I insist on free and fair election, please!

Jan 22, 2020 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

Now that electioneering is in full swing, I am surprised that the same old narrative is being heard, including the word “comrade”. I have a single issue for the new political party. It is free electricity for all, except for commercial users.
I am old enough to have experienced the frequent and daily power outages that it has become part of the Guyanese way of life since the dawn of the use of the word “comrade”. Moreover, the blackouts have continued over the reigns of both of the main parties – some four plus decades. Yet we don’t hear the promise of steady reliable electricity in this election. Like free healthcare and free education, the time has come for free electricity as a result of the abundance of oil (natural gas). Besides free electricity will improve the quality of life which translates into smarter and healthier people thus reducing costs associated with utilization of health care and provision of education (free online courses from top universities available).
The question is why Guyanese continue to give all parties a break on this issue. The obvious answer lies in the monopoly of the only electricity supplier that has always been used as a political tool. For this reason, I advise the new parties to make this their single campaign issue. There is nothing to lose and it is more feasible than creating an oil fund. Free electricity is a direct impact to the Guyanese people and will be remembered every second of the day. Imagine brighter communities reducing crime. Seniors and retirees not having to pay for electricity until oil runs out.
The costs of providing free electricity is available, just multiply the current cost (by a factor) of what it takes the electric company to deliver the current percentage of demand then subtract unnecessary administrative costs.
The party that is innovative enough to campaign and win on this single issue will be known as the “genius party” or coalition government with genius members. Notwithstanding, I insist free and fair election. Please!

Keith Bernard

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