Saturday afternoon.  I do believe that there is still work to be done here and so hopefully you will be back to 100% soon.. Actually you will need to be more than a 100% for the task at hand ...

Wayne was involved in a serious car accident Saturday afternoon when he was broad sided by  a teenager who ran a red light. His SUV, seen  below, was rolled over and that would be him being put into ambulance.. He is a very  lucky guy

 

  

"One one dutty build dam." 

Masa welcome to the discussion and we are thankful for your contribution. You have raised some interesting points and asked pertinent questions.

Guyana has a huge dam to build and it will require the energy and resources of all Guyanese, especially members of the Diaspora. Guyana did not deteriorate into this deplorable state of affairs overnight, and all of the burning critical issues /problems will not be changed and solved overnight. It took 44 years of failed policies, weak leadership and corrupt politicians to create these crises and it will require strong leadership, a collaborative and unified effort to solve them. However, the process has to start somewhere, sometime-and this is the time; a time for all of us to pool our resources; share our ideas and develop a creative agenda with innovative solutions for change we can embrace. 

With every noble effort there will always be hostile rhetoric from dissenters and malicious elements that create or fabricate tales and rumors and distorted media reports and propaganda-a small price to pay for a cause that serves the greater good of many... Mandela spent 27 years in jail. Gandhi did not own a home or a single suit of clothes, Cheddi Jagan spent time in the Mazaruini prison (detention). Barrack Obama, in his book, (Audacity of Hope)' admitted to dabbling, with narcotics. Bill Clinton did not inhale...So, swimming it the back dam "shirt tail" or beating a bicycle tire down the old dusty brick road should hardly be cause for much alarm, even if stealing dunks and mangoes were the major atrocities. 

Our Nation of Guyana needs to have hope rekindled in the form of a new energizing leader. It needs to see a visionary leader emerging outside of the ranks of the PPP/C and the PNC/R; a leader who will unite the Indo-Guyanese and Afro-Guyanese and embark on an aggressive nation re-building plan; one with a promise for a bright tomorrow.

Part of the solution that addresses the root of the problem, is for a fresh innovative candidate to take the stage-emerge with energy, passion and a clear vision; one who will offer hope; one who can articulate a clear vision for Guyana; a vision which will inspire the people; a vision which will energize and invigorate the poor, the unemployed, women and children all across the country -a vision which includes the involvement of the Diaspora in the restoration of the Nation of Guyana. These are the important elements, the fundamental ingredients which are missing in the country- the cause, impetus and motivation for change. The people of Guyana lack the essential confidence and trust in the current leadership, which is devoid of a plan for the future and an agenda for change we can all embrace. This is also true of the opposition party-PNC... Hope and confidence must be restored. 

This vision will restore the image of Guyana throughout the Caribbean and the International community. It will repair and build new infra-structure; invite foreign investment (BRIC nations) construct factories and plants to put Guyanese back to work. It will lower cost of living and increase wages and develop affordable housing...New energy sources will de developed to create jobs and revenue streams. Old plans and systems will be phased out or modified for the twenty-first century environment. Law enforcement, Education, and Healthcare will be reformed to function more effectively, with the construction of state of the art hospitals and functional schools in Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo -non-performers will be replaced by qualified and trust worthy talent. Oversight committees and regulatory commissions will be formed to oversee every sector. New laws will be enacted to deal with fraud and bribery and a maximum security facility will be built to house the criminal elements. And most all, there will be fair and equal justice for all-no exemptions from the polygraph tests. . . (Full Vision at a later date). 

The vision will be communicated powerfully to persuade others to become so committed to these new initiatives that they will be eager to lend their support and energies to make them happen. Parents will see hope and possibility for their children. Children will dream again about a bright future; one filled with opportunity and new horizons to pursue. It will depict an image of restoration and renewal, where people of all races will put aside their differences, engage in new tolerances and respect for each other to work side by side for a common ideal, a single purpose and a strong forward agenda. The Guyanese people must be empowered by an appealing ideal to shape their own destiny. We must coalesce and move as a single mind. Abraham Lincoln said it best: When the people rise in masses in behalf of the Union, and the liberties of their country, truly may it be said; "the gates of hell shall not prevail against them." A vibrant economy will materialize from this vision, through the development of new industry and the modernization and expansion of existing ones with continuous efforts to acquire and develop other markets for exports and services.

Guyana will once again become the bread- basket of the Caribbean- respected and admired. This is a part of my vision for Guyana (brief overview).

