Mr Harmon, stop throwing dust in people’s eyes

Mar 20, 2019 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

I note with keen interest the assertions of Mr Harmon at his most recent meeting with the diaspora in New York a few days ago. He touted the position that there is no constitutional crisis in Guyana and that Guyanese are enjoying a better life now.
I have chosen to address the ‘better life’ theme, today, and not to comment on the ‘constitutional crisis’ which has been receiving widespread attention across the spectrum of media in Guyana and the diaspora.
Editor, Mr Harmon was correct about one thing, that is, Guyanese are smart. Yes, they know when they are being fooled. For example, everyone knows that when exchange dollar rates go up there is a shortage of foreign currency, which occurs when the economy is in a bad state.
The money kingpin at the Bank of Guyana said not so long ago that there is no shortage of foreign currency, yet travellers and businesses can’t get at local banks and exchange houses even at a rate of G$230 to US$1. The people know that we have lost over 30,000 jobs during the last three years; they know the economy has been grossly mismanaged and the host of other negatives impacting the nation due to APNU + AFC maladministration.
Furthermore, it is no secret that the government failed to support the rice industry. Contrary to what some may peddle, I am not saying that they should have given money to rice farmers; in fact, all the rice farmers wanted was help in finding foreign markets for their products. Instead, the government told the farmers that it was a private sector concern. Which good government does that?
Editor, among the other forms of maladministration, was their shutting down the housing drive. It was not until the last few weeks’ frantic elections/political gimmicks that we see some action in this area. It should be noted too, that the government has not developed any new housing scheme and that the lots being given out are in schemes already established by the PPP/C government.
Besides shutting down the logging operations, the closure of the housing drive has hugely affected the sawmilling and related industries, and together, they cost jobs and slowed exportation of wood and wood products to the detriment of the foreign reserves. The nation is feeling the squeeze.
In essence, where is the better/good life that Harmon talked about? The economy has slowed tremendously; there has been a loss of jobs; foreign exchange rate is going up due to lack of foreign currency; and people are paying more for goods and basic items. Clearly, people are suffering.
In a nutshell, people, whether in New York, Guyana or elsewhere in the diaspora, know what Mr Harmon said is far from reality. As smart people, they know when someone is throwing dust in the eyes of the populace.

Regards,
Ronald Singh

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