Determined to ensure that the people reap the benefits of Guyana’s resources

Feb 10, 2019 AFC Column, Features / Columnists

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The National Executive Council of the AFC has re-affirmed its determination to ensure that the people of the country are able to reap the benefits of Guyana’s resources that are rightfully theirs.
Together with our Coalition partner, APNU, we have brought about many changes to this nation and citizens all over the country are beginning to experience it. It bears repeating that this Government spent much of the past three years cleaning up the administrative messes that were created by the PPP throughout their 23 years of control over the government structure.
We had to undo many bad deals; a lot of time and resources were spent searching for hidden money, vehicles and many, many assets belonging to the state. A lot of obstacles were put in our way to make the task harder, but we continue to slog through to clean up all systems. True, the Coalition has made a few missteps and sometimes we went in the wrong direction, but the impressive successes that Guyanese are seeing in just three years cannot be downplayed.
Many of our brothers and sisters in the diaspora want to come back home to live and work. They are waiting anxiously for the time in the not-too-distant future when jobs in Guyana come much more easily with much better pay. The international financial community, the global business and investment community, and the people who assess our ability to provide health and good welfare for the population, are watching as Guyana climbs up in the statistics.
At home, our people need to be reminded sometimes when the noise and lies from the other sides get too loud. So here are a few reminders:
 The Coalition Government has restored Guyana’s credibility in the whole world and we are no longer known in Dubai or in Europe as the drug transshipment country, or one where the systems allow drug runners to go free
 The Government is protecting our territory and our resources from a greedy neighbour
 The Government is ensuring that Guyanese benefit from their own resources – forest products, gold, diamonds, manganese, bauxite, oil and other minerals found on their own land
 This Government has ensured that the judiciary remains independent
 The Speaker of the House of Parliament ensures that Parliament functions independently. The same goes for GECOM, the Integrity, Procurement and other Commissions
 Two Local Government Elections have been held in 3 years, compared to one in 1994 under the PPP
 Guyana’s media today enjoys full protection
 Security takes very high priority
 Crime statistics are going down, especially piracy on the Corentyne and the Atlantic. We have lost too many young lives to high sea piracy, and the fishing organizations are receiving governmental assistance
A SAFER NATION
We live in a safer country. In almost four years, the Government has erased police torture, extra-judicial killings and many of the ills that used to be associated with our police force. We have terminated the death squads and drug gangs; our people and their possessions including their homes, vehicles, boats and other property are now safer, but the fight against banditry is not yet over.
We continue to fight corruption in public agencies, while at the same time bringing back the great reputation we had for our high standard of education. Government works closely with the Education Ministry, NCERD, the Toshaos’ Council and several indigenous organizations to ensure that all children can go to school and qualify themselves to take over the reins of this nation. University education is now broader and more affordable, and UG’s administration is working hard with no political interference towards achieving a world-class rating.
Infrastructure is being replaced and new bridges, quality highways and roadways are strengthening the country’s land network. So far, the West Coast Demerara, East Bank Demerara and East Coast Demerara highways are complete along with five pedestrian overpasses and a major roundabout in Kitty. Elevators for our senior citizens and others are being installed on those overpasses.
Hinterland aerodromes and airstrips are being upgraded, and up to January 2019, we have opened 172 Community ICT Hubs all over Guyana that give people free access to the Internet. Plus, almost every Primary and Secondary school in 9 out of 10 Regions are connected to the national network.
Guyana can now boast of having a truly national public information network that links the Coastland with the hinterland. Since 2016, Government has commissioned six new Community Radio Stations in Mabaruma, Bartica, Mahdia, Orealla, Lethem and Aishalton, and at least two more would be launched this year.
Working people who still carry the burden of past neglect through starvation wages are much better off under this Government. VAT has been reduced, public servant salaries increased by 63%, and the tax threshold lifted to $780,000 annually. Everyone, from teachers, nurses, doctors, soldiers and police officers to pensioners, young people, single parents and public servants, now have greater hope for a better life waiting on the doorstep.
Guyanese have every reason to look forward to a life of peace and contentment now that this country is finally moving in the right direction – upward. These are real, compelling reasons to block out the noise and embrace what works for you.
A bright future for you and your children is assured with the APNU+AFC Coalition!

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