What is your vision? Masa, based on your knowledge and passion for Guyanese tradition and folklore, you might serve well as the Minister of Culture. 

Wayne Forde.

Friday August 7th

                                                

Who is gonna be the first one to throw his hat in the ring? With all the issues we have facing us as a nation, who can we honestly say will make an outstanding leader? look, as soon as you say you want to run for office in Guyana, your great grandmother will rise up from Le Repentir, and start talk about your obsession with peeping the neighbor's daughter when she used to scrub the back step. Or your dabbles with congapump leaves and how much the smoke made you cough. If you ever even saw cocaine from a distance of ten feet....you will be called a 'junkie'. If you even as much as walked a lil funny down Brickdam you will be called a 'anti-man'. God forbid you went to starlite and kissed some girl up in the stands....you is a man hoar. Who he? I know he from since king rock was a pebble....he no blasted good! I would nominate Wayne....but oh Gawd....could you imagine the horse excrement we would have to listen to? Van West Charles have a bundle of issues too! I do not want to see Guyana back to the PNC style politics. We need a capitalist Government in Guyana. Forget this socialism and communism bullsiht! If some of you have a problem with drug dealers having too much power, then go try deh wid dat one. You have to take into consideration the culture of Guyana today. IT IS NOT what you left behind. get a grip on yourself. or you will be taken out. Unless you are suicidal and just too lazy to do the nasty job yourself. As the lady below me stated, do something to help people, make a difference....even if people tell yuh dat yuh stupidy fuh doing it. This whole change has to take place at a grassroots level. before the drug lords do it and get all the glory. Why do you think Roger Khan is respected in a lot of areas? You can sit over here in north america and dream about peanut punch and eggball before you go to bed at night, but dreaming and reality are two different things. And stop looking at the government as some repressive, tyrannical regime. What makes any of you think you can achieve better results with the deck you have to play?

Reading the responses.  Very funny and informative.  I have to agree that Masa had some humorous and good points.  But, regardless of the reason that someone's desire for change is fueled, the point is, that desire will ensure it occurs.  So barring a psychotic episode or some such equivalent, does it really matter what the reason is as long as it is mixed with intelligent thought? 

In a few days I'm going back to give a week of medical care. Anyone else could also go back to give a week of education, a week of engineering, a week of sales/business, a week of anything you have had the opportunity to learn which will be productive to the current citizens of Guyana.  Join an already established non-profit org or start your own.  As we all know, one person can certainly make a difference and believe me, one week makes a tremendous difference!

I think our collective yearning will pave the way for significant change. I will be the first to say I have no clue what to do but I don't think we have to solve the problem(s) all at once.  Perhaps just a little bit here and there, like the way small patches of cloth make a huge quilt, hopefully united by one common thread/voice will be the small beginnings of great changes to come.


kg


  

Our image as Guyanese continues its downward spiral in the Caribbean and world community.

“Barbadian first” policy flogs Guyanese in Barbados  

The unraveling of political ties between the Caribbean nations of Guyana and Barbados has created heated dialogue after the compulsory deportation of Guyanese nationals from Barbados following the implementation of the “Barbadian First” amnesty law announced by the island’s Prime Minister David Thompson May 5. This amnesty measure resulted in the deportation of Guyanese to resolve the professed rising crime rates and poverty epidemic in Barbados. The 30th Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which took place in Guyana’s capital of Georgetown at the beginning of the month, was originally slated to be the arena for finding a reasonable solution to Barbados’ steadily worsening social problems. For a number of years, a struggling economy and persisting racial tensions in Guyana has led to extensive job loss, a decreased standard of living, and continuous uncertainty in the minds of the Guyanese population.

When it comes to uncertainty, there should be none regarding the long time lack of good governance in Guyana ever since the Jagans were replaced by Bharrat Jagdeo after the regrettable passing of that great husband-and-wife team from the scene. Speaking about bad government, Barbados now finds that there is so much of it in Guyana that the consequences of it are transferred by Jagdeo to Thompson in Barbados, with every desperate Guyanan trying to make it to Bridgetown.

Its restlessness which has driven thousands of Guyanese to flee the country and head for CARICOM member Barbados, an island nation that has many more employment opportunities than Guyana and has experienced strong economic growth, creating what has been seen as an oasis of opportunity for fleeing migrants.

