The mischievous intentions of Donald Ramotar

May 26, 2016 Letters

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Dear Editor,

Ex-president Donald Ramotar wrote an article under the heading “The racist tactics of the APNU/AFC regime” I am convinced after reading this article that the aim is mischievous in that it creates incitement to divide the population and destroy all efforts of social cohesion.
The article began by stating that Indo-Guyanese and Amerindians suffer from the racist policies of the current regime especially with regards to mass dismissal in the public service. It was further pointed out that this is rampant in state corporations including Guysuco and the Guyana Revenue Authority.
Mr. Editor, incompetence and corruption were the hallmarks of the operation of Guysuco. Wrong investments at Skeldon and Enmore, industrial unrest, poor marketing decisions, failure to downsize and diversify, poor returns on investments, nepotism and political appointments are contributory factors which saddle poor taxpayers with continuous and considerable bailout money. With government trying to correct this situation this hypocritical pronouncement, especially by one former member of the board, is nothing less than paradoxical and atrocious.
Shake up at G.R.A. was long overdue. At that organization nepotism and political appointees destroyed the essence of the chain of command in management and left a lot of room for dictatorial practices. Furthermore confidential information was disseminated contrary to constitutional regulations. As far as tax imposition was concerned this was skewed in favour of the wealthy where lack of information, bribery and political patronage saw them paying far less than they should. This resulted in hundreds of millions in leakages and starved the nation of essential developmental funds. The poor were made to pay more as VAT which was regressive, fell heavily on them. Mr. Ramotar should be ashamed to hurl criticism especially when all these atrocities and many more prevailed under his watch.
Mr. Editor, after a long time Amerindian can now feel that they are an integral part of our society. There is an Amerindian Vice President and some well distinguished Amerindians Ministers. Regular visits are made by Amerindian ministers and the First Lady to evaluate Amerindian communities and help out with their problems. Other ministers too are looking into the burning issues of land demarcation, illegal mining on their territory and environmental issues affecting their livelihood. In addition, Amerindian students are helped with transportation through President Granger initiative; there are better conditions at their school and dormitories and more resources are made available to Amerindian students. With regards to current treatment meted out to Amerindians one can safely conclude that pride and prestige are continuously restored to our indigenous people.
Mr Donald Ramotar biased article continued by stating that Afro Guyanese support for the PPP result in them being targeted. Kwame Mc Koy is mentioned as a peaceful Afro Guyanese citizen against who trumped up changes are brought, including changes against Mark Benschop. Ramotar says he is innocent. The article further went on by stating that under the Coalition violence was directed against McKoy to the extent that he suffered a broken nose and had to be hospitalized.
Mr. Editor, In spite of what is mentioned this individual had to be rescued by a compassionate president on Election Day otherwise he would have been a part of our history by now. Nothing is mentioned about the incident where he deliberately hit down somebody with his vehicle or was mention made of hitting somebody in their face with his gun. This individual, as other incidents have proven, has unlimited power and he was made immune from persecution. On many occasions the police were told to leave the “gentleman” alone. Actually Mr. Ramotar never imagined the consequences when the shoe would be on the other side of the foot where culpable individuals will have to face the music.
Mr. Editor the article further stated that lease of Afro – Guyanese farmers were cancelled and given to members who claimed that they belonged to a Coop. Mr. Ramotar and the PPP should have the least to say about land policy. These people have given away our rich forest and mining areas to people who to my mind are foreign mercenaries rather than foreign investors. Even Amerindians ancestral lands fell under this scheme. Thanks to the present government for reversing these contemptuous acts.
Mr. Ramotar’s sympathy for Coop societies shows his acute ignorance. He should remember the Rosanante Coop of Parika where Afro Guyanese lands were taken away by Jagan Government and given to Indian farmers. The Coop sector, which should be part of our tri-sectoral approach to development, was given lands to carry out their activities, with the PPP rise to power, the PPP began to destroy these societies with fabrication so that they can set their hands on the lands and make money or give it over to their supporters, or give it to anyone who can be compromised in other ways.
Mr. Editor, Mr. Ramotar has evolved and graduated to be a misinformer. His aim is to use propaganda to cover lost ground by his party. However, two things are apparent: there is a demographic shift which is nullifying gains made by ‘Apan Jaat’ policy; the opposition has more than four years to weave their deception during which time tremendous shortcomings will develop in their approach, and this will put them in a worst position than they were in at the 11th May, 2015 election.
N. Mohamed
Region 2

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