AFC spreading misconceptions

May 26, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,
I am not amazed of the Alliance for Change joining the European Commission in castigating the Government for allegedly missing the deadline for the submission of budgetary disbursement for the sugar industry
The AFC is disregarding the opinion of the Government; which is expected, but sometimes we should strive to believe our own, despite our differences, rather than joining forces with outsiders.
The government is being penalized at every attempt for its reluctance to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement, especially since the EU is more advanced and developed.

Hence, the AFC is gravitating like cheap soup drinkers to the EU. The Alliance for Change’s vision for the Guyanese people is skewed and is only out to peddle mischief and misconception rather than making a meaningful contribution to our country.
Once again, the AFC has proved its craving for cheap political mileage by commenting on issues without necessary research to validate their points.
There have been many instances, but I will focus on the most recent relating to the alleged delayed submission for disbursement of funds for the sugar industry.

Subsequent to an independent research which revealed that the EU did not present a clear picture on the issue, which seems to be a deliberate endeavour taking into consideration the strong stance by the Minister of Agriculture and President Jagdeo on certain issues and negotiations between Guyana and the EU.
Even the EC Ambassador seemed unsure and dazed in his comments on this matter.
The President of Guyana was cognizant of the disadvantages of signing the Economic Partnership Agreement, but was highly criticised by fellow CARICOM members for not signing and stalling the process.
Those same countries are now realising the consequences of which, President Jagdeo highlighted. In addition, President Jagdeo was also instrumental to the inclusion of two clauses within the agreement before affixing his signature.

I very much pleased that Guyana’s Government is taking a position and not accepting everything that is thrown in its direction, which the AFC and the leadership is supporting.
The ruling government has proven its resilience in standing up to the EU and for the people of Guyana, while the AFC has joined the cause to criticise the Government for being firm and unwavering. Yet the AFC wants the people of Guyana to support their cheap political ambitions.
For too long we have been stooping to the more industrialised countries that look down upon Guyana, and the AFC is encouraging this to attract attention and justify their measly existence, which is slipping each day as they are being exposed for who they really are.

I sympathise with the AFC that they will soon come to the realisation of facts of the issues for which they seek to criticise the Government for being firm and assertive; something, which they should aspire for as a political opposition.
Further, while we recognise that sugar is at a low globally, the efforts by the Government to revitalise the sugar industry must not go unnoticed, in particular the efforts by the President and Minister of Agriculture.
James Semple (Jnr)