More than four decades after Forbes Burnham placed self-reliance and “Buy Local” at the centre of his economic programme, Guyana is reviving many of the same objectives, this time under a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration that once strongly criticised the approach.

The political irony is difficult to miss. Burnham’s drive to reduce dependence on imports and expand domestic production became one of the most controversial aspects of his administration. The PPP was among the principal opponents of the policies, particularly as import restrictions and shortages became associated with the global economic crisies of the late 1970s and 1980s.

Today, however, the PPP/C Government is again promoting greater domestic production as part of an effort to reduce the food import bill and strengthen food security.