Come back home – Govt. Ministers urge diaspora in Canada

The mammoth crowd listening to Minister Harmon in Canada.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes, recently led a small delegation to Canada, in order to update Guyanese in the diaspora of the plans and objectives of the new administration.

The delegation which also included a tourism official and representatives from the 50^th Independence Anniversary Commission, “received loud praises for their decision to visit Canada during “Last Lap Lime”, an event in Canada” which attracts the largest number of Guyanese.

A Government release on the visit yesterday said that the delegation visited Toronto to engage the diaspora at the 20^th anniversary of the annual event which is put on by several alumni associations linked to schools in Guyana.

Prior to their attendance at the event which attracted some 3,000 plus patrons, the Ministers hosted a meeting with business persons at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Toronto.

The meeting focused on the business community’s interest in the new Government’s approach to stem various issues which were of concern to them with regard to investing in Guyana. Minister Hughes outlined the steps that are currently being taken in the Tourism sector, as well as the Government’s commitment to reducing crime, an issue which the attendees expressed grave concern over. She outlined the administration’s confidence in its Minister of Public Security and emphasized to the group that every effort was being made to curb the current crime situation in Guyana.

Minister Harmon, for his part, welcomed the fact that the attendees took time out on a Sunday to engage with him and his colleagues in matters of interest to them.

He outlined the Government’s focus on creating a level playing field for all prospective and current investors, and extended an invitation for the interested parties to visit Guyana and meet with the appropriate authorities within the specific areas of their interest.

Minister Harmon further stated that the Government, even though it is only a few months old, was already putting systems in place to ensure transparency and accountability in every sector. The Minister emphasized the fact that while the Opposition may be uttering instances of victimization and character assassination of former Government officials and operatives, there is clear evidence of mismanagement and abuse of the treasury by a number of former officials.

In further responding to the question of witch hunting, Harmon assured those concerned that the Government was not out to put anyone in any particular embarrassing situation. He, however, stressed that once the State Assets Recovery Unit found that there was abuse in the disbursement of public equipment and assets, the perpetrators will be challenged and if found guilty, will face the full brunt of the law.

At the “Last Lap Lime”, the team also managed to set up an information booth displaying banners, flyers, brochures and other tourism and investment information.

Minister Hughes, who was assisted by Senior Tourism Development Officer, Sanchia Persaud, manned the booth along with Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Toronto, Sattie Sawh.

Meanwhile, both Ministers took the opportunity to address the large Guyanese audience about their various concerns and the opportunities which now exist. Minister Hughes first thanked the diaspora for their support in working to bring change in Governance, as well as their contributions in whichever shape or form that helped to create that change. She urged the thousands present to remember they are still welcome to Guyana despite their reluctance in the past because of some significant or minor experience. She urged those present to remember that Guyana is their homeland and highlighted Government’s commitment to reducing the red-tapes people faced when trying to do business in Guyana in the past.

Hughes invited them to come home and experience a new shift in Guyana’s hospitality with the establishment of the many resorts and visitor attractions which are available nationwide. She also praised the carriers serving Guyana currently, and singled out Fly Jamaica, which apart from providing air services, was putting systems in place to establish reduced fares and additional opportunities for Guyanese to experience both Jamaica and Guyana in a two-hop vacation package.

Minister Harmon praised the Guyanese-Canadians for their continuous support of the Government’s programmes and objectives, and their willingness to embrace the changes now taking place. He noted that while rubbing shoulders with the wide cross section of the Diaspora, he continuously felt the warmth and admiration Guyanese still hold for their country. He thanked the promoters of the event for inviting the delegation, and urged them to continue the good work of keeping Guyanese in the social loop even though the event is a once yearly activity.

The Minister was also loud in praise for the many persons who expressed interest in returning home, and assured them that his Government was waiting with open arms to welcome them. While responding to shouts from the audience about the sloth in Government not bringing persons who misused public trust and confidence to quick justice, the Minister appealed to the audience to have patience as investigations and audits were underway, and very careful assessments were to be done to ensure compliance to the objectives of the process.

The audience was also appraised on the expectations and programmes planned for the 50^th Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence by Commission member Bobby Vieira.

Also forming part of the delegation were Col Larry London (Ret/d) and Political Affairs Head in the Ministry of the Presidency, Fredrick McWilfred. The group returned to Guyana on Tuesday last.