……Along with Barbados, Canada and Antigua have also conducted mass deportation of Guyanese. This fact has given rise to countless observations as to why there has been an enormous amount of Guyanese criticism of the amnesty law in Barbados and less resentment against other countries. The Guyanese anger is specifically directed against Prime Minister David Thompson and has not been targeted against any other Caribbean leader. The unbalanced image this portrays could prove to be very detrimental to the Guyanese abroad.”

How long will we let this continue?

Wayne  Forde.

 

 

“When it comes to the future there are three kinds of people: those who let it happen, those who make it happen, and those who wonder what happened.”

-         John M. Richardson, Jr.

 

 

Denise it is encouraging to have you join us in this forum, as we prepare to

embark on a rebuilding effort for our beloved motherland, badly deteriorated and infected with a ravenous epidemic of greed, crime and corruption, poverty and unemployment.

 

As if that were not enough, our National Image in the Caribbean and around the globe is sadly eroded and tarnished by the unexplained involvement of the administration with a known drug lord. It will take the efforts and contributions of all us in the Diaspora to restore Guyana to a state with promise and equal opportunity for all; a place we can truly call home; a place where our children and their children would be proud to proclaim as theirs, with fervor and renewed assurance.

 

 On the bright side, you bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and professional expertise which will be of great value to the people of Guyana and the rebuilding effort.

We look forward to your participation and continued support.

 

The road to recovery will not be easy or short, but we must remain committed and persistent.

 

Let’s talk.

 

Wayne Forde.

 

 

   .

 

 

Why are liberals so hung up on creating Utopia before they croak? Wayne is getting a middle age itch all the way down to his lil toe, and he needs some moral support to scratch it. Let's all go back and build a commune. A gated community where we will be protected by pitbulls and pagaly GEB guards who suffer from 'dropsey', the future leaders of a once great nation with their dreams and some rubbing alcohol for the mosquito bites. Very good discussion so far, from someone looking in. But I think most of you are having nostalgic bouts with your inner child who needs to suck some 'sweety' and chew some hard chico bubble gum. Guyana is a very changed country, the people we abandoned there some 30 or so years ago, to keep the kokers open and the mini buses running on time are so alien from us. We are living in a bubble made of crimpelene, if we think we can just show up and put some sense into the politicians heads with one slap between their 'sense and their nonsense'. I think it can be downright dangerous to your health to go swimming in the lamaha canal....much less against the tide of corrupt citizens who inhabit our once wonderful 'garden city' and 'bread basket' of the caribbean. Wayne, I think you are clueless when it comes to the mentality that exisits there today. Wake up and smell the geera before you end up walking sideways along the seawall and brandishing tamarind whips at passing miscreants who think you smell a way....away.

Denise, welcome.

Wayne, it is always a good thing to know the players.   Will respond in detail later. 

A very good day to all!

I am very, very interested in this conversation and I would love to be a part of a scheduled discussion about the ideas.

1.  I would like to be one of those Guyanese who could choose to go home and contribute what I have gained from my studies. 

2.  I really don't know how to do it for the reasons mentioned.  I am in the field of education so it doesn't leave me with lots of money.  I would need to be able to survive.  If I could do that I'd be home quickly contributing to education.

3.  I've wanted to do it, but I'm trapped by a school loan and no assets that would give me freedom in Guyana.

4.  Yet, I do believe that all of it is necessary.  We need people to go back physically and give directly and we need people to be the bridges we need for resources outside of the country.

5.  I'm interested in hearing ideas about how this can happen.

6.  I read today in the news that this week in Jamaica a large number of Jamaicans are going home to meet with home Jamaicans at the university to set up direct contributions by way of expertise, etc.  The article is in the Canadian newspapers, "The Toronto Star." 

 

When we change the faces and the names, Guyana may find hope-not through the PPP/C or the PNC/R.

http://www.guyanaobservernews.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1363&Itemid=94

Let us dream a new bream,create a new vision and seek visionary leadership.  

 Wayne Forde.

        The only tyrant I accept is the still voice within.  -Gandhi

 

Carol I apologize for not responding sooner to you question about the AFC.

 

In the last election the AFC managed to capture 8% (percent) of the vote.   

They have a few Parliamentary Motions being developed and some legislative initiatives planned, with the sole purpose of ‘keeping the opposition their toes,’ as was stated in their Party Agenda. Additional comments will be reserved for a later date.

 

The true challenge remains with the lack of strong leadership in the two dominant parties –PNC/R and PPP/C. 

Among all of the other social ills, the Sugar Industry output declined by 15 % in 2008;

Fishing fell by 2% due to contraction of fishing fleet grounds.

