Invest wisely in Oil and Agriculture

Feb 08, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,
An opinion poll, which I conducted in mid-January has found that the population wants (is supportive of) the government to invest smartly in agriculture and energy (oil and gas) to ensure sustained long-term growth and to transform the economy of the country. Oil and gas should not trump agriculture because oil and gas would eventually run out (in twenty years) while the land would continue to provide resources (food) in perpetuity.
The polls findings (of 470 respondents) suggest the people want the government to be more assertive in its dealings with the oil companies to harness greater revenues from oil (royalties and profit sharing) and increased local content which are critical for the transformation of the economy.
According to the findings of the poll, when asked whether government should invest in agriculture for sustained growth, 86% said yes, 9% no, and 5% offered no response or said “not sure”.
Queried whether government should invest in oil and gas for long term growth, 83% said yes, 11% said no and 6% not sure. The public feels that energy investment with additional revenues from oil will help to transform and modernize the economy. They support extraction of oil and gas but feel the nation is deserving of revenues consonant with international trends.
The poll also found that the public is very supportive of the re-opening of the closed sugar estates 81% in support with 12% opposed and 7% offering no opinion. The estates create many jobs and will bring in additional tax revenues.
The poll also queried respondents on the most popular and effective Ministers. Attorney General Anil Nandlall was rated as the most popular Minister of the government. They say he is listening and delivering. Other Ministers who also received high ratings for performance and people skills include Zulfi Mustapha, Deodat Indar, Nigel Dharamlall, Vickram Bharrat, Kwame McCoy, Bishop Edghill, Susan Parag, among others.
Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News