Latest update November 26th, 2024 1:00 AM
Jagdeo helping to recover billions
President Granger says the Opposition Leader has been “friendly and cooperative”
By: Kiana Wilburg
It appears that the Granger government and the new corruption watchdog of the people, Bharrat Jagdeo, have found a way to work together in improving democracy and returning transparency and accountability to the nation.
This conclusion was reached when President David Granger facilitated this newspaper with an interview after the recording of government’s television show, “The Public Interest.”
The Head of State said that a meeting was recently held with the Opposition Leader and they spoke on various issues of national importance. Granger however, seems most heartened by the fact that the Opposition Leader indicated a willingness to offer advice on financial matters and in helping the coalition administration in recovering monies.
Granger was then asked to speak on some of those issues they were able to reach some level of mutual understanding on and to share his views on Jagdeo’s promise to hold the feet of the coalition government to the fire.
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo
President, David Granger
“Well, that is the role of the Opposition. We want to get criticisms from the opposition side and that is why we have a Parliament with two sides, ours and theirs. Jagdeo was President for 12 years and has been a long serving member of the People’s Progressive Party, going into government in the time of the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan,” the President said.
He added, “I wouldn’t divulge what he said but from our conversation on Monday he was quite prepared to give advice on financial matters and in fact he mentioned some things which I am confident will help the government to recover some revenue and bring more money into our coffers. So he has been very friendly and cooperative. I look forward to a fruitful engagement.”
The Head of State noted that he is pleased with some of the things related to him by Jagdeo, which he believes would lead to greater efficiency in revenue collection as well, and said that the next meeting between the two is not confirmed as yet.
Granger said that both parties have agreed to the appointment of high level contact persons to be nominated so as to facilitate the smooth flow of meetings between the two at any hour of the day or night, short notice or not.
“You know we never broke contact with the PPP/C and I don’t mind my feet being kept to the fire,” said the President.
Earlier this week, the Ministry of the Presidency informed the media that the Jagdeo-Granger meeting also saw the agreement between the two on the Venezuela territorial controversy.
According to the Ministry, Granger said that Guyanese can look forward to the current administration doing its part to ensure inclusive governance. In an invited comment following the meeting with Jagdeo, he said that his administration is prepared to work with the Opposition for the benefit of the people of Guyana.
He added that there is the urgent problem of threats to Guyana’s territorial integrity that must be addressed. President Granger said that the Opposition Leader has agreed to work with the administration to deal with the Venezuela territorial issue.
Jagdeo and Granger also discussed as a matter of national interest, the establishment of the five bi-partisan committees. These bodies are the Agriculture Committee, Budget Committee, Border Committee, National Unity Committee and a Security Committee.
“Once Mr. Jagdeo was elected Leader of the Opposition, I wrote him inviting him to talks, because as Leader of Opposition he has certain Constitutional obligations,” President Granger said.
The Head of State added that, there is important work that has to be completed on the packed roster of the Eleventh Parliament, which includes the 2016 Budget and support for the agriculture sector, particularly the rice and sugar industry.
Given the magnitude of these and other matters, the President said, he is pleased that the meeting happened, as it is important to start the process of addressing matters of national interest.
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