Long-term strategy for economic development should be Parliament’s purview

Dear Editor,

It is surprising that the government is considering moving in the direction of having ExxonMobil advise them on economic development. This is the same company that has taken advantage of the government’s apparent inexperience and apparent lack of due diligence via the Production Sharing Agreement. If “Once Bitten Twice Shy” holds true, then the people of this nation would expect more prudence on the government’s side going forward.

My suggestion would be to allow those companies willing to provide input an opportunity to do so, but to also allow other stakeholders to do the same. I am familiar with Dr. Porter’s written work; and am familiar with and have used the approach that Exxon is suggesting in addition to other approaches in establishing development plans. However, the tools are only as good as the input process utilized. If the Private Sector Commission and the previous Administration of President Ramotar have already outlined a joint strategy in this area, then this perspective should also be considered.

In addition, there are other consulting firms which have the nation’s best interest at heart that should be allowed to have an input into our national development plans. However, first and foremost parliament is the forum in which our elected leadership should be jointly developing such plans on behalf of their voters needs and in the best interest of our nation. The use of a bipartisan parliamentary economic development committee which could champion such work with stakeholders, which include the local government organizations would help ensure a more robust and thorough long-term plan. Based on my practical experience with strategic planning at the international level, it would help to first agree in parliament on the outlined approach to be taken in establishing our nation’s long-term strategy for economic development.

Yours faithfully, Jamil Changlee