Guyana records 2,100 murders under Jagdeo, Ramotar – Granger

Apr 07, 2015 News

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After stating their demands, Essequibians were promised that under a new coalition government

the citizenry will see serious constitutional reform, better social infrastructure, education, improved internet access-which was very relevant to slothful service received by the coastal community, better roadways, and among other things, a strong united government to bring all these plans to reality.
They heard this last Saturday when A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) “unity train” stopped at Damon Square, Anna Regina, for the party’s most recent political rally which attracted thousands.
It was Presidential candidate, Brig. David Granger, who focused on social, educational and security development. Prime Ministerial candidate Moses Nagamootoo ensured strong leadership in a unified manner, while Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes insisted on constitutional reform. Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine encouraged a strong revolt via the ballot box against a failed regime.
On Volda Lawrence’s list was the social ills which she insinuated results from a broken system.
Brig Granger said it is time for Guyana to plot its future. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has been unable to secure Guyana’s future. “We are the ones with love and unity; we are the ones who care and we are the ones that will make the Essequibo bigger than Trinidad and Tobago.”
Granger said that Essequibians need to be safe from crime and all forms of violence. “This country

will never be safe under the PPP…because they don’t care. Under APNU+AFC we are going to have a first class police force that cares about you and your children,” Granger said.
Under Jagdeo there were the worst murders, Granger said. Under the last two Presidents—Jagdeo and Ramotar— there were over 2,100 murders in the country; a history making record given the time span. Granger said “when elected,” he will make sure that children are educated.
After 23 years of the PPP, half the children in the country are failing their subjects, Granger said.  Students will not row a canoe to school, a school boat will be provided and every child will get a meal in school, he promised.
On communication, Granger said that some citizens still have to climb coconut trees to get cell phone connection. “The information super highway is an entitlement,” he pronounced, “Not a privilege.”
Granger told Essequibo that Guyana needs a caring government. “But your government is keeping you backward.”
He spoke about energy sources such as electricity generated by the wind in

Essequibo and the village’s various agricultural issues; with rice being most topical. He urged that a new government will bring social reform and institutional development to the coastal region and help them attain their true potential.
Nagamootoo urged Guyana to judge the current administration by its deeds, then sentence it on May 11. He said that the testimonies of the people such as Natram, who was stripped naked during a protest over paddy prices last year; Robert Badal, victimized hotel owner and Sam Bacchus, businessman, are among the cases for which the PPP government must be sentenced.
The Prime Ministerial candidate said that after Dr. Cheddi Jagan died- so did the party. “It is now being run by a pack of wolves that have devoured all that it once stood for.”
He said it is also time for a new government, with leaders that can be trusted, that will seriously attend to their affairs, address the crime situation, widespread corruption; waste a squandermania of taxes, a decent minimum wage, pension and social assistance for single parents.
Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine repeated the 2011 election cry that “there is no place for Donald.” He established that, ‘Donald’ becoming President was an absurdity.”
“For the last four years we have been ruled by King Donald the Absurd.”
Revolt against violence against wives, sisters and even grandmothers, the member said. He spoke of the recent murders of women including the beheading of an East Coast Demerara businesswoman and asked that May 11 be the day to avenge the death of Courtney Crum-Ewing who was gunned down while urging voters to come out on Election Day.
Attorney Hughes was especially passionate that for Guyana to go forward united, the constitution must undergo reform. He said the country is almost 50 years old and most of that time was spent divided.
The first and most important change, Hughes noted, was the constitution. “The days when we elect people who are in effect Kings or Queens to govern us because they are not responsible to us, immune from suit or have absolute power are over. Never again as citizens of this country will we ever allow anybody to enjoy the executive power that is vested in them under this constitution.”
Essequibians heard of changes to housing provisions and education.
Volda Lawrence provided telling statistics from international reports about social life in Guyana; with suicide being a major challenge to the country. She linked the problems to an ailing system and concluded that Guyanese are not happy.
Lawrence also touched on racism and on human behaviour that is essential for a nation’s development when she focused on Human services. The speaker was adamant about a change in social behaviour and posited that change will come under the “unity government.”

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