Forestry saw a 15% decline due to sanctions on logging companies-deforestation.  

The trade deficit rose 31.5% -US$798M,(million).

Debt increased 16% to US$833M (million).

Imports increased by 20.4 %( percent). These figures reflect the lack of growth, development, and serve to impede the eradication of poverty, unemployment and the reduction of crime.  

 

With these dismal economic trends coupled with unemployment (estimated at 50%) progress continues to be retarded- with no end in sight...  

 

Without visionary leadership Guyana is like a life boat adrift in turbulent seas with no oars, no compass, and no maps- no hope.

 

We must act and act swiftly to organize and mobilize if we are to make a change that we can embrace.

 

In the words of Malcolm X, “If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything”.

 

Let’s talk.

 

Wayne Forde.

 

 

 

 

Karen, you have raised some great points in many areas and you are dead on target. I shall attempt to clarify a few issues as succinctly as possible.

More importantly, I commend you on your interest and efforts in being an agent for change in Guyana, and the generous contributions which you have made thus far, towards improving the well-being and welfare of our Guyanese people. Your participation in the "broader vision" will be appreciated in the future.

 

First:

The thread ‘Who wants to go home’ has dual meaning:

 

  (a) To go home physically at the right time; to engage and bolster progressive reform and usher in a new era of Government at the opportune time.(TBD)

 

  (b) To continue living abroad, but with the interest of Guyana at heart; to be supportive, and to promote the movement to transform and rebuild Guyana by financial contributions, ideas, views and innovative solutions.

 

The ultimate objective would be to restore Guyana  to a prosperous, peaceful and progressive Nation to which expatriates would want to return, and from which Guyanese would not want to leave(Part of the Vision).- Change We Can Embrace.

 

Second:

In order to attract expatriates back to Guyana, or to support the new structure/platform, they must see an inspired leader emerging; one who has a clear vision, an executable plan with specific time frames; has the participation of all/majority of Guyanese; a leader who unites the country and not divide the races, thus bringing an end to violence and racial strife; a leader who has wide support and involvement of  the Diaspora -inclusion process.

 

Guyanese must have the confidence that the new leadership could navigate a clear direction, bold, courageous and hopeful, and that the equality of life and standard of living must show promise of moving in the right direction.

 

In addition, the vision will be clear and inspiring. It will address the critical issues facing the Nation, offering specific time frames and a process for implementation.

The road to recovery will not be easy however, but we must stay the course and invite others to participate in this new initiative through the process of inclusion- not alienation. We must also mobilize the best and brightest; young an old, those with little and those with much; small ideas and big ones; innovative solutions and creative involvement. Time for a change we all can embrace. 

 

I am encouraged by the responses, thus far, which, I hope, will engender further participation in this discussion.
It is not an academic exercise or a forum in which comments will be critiqued or criticized. It is, very simply, frank, free flowing dialogue, among all of us who have the interests of our motherland at heart. We have a long way to go before we can re-write the manifesto that will take Guyana out of the morass that it finds itself in and forward to the place that we can return to.  Our state of, in some cases, self-imposed exile does not preclude us from being a part of the machinery for that rebirth. Let's exchange ideas fearlessly and with enthusiasm, let us agree and/or disagree with each other. We all have a part to play in this.

 

In the words of the late Martin Carter, "All are involved, all are consumed". 

Let's talk.  

I.

 

WayneForde.

(Passionate for Change)

Mark, thank you for answering the question.  I thought there was someone out there, brave enough, compassionate enough and committed enough who had already put his name in the running.  I am not familiar with Van West Charles but will try to change that.

You are also correct about sharing positive ideas and charitable contributions combined with "right leadership".  Since the leadership is the major (and largest) issue, that is probably where we need to focus our efforts on collaboratively.  I like your questions: Who and What are the options?  So far Mr. Van West Charles is in the running for President, but there are other almost equally important positions to look at as well which will need our support/input. 

I think a great start would be to get a list together of all the known individuals and organizations who are doing something for Guyana, whether is it is health care, education, rebuilding, etc...because we would already have a committed group of people.  We can then do outreach based on that.

I know that Rod Westmass and his parents provide educational and tranport services to one part of the interior (oops, forgot the location) at least annually if not more.  And the organization I am working with (HERG) provides medical care three times a year (we just went in March) and going back in August, with following trip scheduled for December.  Donna London also initiated an organization that focuses on youth, primarily education I think, and I am sure there are many many more grassroot, non-profit orgs and philanthropic individuals who are contributing in their own way.  Gt Lime of course, does a fundraiser which benefits some group in Guyana every year.

