Opposition urged to mobilize to support development initiatives

Mar 02, 2014 Features / Columnists, PPP Column

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The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), since its establishment, continues to work assiduously to promote and develop a deep sense of patriotism and nationalism.
The Party believes that the demonstration and practice of such patriotic values are not only a national imperative for development but also for the unity and cohesion for the nation as a whole.
As our nation continues on its development trajectory, not only has economic growth been achieved but all of our peoples from the various social strata have been positively impacted by the benefits which have accrued through the overwhelming social and infrastructural developments.
This is demonstrative of the commitment of the PPP/C administration to provide a better life for all Guyanese.
The achievements over the many years were not realized only by the strong commitment of our Party and Government but also through the diligent efforts and dedication of the sons and daughters of our dear land who responded enthusiastically to the call in October 1992 by the PPP/C Government for “Time for Change, Time to Rebuild” and who have put their shoulders to the wheel and made tremendous sacrifices to make Guyana what it is today.
Having advanced our country from a poor to a developing one, and while many successes have been achieved, we believe that there is still much more to be done to realize the country’s true potential.
It is in this context that our Party remains convinced that the opposition can endeavour to be more supportive not only by their actions but through the responsibilities they have to their constituencies.
The Party therefore calls on the Opposition to commit itself to all aspects of our nation’s development and to put our country first so that the wellbeing of all Guyanese can continue to be safeguarded.
We urge the Opposition to mobilize its members and supporters to support the various initiatives the Government is undertaking to continuously carve a better and brighter Guyana.
Some of these initiatives include the anti-littering “Pick It Up” campaign and the Stray Catchers program which not only have a positive impact on the aesthetic of our surroundings, but also for a healthier environment and safer roadways respectively.
Similarly, support for the campaign to protect our mangroves which help to mitigate the harsh consequences of climate change must be encouraged.
Support for the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) by the Opposition, provides an opportunity for them to demonstrate their nationalism for an initiative that has immense benefits for all.
The LCDS has encompassed a number of projects for sustainable development which will lead to a positive transformation of our country, among them being the Amaila Falls Hydro-electricity project whose economic benefits have been thoroughly articulated in the public domain. The potential it holds for the transformation of our country is indeed overwhelming.
In addition to these, we also urge the Opposition to support the government’s security initiatives which include fighting crime and drug trafficking; the efforts to prevent smuggling and contraband across our borders; the efforts to combat human trafficking; the fight against lawlessness in an effort to maintain peace and good order; the prevention of squatting and the destruction of government reserves and public property.
The Firearms Amendment Bill, the SWAT Unit and the Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill, are some of the more recent measures government moved to implement to combat crime and to aid in national security. All Guyanese would be better served if these efforts are supported and not be used for divisive purposes.
Given the current challenges faced, the need for all to give support, including the Opposition and its supporters, is crucial.
We would like to reiterate that the welfare and wellbeing of our people remain the PPP/C administration’s developmental thrust. It is therefore of utmost importance that the Opposition ensures that its members and supporters support the government’s violence prevention action plan. A lack of support in this regard has the potential to create a negative influence for investors. Over the years the government has worked tirelessly to create an enabling environment so that investors can continue to enjoy stability which is critical to their investments.
Our Party is rooted in the firm belief that for our rapid development to be sustained the support of all is needed. We therefore encourage the opposition to mobilize its support behind Government’s programs and policies. We believe that the interest of Guyanese would be better served if the opposition were to re-direct their energies towards the national goals and continued prosperity of our people instead of the negative stance they have taken on budget cuts, key development projects and security.
The PPP calls on the opposition to give genuine and tangible support to the developmental goals of the Government.

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