Soaring performance ratings for the President and his government

Nov 09, 2020 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
It is traditional to assess or take stock of the performance of a new administration around its 100 days in office. November 9 would be the 100th day since President Irfaan Ali’s swearing in on August 2, some five months after the impasse during which several attempts were made to rig the outcome of the election.
A survey being conducted by this writer in New York and in Guyana finds soaring performance ratings for the President and his government (administration), in particular for the Attorney General, Anil Nandlall. Respondents praise President Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, and Legal Affairs Minister Nandlall, among others, for rescuing the country from poor governance of the predecessor regime and the dire straits of the economy.
The respondents in the survey overwhelmingly say that the PPP has done a much better job managing the affairs of the country than the APNU+AFC coalition and that peoples’ lives are much better now than under the preceding regime.
Respondents describe the President and his team as “action oriented”. They say there has been much progress in the country since August 2 even though a budget was not approved till a month later.
In New York, the survey interviewed 102 Indians, 54 Africans and Mixed, and six Amerindians.
The data for the survey in Guyana is being processed.
The US and other countries intervened to protect democracy in Guyana and the survey revealed that foreign (US) involvement was welcomed by (some 70%) Guyanese in the NY based diaspora.
The New York survey finds that a lot of goodwill was generated for the change in administration given the misbehaviour of the coalition during the five months election impasse.
With regards to numbers, a large majority supports the change in administration with almost every Indian and Amerindian approving of the change along with a fifth of the Africans and Mixed population. Almost every Indian and Amerindian gave a thumbs up to the performance of President Irfaan (72% approval rating) and the government (71% approval rating).
The President has come in for a lot of praises from those interviewed: described as young, intelligent, dynamic, balanced, matured, sincere, passionate, dedicated, and committed to national development and harmonious inter-ethnic relations.
They note he has been helping all Guyanese irrespective of ethnicity. Some say he talks passionately of helping all Guyanese and that they see it in his face and communications.
He is on right track in terms of economic reforms especially in lowering taxes. A large majority approves of the budget (69%).
And he has signalled he wants a trustworthy electoral system that will inspire confidence in all Guyanese. Some 68% support prosecution of election riggers and 65% feel election will not be free and fair if the riggers remain at GECOM. Some 70% want electoral reforms.
The President is seen as very pro-active and going out in the communities.
They like the idea that he is taking government to the door steps of people.
Respondents say the President seems committed to democratic governance and to electoral and constitutional reforms.
Respondents praise his and the Vice President’s ability to access resources from friendly countries like India, USA, Canada, and UK for Guyana to address pandemic issues. In spite of constraints of pandemic, the government is forging excellent international relations and signing accords with several countries.
President Irfaan has been able to secure foreign assistance from several countries for development programmes.
He pulled off the biggest achievement in diplomatic relations – a visit by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the first visit to Guyana of an American cabinet member. There is overwhelming approval (70%) for US involvement in the election to secure the democratic outcome and for Pompeo’s visit.
Respondents overwhelmingly approve the performance of Nandlall as well as to the granting of Silk (Senior Counsel) status to him and Timothy Jonas. Everyone rates Anil Nandlall as the most efficient Minister of the government. Every Indian, Amerindian and a majority of Africans and Mixed approved of Nandlall’s performance as AG.
The President disappoints the diaspora in one area – many complain that the administration has not appointed qualified individuals from diaspora to positions as promised during visits to and engagements with diaspora especially in North America. Many are also disappointed in the government’s handling of the oil contracts.
Yours truly
Vishnu Bisram

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News