Perhaps GT Lime can be instrumental in connecting us together so that we have a collaborative effort in the renewing/rebuilding of Guyana. 

If you can see it, you can do it.  I hope we all have the same vision.

Thx.

Hi Karen,

I do believe that the answer to your question "Has any Guyanese outside of Guyana considered running for President?  And is that even possible? ", may have already been answered with Van West Charles's decision to go home and contest the PNC leadership.. Mr Van West Charles obviously believes that this is an option and so maybe, there are others who feel the same way..

I know we all have our country at heart for a "better Guyana" someday, that place we all call home, but where does it start..? With small things like what Dr Cooper's medical services team provided to the folks in the interior some time ago and so many other charitable contributions made each year by various sources. It starts with sharing positive ideas which hopefully can become something real and then implemented with the right leadership… The ideas are there already , the leadership is then the question? What and who are the options?

Peace,

Mark

 

Wayne, I also agree with everything you're saying but there are only a few of us here that will be and can be mobilized. 

I don't think it's necessary to move back to Guyana to make a difference, but I could be wrong.  And, if I am, the economic state of affairs would pose a  big problem.  How do you make a living when you go back home?  As you mentioned, the poverty level is not changing.

I do feel that if enough of us returned back for several consecutive months out of the year (minimum 3) to rectify some of the ongoing hardships like education, health care, etc... we will eventually make a difference. 

So the thought is, how do you attract people to Guyana to do that?  And how do you get through the political red tape?   Has any Guyanese outside of Guyana considered running for President?  And is that even possible? 

I have the same burning desire in my heart like you do, and probably felt by many others.    But I think if we keep the dialogue going we might stumble on something that could actually work.  So I am grateful that you brought up the conversation and I hope other people who visit this website will also join in.

 

Wayne, I concur.   What are your thoughts about the AFC?

Nota bene:  the difference - not interested in retiring in Guyana. 

 

 

 

“My eyes already touched the sunny hill, going far ahead of the road I have begun. So far we are grasped by what we cannot grasp; it has its inner light, even from a distance- and changes us, even if we do not reach it, into something else, which, hardly sensing it, we already are; a gesture waves us on, answering our own wave.”

                                                                             - Rainer Maria Wilke

 

Carol, your comments are greatly appreciated and your opinions highly respected.

But, it is the poor and disenfranchised in Guyana- women and children and the elderly that need your support, my support and the support of everyone who can contribute to the reform and restoration of Guyana as a vibrant, peaceful and prosperous Nation. For too long the prosperity and progress of the Nation have been hampered, stymied, and sabotaged by the same old behavior and beliefs, the same two Political Parties and the same divisive racial politics and Governance.

 

We must be the agents for change; change we can embrace while there is still a chance; but it is not going to be easy or fast.

 

“We must be the change we want to see.” (Gandhi)

 

The road to recovery will require Visionary Leadership and perseverance. Restoring the image of Guyana in the Caribbean and the International Community will take time. Reducing poverty and creating new jobs to stem the tide of staggering unemployment, and developing proper infrastructure will require people working together. It has to start somewhere. The status quo and culture of nepotism, contracts, and favors being awarded based on party affiliations must come to an end if we are going to create a viable society with Equal Opportunity and Justice for all.

 

After 44 years of Independence and several leaders, the poverty level in Guyana remains at 37 percent. Despite having significant economic potential, Guyana is one of forty-one countries classified as a HIPC (Highly Impoverished Country).

Guyana, a country endowed with natural resources, fertile agricultural land, diversified mineral deposits, and large tropical forest, still has 19 percent of the population living in extreme poverty (indigent). Why?

The inequality in the distribution in wages is startling.UNDP reports rank Guyana at 43-2 on the Gini Index.

After receiving two zero interest credits of US$16.76M from the World Bank in 2003 to support poverty reduction, the project remains a failure.

 

The leadership remains paralyzed by its own divisive and oppressive policies; it lacks the vision to foster growth and development, and the ability to take effective action. 

Guyana’s history has shown that transition of Government from one Party to the next brings more of the same- empty promises and certain stagnation.

 

Over the years many have dreamt of leaving, and then yearn to return.

But what for? 

