Latest update March 28th, 2025 6:05 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

New Year should bring consensus – YCT

Dec 17, 2012 News

 

 

The Youth Coalition for Transformation (YCT) is not happy with the way a number of issues were played out in the year 2012.
Speaking at a press conference last Friday, the group’s President Jermaine Grant said that like many Guyanese, many critical issues for the year were unaddressed and unresolved and they will still befall the nation in the coming New Year.
“The question of Electoral Reform, Police Reform, Local Government Reform, combating corruption, transparency, accountability of public money, economic empowerment and development of Linden and Region 10 are among important priorities,” said Grant.
He said that the YCT is dissatisfied like many Guyanese that one year has passed with no significant development on the issues mentioned, to instill hope and comfort that the political system is working effectively. According to Grant, there was no political maturity displayed and this is seriously needed for compromise and consensus.
Grant said that it is obvious that all political parties have contention with GECOM but there is no move for electoral reform and campaign finance reform. He said that these are major issues that many persons complained about.
In regards to the police, Grant said that 2012 saw wanton police brutality and extra judicial killings by officers of the Guyana Police Force. He said that the relatives of the three Linden protestors, Shaquille Grant and Damion Belgrave are still seeking justice whilst the political establishments behave like it is business as usual. Grant noted that no Commission of Inquiry, reward money, gifts, and visits by government officials to offer sympathies, can remedy the system and make Guyanese feel safe “until we see real institutional and policy reforms of the Guyana Police Force.”
Moreover, he said that the installation of Interim Management Committees (IMCs) and dissolution of NDCs and municipalities will not remedy the needs in villages and towns across Guyana that need revenue and resources. He said that since the commencement of parliament, no piece of Local Government legislation has been passed. “How serious is the government when for more than 10 years, discussions are yet to bring an end to reason on Local Government Reform?” asked Grant.
Then there is corruption, which Grant said seems to be everywhere.  He said that the recent ranking by Transparency International of Guyana being among the most corrupt countries in the world is embarrassing at best.
“Rather than the government act to build its image and Guyana’s profile, it resorted to defile TI and discredit the Index.”
Linden and Region 10 have been economically emasculated for many years. The removal of electricity subsidies and efforts to impose electricity tariffs exacerbated the problem that resulted in mass protests and the unfortunate deaths of three young men, Grant observed.
“The valour of Lindeners for economic justice was resolute in protest that resulted in landmark agreements signed by Chairman of Region 10 Sharma Solomon and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds. After more than three months all seems to boil down to naught. Surely Lindeners deserve better. Situations like these are premised on the lack of honouring contracts which puts Guyana on bad lists internationally,” he stated.
YCT, he said, believes that progress starts with a conversation with all across the divide, who are committed to work and win for Guyana.
“At least the government saw the detriment of non-cooperation with the dollar downed National Budget. Walking up court steps every other month with constitutional challenges against parliamentary decisions is not progress and will deepen the divide and stymie the work for the people. Further, it undermines parliamentary democracy.”
Grant noted that Budget 2013 will be interesting and YCT believes it is time for real consultation, especially with the parliamentary majority for a comprehensive budget and legislative agenda to be delivered to Guyana as a gift for the New Year.
“That can be the New Year resolution for all Guyanese. We are almost three months away from Budget 2013 and the time to act is now.”

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 17th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Mice and Jermaine $1.7M Linden Futsal tournament starts tonight with three matches at Retrieve Hard Court

Mice and Jermaine $1.7M Linden Futsal tournament starts tonight with...

Mar 28, 2025

-Milerock face Bamia, Hi Stars battle Botafago, Ward Panthers match skills with Silver Shattas Kaieteur News- With a total $1.4M in cash at stake, thirteen clubs are listed to start their campaign as...
Read More
Slingerz FC hunt second win tonight

Slingerz FC hunt second win tonight

Mar 28, 2025

More sponsors on board ahead of Second Annual GGA/NSC National Long Drive Championship set for Saturday

More sponsors on board ahead of Second Annual...

Mar 28, 2025

LGC to host STP Investments Inc. Golf Tourney this Sunday 

LGC to host STP Investments Inc. Golf Tourney...

Mar 28, 2025

𝐓𝐒𝐔, Region 2 book semi-final spots as teams look towards the finale

𝐓𝐒𝐔, Region 2 book semi-final spots as...

Mar 27, 2025

World Athletics recognize AAG Elections

World Athletics recognize AAG Elections

Mar 27, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]