Guyana Observer News

Peter R. Ramsaroop, MBA

The 2009 budget presented in Parliament demonstrates a lack of sensitivity to us the citizens.   Most of the budget presented was how the government plans to spend all the tax money they collected from the citizens. The Minister of Finance failed to present a plan on improving our economy through exports and how those taxes can offset our consumer taxes.

Lots of us were hoping for his opening line to be that VAT has been reduced.  Well once again another year has come and the government continues to tax Guyana with the highest rate around the world.   We all know that rice and sugar are at an all-time low, and there was nothing in the budget on how we plan to diversify our economy.

I have visited Lethem on numerous occasions and spent time with the citizens and the leadership of the community. I am appalled that the Brazilian Government has spent so much money building the Bridge across the river, yet our Government has done nothing on our side of the border to pave the access roads into Lethem. It is not only a major disappointment to the residents of the area but an embarrassment.

The Minister of Tourism talked about the opening of the bridge as a major accomplishment but the words without action is a slam against the distinguished citizens of the region.  The Guyana Government had nothing to do with the building of the Bridge.

Lethem should be special to Guyana’s future given that it sits at the border of one of the world’s largest economies.   We need to wake up and smell the roses.   We must put together a plan that will take this depressed community into the greatness we all want and what we all believe Lethem can become.   The budget did nothing for this plan.

Investing in the future of South America
For Guyana to transform its economy it has to become a transshipment point for Brazil and Eastern Venezuela.  From an international relations perspective, it means special relationships with Brazil.  Cross border development is vital for Guyana’s growth and future economic expansion.

Many of us have lobbied hard for the road from Lethem to Georgetown.

Imagine new cities, villages and towns cropping up along the road to Brazil…
•    Construction jobs for hotels, housing, roads and bridges
•    Transportation jobs in aviation, shipping and hauling
•    Service sector jobs
•    Import-export jobs from the Free Enterprise Zone
•    Financial services jobs from banking, trade and commerce
•    Telecommunications and IT jobs in all sectors of society
•    Jobs for teachers, nurses, doctors and lawyers
•    Professional jobs and technical jobs
•    Jobs for every single Guyanese, young and old, skilled and unskilled

ABOUT LETHEM:
Lethem is a town in Guyana, located in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo It is named after Sir Gordon James Lethem, who was the Governor of British Guiana from 1946 to 12 April, 1947.  Lethem lies on the Takutu River, which forms the border with Brazil, opposite the Brazilian town of Bonfim.

Lethem is the capital of Region Nine and is a hub linking many of the surrounding villages to Georgetown. The Takutu River Bridge over the Takutu River is now completed and will soon link the two countries.  The goal of the bridge project is expected to bring Brazilian goods to the Georgetown harbour which would be faster than shipping through Brazilian ports.

OUR PLAN:
Lethem must become:
1.     A Free Enterprise Zone
2.    Residents should enjoy duty free on key items such as efficiency vehicles provided by Brazil and on key import/export items.
3.    Lethem must be given priority by the Guyana Government in developing infrastructure, energy grid, and key negotiations with the Brazilian government.
4.    We must invest into micro-loans on developing the cashews and peanut industry in surrounding areas.
5.    GRA must stop impounding cars brought across the border from Brazil – it is counter-productive.  Citizens need to be able to compete with their counterparts across the border. Change the law.

Lethem is part of the Guyanese Rupununi savannah where there are many vaqueros spoken for Portuguese language, or cowboys, and ranches.
We need to create jobs by first revitalizing industries such as cashews. This area can be the hub for Cashews and Peanuts. Expanding our growth in this area along with modernised processing plants can make a big difference.

Key concentration must be in areas such as Moco Moco, St. Ignatius, Sand Creek and Aishalton.

Vision Guyana is evaluating this industry and will contribute a $12M packaging machine as part of a business deal to making such a project work. We need farmers to come together to develop the business plan and how we will capitalize on a very solid export market if we can put the right infrastructure in place.

Lethem has an airport that connects it to the capital, Georgetown with scheduled air service most weekdays. The airport has a single, 6,194 ft. (1,888 metre) paved runway with instrument markings but no lighting.

The budget should have addressed how we will turn this airport into a modern airport and open up the land for relocation of citizens who want to get off the coastal plan.

CONCLUSION:
Lethem is one area that needs attention.    It is amazing that the government can announce such a large budget but fail to even describe how our money can be used to create or revitalise industries and towns in order for job creation.   We need to make Lethem look like a town.

Just walk across the border into Brazil and one can see the vast difference of just one year ago at Bonfim. Not because there are only 4,791 registered voters in the immediate areas is a cause for neglect.   We have to look at the strategic location of this town and the future role it will play between one of the world richest countries and the region poorest country.

Any one of us with basic common sense will see the strategic advantage of Lethem and put a budget in place that can have a national and international impact on Guyana. I said anyone with basic common sense.

Until next time “Roop”