 

“You can fool some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.”(Abraham Lincoln)

 

The time has come to make a shift, chart a new course; dream a new dream for A CHANGE WE CAN EMBRACE. There will be dissenters, saboteurs, and 'naysayers' but we must stay and remain steadfast to create a new vision, a new tomorrow for our children and their children- a prosperous, productive, and harmonious Guyana;from the Rupununi to the Corentyne. This Land was made for you and me.

 

Wayne Forde.

 

Love the discussion.  Let's keep it going.

Wayne, let me start by saying that our reasons for wanting to make a change in Guyana are different.  However, having said that I encourage this forum and will be quite willing to support your aspirations once I have ascertained your seriousness.

I read the questions you asked and while I believe that history, if properly used and understood is a powerful weapon in the hands of a people and could be a powerful teacher and guide.   I am not sure I want to embark on a conversation about the split of the political parties, the suspension of the constitution, apan jhatt, dhaggan, hill coolies, mulatto, boviader, dougla and santantone.  So I will observe and learn and will jump back in once that is all out of the way and a discussion on strategy to mobilize ensues.

The Greek Philospoher - Epictetus said:  "What ought one to say then as each hardship comes? I was practicing for this, I was training for this."
 

THE JOURNEY HOME

July 22, 2009

“It’s the dream of every man to return to the land where he was born; and that’s how it is with me. Every night I say a silent prayer for the day when I can go home again-to feel the warm morning sun and to walk where I used to run. Many things can keep a man and his homeland apart, but the years and the miles can’t change what’s in a man’s heart. Someday, somehow I’ll return to the land I love.” (Cuando Sali deCuba )

The time has come to Organize and Mobilize.

For those who left Guyana in despair; for those who cannot return because of fear. For the oppressed and the hopeless masses at home and abroad who yearn for change and civility, peaceful living and living in peace; the poor and the down trodden, victims and the victimized the time has come for CHANGE THAT WE CAN EMBRACE.

From Mabaruma to Ana Regina; Orinduik,and Mount Roraima; Lethem to the Corentyne.Across mountains and rivers, the white sands and the alluvial mudflats ; from lush forests and creeks ;villages and cities Change must come.

Change we need; change, from the classroom to the board room, hospitals to institutions -across streets in Georgetown to roads in Bartica and Parika, back allies and back dam.

Guyana is plagued by a multiplicity of problems which span fifty years and two dominant Political Parties offering more of the same, with no end in sight; no end in sight for a peaceful and prosperous Guyana- home.

This thread will discus and expose the raw cold issues ,which, for decades and several Administrations later, have festered and deteriorated a society and a Nation in which crime and corruption are the order of the day; where poverty and unemployment have transformed the NATION into a Highly Indebted Poor Country(HIPC)-The land of many waters has more of it's best and brightest minds living in foreign lands fearful of returning to invest and contribute. Estimates put the Diaspora at 800,000 to a million.-more living abroad than at home. Why?

Who will make the change? The answer lies not with the PPP or the PNCR, but in the power of the Diaspora to organize and mobilize..

The Time has come for a new vision, fresh ideas and innovative solutions. For too long too many have lived in self- imposed exile while the less fortunate remain helpless subjects of the failed policies of ineffective Administrations and ruinous Politics of Apan Jhatt-Hindi for “vote for your own.”

This is not a vain attempt to decry and criticize the Government or the country, but an appeal for action to rectify and reform systems and institutions badly damaged and decadent for many years

We need solutions that work in the twenty-first century, in a rapidly changing global economy. We need change that we can embrace; Reform and Innovation:

Here are critical areas for Reform:

Racial Politics.

Crime and Corruption

Law Enforcement and the Penal Justice System.

Health Care and Social Services

Education and Brain Drain

Slow Economic Growth

Poverty and Unemployment

Decrease in Productivity across major sectors

Infrastructure Development

Negative Image of Guyana/Guyanese

Excessive Mortality due to Aids

Development of New Industry e.g. Tourism-

High Foreign Debt

Insufficient Foreign Investment

Human Rights

Energy and Technology

National Security

The solutions to all of these problems are in the brains of the Guyanese abroad and at home if we only dare to take the challenge. In the words of the greatest musical performer that ever lived, Michael Jackson,’ Make that Change’.

There is no mandate for reform ;no plan of action by any Party which will make the CHANGE WE CAN EMBRACE.

But we must first stamp out and eradicate Racial Politics..

Where did Racial Politics start?

Who will stop it? Let's talk.

Wayne Forde.