We have a progressive government, let’s support it

May 16, 2008 Letters

Dear Editor,
Thanks to the PPP/C for restoring democracy in Guyana, so that they can be attacked on television and by illegal protestors; by the very regime that banned freedom of expressions, lest we forget.
Some indiscriminate people even burning effigy of the President. Long live PPP/C Democracy! A far cry from what the PNC ever gave to the Guyanese people.

Anyone these days can publicly denounce the government on any issues they may have. Apart from being widespread it’s also very frequent. No shortages of demonstrations here when the PNCR boss calls on his followers.

The Opposition Leader of Guyana, Mr. Corbin loves to take to the streets with his proud supporters and do what they do best: try to undermine the good spirited citizen of this country by fanning disunity amongst the people and spread rumours against the ruling administration. The PNC, we all know too well, love to spread accusations and lies. I wonder who Mr. Corbin is fooling, when intelligent people know that the recent price increases is a global phenomenon that has affected billions of people worldwide. No other Caribbean country got any price relief like the government gave to the Guyanese people.

So how does Mr. Corbin justify his boycott of the National Assembly and conduct his protesting?

The demand for flour and rice can somewhat be blamed partially by the large nations’ consumption and the ever rising fuel prices which, according to economists, seem to have no quick fix.

The government must be commended for such a humanitarian gesture in the ongoing price relief effort for the vulnerable communities as we all witnessed.

Last week the Jagdeo administration increased hikes in wages and subsidised fuel, flour and rice. These moves to cushion the price and put a halt on inflation are welcome. Yes I agree the cost of living in Guyana is rising but so too in the wider world.

During the last few months Canadians saw an increase in the prices of wheat flour and rice by as much as 200 percent. And prices are still rising!

Here in North America we have to bite the bullet and pay whatever price we encounter at the supermarkets. No government in these rich countries will subsidise the inflated prices we pay for food items here. So what then does a certain sector of the Guyanese population keep complaining about? It’s always easy and simple to blame the government in Guyana.

Many letter writers express gratitude for the growth of this nation ever since this administration took office. Guyanese should be proud to see that a country that was once so underdeveloped is once again making a comeback with great stride. Support a progressive government that moves this country ahead.
Let me make one simple important point. Guyanese have choices: they can keep on blaming the government which is doing so much to help or get their tools in hand and look at being self sufficient with food, a choice many don’t have in other countries. Flour and rice can be less demanding with an abundance of locally grown food.

Ayube Khan