Some questions for the coalition government

Nov 22, 2018 Letters

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DEAR EDITOR,

After the recent debacle that was local government elections for the governing APNU/AFC coalition, I believe they would be in reflection mode as to what the heck happened. The PPP as expected is gloating about how many votes it got and what it means for general elections come 2020.
The PPP would like Guyanese to believe that it won a resounding victory based on less than 40% of voters showing up at the polls. That argument is utter balderdash if less than half of eligible voters exercised their franchise.
The truth of the matter is the PPP is a very good opposition party and motivated to get back in power so it had no choice but to put up a good showing. However, despite some of the gains, they too should be concerned that many of their supporters also did not show up at the polls. The question they have to answer is: what would have happened if government supporters had showed up in massive numbers? They would have been wiped out and today would have found some other talking point to drum up propaganda.
At the moment they can milk the results and claim a massive and resounding victory, but that claim is hollow at best when looked at in the context of the low voter turnout and the government’s lackadaisical performance thus far.
As a supporter of the current Guyana government, I would like to pose some rhetorical questions for the coalition in the hope that they would seriously ponder and reflect on the issues mentioned therein. By no means is this a bucket list of all that needs to be reflected on, but I hope it will be a start.
1. Can the government of Guyana pay the people of Guyana (especially the public sector workers) higher wages and salaries? The answer is YES they can! Guyana has less than one million people (approximately – 750,000) and in fact the workers in Guyana probably number a paltry 450,000 including the private sector.
My point is with the proven reserves of oil, the government can and should be able to give Guyanese the good life NOW! The people of Guyana do not want to hear about the government cannot afford not to pay them more – the fact is the government cannot afford NOT to! Wake up coalition government!
Stop buying the argument of the PPP about debt – some debt is good, pay the people NOW! Worry about debt later! Nobody gives a damn about debts in the future, people want the good life NOW, not in the afterlife!
With the proven oil reserves in the ground get with the Payment Program People (PPP).The PPP will for obvious reasons yell that you are bribing the people or buying votes. Well hell yes! If that’s how they see it then that is their problem.
The question is, how will the people of Guyana see it – you got that right, they will see it as a reward (not bribe) for supporting the policies and programs of the government. The point is you have to do what you have to do and not let the opposition dictate your next move, you are the government so please govern. Remember your last elections slogan – “THE TIME IS NOW,”- and time is running out!
2. Do the people of Guyana need a Sovereign Wealth Fund? Not right now! Who benefits most from a Sovereign Wealth Fund – the people who administer the Wealth Fund? What Guyanese need NOW is money in their pockets and the good life NOW! Go out in the streets, the savannahs, back dams, front dams, mountain tops, rice fields and the bottom houses and let the people know that you will put money in their hands if they re-elect you.
The proposal by Professor Thomas is a good start – maybe US $3000 instead of US$5000 to get the ball rolling.
Coalition, what do you think the PPP is doing? Don’t you get it yet? Don’t you think they are making many promises to their supporters at their bottom house and back dam meetings that would make you blush at the US$5,000 proposal? You are the government the last time I checked – make a decision and live with it stop listening to the many critics and naysayers and get with the People Payment Program (PPP).
3. Do the people of Guyana need to hear about taxes at this time? Absolutely not! Make a public statement that ALL tax hikes or proposed tax hikes are frozen for three years, after which time there will be a review – if required. The people don’t care about what the IMF or World Bank are recommending – these institutions have shareholders that are in business to make money. With the long term proceeds from oil it is possible that Guyana would pay off all its debts (domestic and international) in 10-15 years.
4. Do the people of Guyana need mega infrastructure projects at this time that will eat up the oil revenues? NO! The only mega projects that should be pursued at this time are the Brazil Road (with provision for a commercial railway track adjacent to the road for future expansion) , a Demerara Harbour Bridge and a deep water harbour in Berbice. The road to Brazil and the deep water harbour will see thousands employed in construction work while the bridge will facilitate and ease traffic chaos in the corridor leading to the main airport.
5. What would the government of Guyana have done to ensure the good life for all Guyanese, if oil had not been discovered? Borrow, borrow, borrow…leading to debt, debt and more debt. Guyana government of the day, don’t be shy, Pay the People Properly (PPP).
Many Guyanese are not accustomed to living a high standard of living and that is why they are prepared to accept the current low standards. However, most of us who have migrated are living a mostly decent high standard of living and it will be very hard to attract us back home unless we are assured of similar or comparable living standards.
It is certainly not a favour or a crime to give the people of Guyana decent wages and salaries. Do not hesitate to loosen the purse strings and do it now because the opposition will shout you are only doing it because elections are coming up. Your response should be, so what?
6. The final question is, do you really want to be governing in 2020 and beyond? Do you want that more than the PPP? If you do, then get off your rockers and knock on every door, talk to anyone who will listen and communicate your vision for the future in plain language and simple actions and policies that resonate with the people, especially your base.
In conclusion, your vision should be bottom up and not top down! That way the voice and the will of the people will be heard, respected and implemented all the way to victory in 2020 and beyond.
I hope the government of the day takes the few pointers above on board and implements them, as the people are watching and waiting on your next move. The ball is in your court. Best of luck!

Clyde Pestano
Brampton, Ontario
Canada

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