An enchantment with the APNU+AFC Government

May 15, 2017 Letters

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Dear Editor,
A few weekends ago, while a group of us waited at a mechanic shop for our varying automotive needs to be attended to, a well-spoken gentleman raised an interesting topic; the value of life versus the cost of living in Guyana, two years after the APNU-AFC coalition’s election to government. It was raised after our discussions took a tangential twist to current affairs and life in Guyana since the most recent change of government in May 2015.
What was evident from that gaff in the mechanic shop was that all of the six men gathered have great expectations that have not (yet) been met under the new administration. Nevertheless, there was a collective consciousness about several achievements as well as inhibitions and affective factors that prevail. During our discourse, I made the point and partial prediction that judging from the new government’s posture and agitation by the political opposition, there would be significant changes within the next six to twelve months.
There are many indicators that the government is progressively taking stock of some slack connections and tightening up the circuitry to ensure optimum efficiency in key sectors. The restructure of GUYSUCO operations and accelerating anti-fraud investigations by SOCU are just two to name a few.
Since May 2015, Guyana’s National Assembly has enacted important and necessary legislation; particularly that of anti-Money Laundering and countering the Financing of Terrorism, and State Asset Recovery. Both pieces of legislation are integral to the preservation of confidence and stability in the local economy. Reformation continues in the agriculture sector, with priority on value-added production and restructuring of GUYSUCO – that sweet industry that has been a perennial stumbling block to the Guyana economy.
Guyana launched a massive diplomatic offensive to counter and ultimately seek closure to the decades old territorial claim and hostility by Venezuela. That offensive was led by none less than HE President Granger at various international forums and the UN. So effective was his thrust and acquired traction that Guyana is now closer to a juridical settlement than ever before, since the controversy was resurfaced by Venezuela’s President Maduro.
Guyana has also taken a proactive role in its strong advocacy for environmental friendliness and the promotion of a Green Environment. That notable advocacy was given further recognition and acclamation by the Head of the Commonwealth, HM Queen Elizabeth II who eagerly hosted an audience with HE President Granger during his recent visit to the UK. The effectiveness of President Granger’s UK visit gained Britain’s immediate attention with the reciprocal visit of the British Minister of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Rt. Hon. Baroness Anelay of St. Johns, to Georgetown one week later.
Prior to May 2015, the fear of losing a son, particularly among Afro-Guyanese mothers, reached its peak only second to the days when their ancestors were subject to enslavement and brutal killings. Scores of Afro-Guyanese youth were routinely, rounded-up, profiled and often killed. Today, many Afro-Guyanese men seem to take the appreciated value of their lives for granted following abandonment of that systemic trend of profiling and extra-judicial executions.
We also have some indicators that the electorate intends to keep this government on its toes, as there is no end to the daily critique whether constructive from within or otherwise driven by competitive opposition contestants and the misinformed. But, let’s get back to my opening paragraph. What is the value of life nowadays? Unless one is extremely delusional, the value and worth of a life in Guyana has appreciated significantly since May 2015, while the cost of living remains stable. There is a marginal decrease in some commodity prices – a direct result of VAT reduction from 16% to 14%. Guyana is no longer World Champion for suicides.
People, like those anti-Parking Meters, anti-VAT on private education, anti-restructure of GUYSUCO protestors, have all enjoyed the liberties of unhindered public protests. No one was tear-smoked, rounded up and charged, harassed, or shot with pellets and live rounds. These democratic privileges and freedoms of expression have even attracted the faces of some who were previously too scared of physical harm and retribution to ever step onto the streets or consider uttering a squeak of resistance to anything.
Nowadays people look healthier, are comparatively saner and better rested. The latter is evident either because they aren’t subject to state imposed stress and political tyranny or are now enjoying ‘a full’ night’s rest compliments of the Public Security Ministry’s curfew against night-long partying and noise nuisance. Additionally, the decrease of certain criminal activities, successful crime solving, and timelier prosecutions have increased public confidence in law enforcement and security.
The foregoing are significant elements that forms an agglomerative trajectory for Guyana
There is a seamless and methodical restoration of civilization in Guyana; something that may be oblivious to many locals but is an evident and enviable development to other nationalities. Just observe the influx of foreign nationals, particularly western investors, Cuban traders and students from Southern Asia and Africa. The progressive steps that Guyana has made over the past two years under its new government is something each citizen should be cognizant and proud of, for it inspires confidence for the journey ahead. As the Chinese Philosopher, Lao-Tzu, said via translated quote, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” Our journey has started. Let us not tire or lose focus by those bent on distraction and divisions!
Orette Cutting

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