Enumerating the wrongs and violations of the PPP Government

Jan 04, 2017 Letters

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Dear Editor,
Guyana is at a critical juncture relative to the direction in which it goes. On one hand, there is the present government that is poised to take the country and its people further politically, culturally, socially and economically. Then there is the opposition PPP, the former regime that ruled for twenty three years. The PPP is hell bent on regaining power at all costs. Their penchant for creating division and racial strife is evidently their sole means of self-preservation. During their 23 years of misrule, the economic and socio cultural decimation of those who did not support them has had a telling effect on the nation. It is up to the present administration to provide opportunities to those who were denied it for the past 23 years. This amounts to almost a generation.
The now opposition had a consistent policy of enriching and empowering its own supporters to the detriment and expense of other Guyanese. In the face of this, the party claims to be an institution that embraces diversity, and cares for the well being of all Guyanese. The evidence gleaned from their actions dismisses any notion of inclusiveness and equal opportunity. I will highlight a few instances.
Billions of dollars’ worth of state assets was sold to the best friend of Bharat Jagdeo for a song. These include two indigenous industries; the Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation, and the Sanata Complex. This same individual was blessed with broadcasting licenses and a lucrative contract in the broadcast of the Government’s education program. The son of a former minister set up a company overnight and was awarded a lucrative contract to import BMWs for an international event hosted by the Government.
Villages that were supportive of the regime were developed with lightning speed compared to those Afrocentric villages where the APNU parties draw the bulk of their traditional support. Scholarships were awarded on the basis of party affiliation. The infamous and shameless Pradoville schemes were built using taxpayer resources, and then sold for a song to high ranking party members, their hacks and fellow travelers. Housing development was made easiest and accelerated in the areas that supported the PPP.
On the eve of his departure from office, Jagdeo distributed broadcast licenses. The recipients were all affiliated or sympathetic to the PPP in some shape or form. He even awarded a license to the party (PPP), when no other political party received a license. This is unheard of in the modern world. He denied reputable news outlets like Kaieteur News and Stabroek News licenses. It was revealed in the Jagdeo libel against Freddie Kissoon that not a single ambassador representing Guyana overseas was Afro Guyanese.
The state boards were stacked with supporters that facilitated benefits to supporters. As all of this was taking place, there was nothing that was offered to those who did not support the party. The PPP draws its support mainly from Indo Guyanese, therefore the major beneficiaries of its largesse came from that segment of the population. It is therefore a pellucid conclusion that the Guyanese who were marginalized and economically depressed under the PPP were largely African. The government should be encouraged to advance the development of those who were marginalized by the former regime.
It shocks any sense of human decency, when Jagdeo and his cohorts accuse this government of discrimination and corruption. Recently Anil Nandlall accused the government of a politically biased list of newly appointed Senior Counsels. Does he forget that Jagdeo initially refused to appoint James Bovell-Drakes as a judge even though he was recommended by the Judicial Services Commission? When the Hatian Government requested that Nigel Hughes be appointed their Honorary Consul to Guyana, Jagdeo’s government objected all because Nigel Hughes was a fierce critic of his government.
It is the responsibility of any government to provide opportunities for all its citizens’ empowerment and development. The present government has to be applauded for instituting programs and policies that will help those who were marginalized under the former regime. For example, the initiative that will see funding for villages with agricultural potential that were neglected by the PPP is an excellent direction for development.
I would like the critics of this program who call it discriminatory to point to the initiatives and programs for development these villages received under the PPP. The answer is none. They are deserving citizens who deserve a share of the national pie. The PPP unfairly attacks the Minister of Social Cohesion. Their fear is that the programs embarked upon may truly bring Guyanese together in a state of genuine cohesiveness. The provision of bicycles, boats and buses to transport school children will go a far way in their educational opportunities.
Critics of the government condemn two persons who hold ministerial portfolios receiving government scholarships. This is another example of empowering those who suffered the brunt of discrimination. These ministers applied through the normal channels like any other taxpaying citizens. The PPP makes this a storm in a teacup, while they paid millions for the private law journals of Anil Nandlall. Where did the PPP get the moral authority to comment on corruption and discrimination?
Jerrick Rutherford Jr.
New Jersey

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