I’ve been in the business of propaganda for two decades. Now that I’ve written that, I feel slightly more conscious about my age. But let’s not get distracted (mostly a note to self).
During that time, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of positive messaging in driving progress. In fact, I always thought it necessary or responsible as a journalist in state media to share the largely positive stories. Not that the information was inaccurate, but it certainly was sugar coated. Who doesn’t like candy? JK, we all know that too much candy isn’t good for you.
I remember feeling guilty when I considered the tenets of journalism that had been passed down to me by the greats, but I convinced myself then that in Guyana’s context, the balance lies in the entire media landscape. Nearly all of us had a side. Kaieteur News for instance was ALWAYS negative, Stabroek News tried to maintain balance, but the biases of certain actors were often evident. Essentially, with the exception of the Guyana Times, private media was often categorized as “anti-government” and treated as such, but this is the subject for a different article.
Today, I want to talk about the delicate balance of overly positive messages and managing expectations especially when celebrating rapid economic growth in Guyana’s context.
The International Monetary Fund considers Guyana the “fastest growing economy in the world” with a 62 percent recorded growth in 2022 and 38 percent growth expected in 2023. This is undoubtedly a commendable achievement and has rightfully garnered attention. The BBC recently featured an interview with President Ali, BBC World Service – Business Daily, Guyana: The world’s fastest-growing economy, which I enjoyed…almost as if I wrote the talking points myself. I did not.
Two days ago, Bloomberg’s Matthew Bristow wrote: Guyana’s Economy Will Expand 38% This Year Thanks to Oil Wealth, IMF Says – Bloomberg.
By the way, the narrative surrounding Guyana’s economic growth tends to follow a familiar script: ‘Small country discovers oil, poised on the precipice of transformation or catastrophe.’ While there’s an element of truth in this portrayal, it is just a fragment of the larger narrative. To be quite honest, some accounts lack the crucial context that shapes our reality, others may lack the empathetic lens that allows for a deeper understanding, and a few may even carry a tone of condescension. This isn’t to dissuade you from reading these articles, but rather to encourage discernment. Every publication and writer bring their own perspectives and agendas to the table. It’s our responsibility to approach these narratives with a critical eye and a nuanced understanding of the complexities that underlie them… but I digress. A different subject for a different article.
These articles and similar ones are shared far and wide, mostly by folks in government, others closely aligned to government or those in some way actively benefiting from said growth. The stories reminded me of the time I worked in media relations for ExxonMobil in Guyana. The first few announcements of oil discoveries were met with enthusiasm, but this quickly waned with delayed improvements in the quality of life. See, the promise of oil and economic growth come the automatic expectation of higher standards of living, especially when promoted in the way it is currently being done.
It is imperative that we approach this wave of optimism with a tempered outlook. Why? Because while economic growth is a necessary precursor to economic development, it’s not an instantaneous transformation. I always say, “it’s a marathon, not a sprint”.
Take the example of countries like Singapore. They didn’t catapult into prosperity overnight. Their journey was marked by strategic, long-term planning, and a commitment to nurturing industries beyond the initial success stories. They diversified, they adapted, and they adjusted as needed. They managed expectations.
In Guyana’s case, the announcements of discoveries and economic growth are promising signs, but they’re not the finish line. They’re the building blocks for what could be a transformative era.
A key component of the multifaceted approach that is needed, is open, honest communication. It’s tempting to trumpet progress as a game-changer, but managing expectations is a delicate art. It’s about striking a balance between celebrating progress and acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead.
In the context of oil and gas for instance, the reported economic growth encompasses overall production, which includes the share that goes to the Stabroek Block Co-venturers. This isn’t a completely accurate reflection of growth. But I digress AGAIN. A different subject for a different article.
Awrite, ah done.
The point is, whether we are in government or another part of the propaganda machine, even the anti-government camp, we need to approach this journey with a steady hand. Let’s celebrate the wins, critique the shortcomings, but importantly chart a course that sets realistic expectations.
