PPP/C is incapable of managing our country’s affairs

Aug 03, 2022 Letters

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Dear Editor,
The Government of Guyana has returned the hosting of the International Building Expo. This event opened on Friday, July 22, 2022, under the theme, “A new Frontier for building a One Guyana,” with much fanfare to excite and entice Guyanese. There are a few observations I wish to make and bring to the public’s attention. Editor, you will agree that initiating programmes must have smart objectives and outcomes to achieve realistic goals.
Firstly, the event was labelled “International Building Expo.” Editor, the operative word here is “international,” but we must ask ourselves whether the event truly represented what it said? For me, there were more local firms than international companies. Some may want to disagree with me. However, the few unfamiliar international companies that were on exhibition, basically have local offices operating in Guyana. I expected to see international companies from Asia and Europe here displaying their services and products. I was pleasantly surprised that companies from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and other CARICOM countries did not participate in building expo 2022.

In my view, I was expecting to see different types of town and city planning and housing designs or solutions at affordable rates for differing categories of Guyanese (single mothers, low-income earners, youths, and people with disability) on display. However, I was disappointed.

Secondly, why were citizens made to pay an entry fee of $300.00 when the government should have either subsidised or made the event free from charges, as we now have a lucrative oil and gas economy? Why was the impact of the high cost of living not considered when thinking of entry fees? Was this a strategy to only meet a particular class of citizens?

Thirdly, it was interesting to see and learn about the different products produced locally, but the reality Editor, the prices are unfavourable to the average Public Servant.

Fourthly, the announcements made by Mr. Ali at the opening ceremony of the event regarding possible measures for first-time home builders. Editor, many thoughts, and questions wandered through my mind. Please permit me to share a few: a) Was this a collective decision by Cabinet? b) Was an assessment done to determine the impact on the nation’s treasury? c) Was a survey or assessment done to ascertain who should benefit from this initiative? d) Was a plan developed to guide the implementation of the initiative? e) Why wasn’t this budgeted for and put before the National Assembly for scrutiny and subsequent approval? f) Is this how governance and management of the nation’s finances should be scantly treated?

Fifthly, why would the government, at the opening of the International Building Expo, invite thousands (according to a release via CHPA Facebook page, 5000) to provide them with the agreements of sale and titles? What consideration was given for an allottee residing in Region 6 or Region 2, having to incur additional travel costs just to come to Region 4 to receive their documents with a smile and handshake for the cameras? My only contention is for them, the Government, to promulgate propaganda and misguide the people. The Central Housing and Planning Authority has sub-offices in Regions 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10, that these services can be provided.

Sixthly, was it necessary to host such an event when the cost of living is skyrocketing in my beloved country, and many people find it difficult to provide for their families each day and the Government’s lacklustre approach in addressing this problem? The monies expended in preparation for the event could have been utilised for other purposes to address the high cost of living, such as paying increases in salary to Public Servants, temporary revising of the Tax threshold, temporary revision of the 14% VAT on essential goods and services, to name a few.

Editor, I must state for the record and your readers that many persons who received letters of allocation during the Coalition Government reached out to express a heart of gratitude. They have received titles and agreements of sale. However, the frustration was unbearable since many of them were asked to be there before 16:00hrs on Friday, July 22, 2022, and never left the venue until after 02:00hrs on Saturday, July 23, 2022.

Editor, I am on record decrying the fact and the haphazard approach by this administration when it comes to handling the affairs of our people and addressing the housing needs of our citizens. I will say that the PPP/C never had a plan for the housing Ministry; they still don’t have one.

Editor, I will conclude by asking aloud and in the same breath proffer an answer. Which government wakes each new day and publicly announces that monies not approved by the National Assembly will be expended on projects and activities deemed by them? Sir, ONLY under the PPP/C regime. Guyana is in a severe dilemma, and the PPP/C is incapable of managing our country’s affairs. Like Guyanese, I will look forward to the Government and Central Housing and Planning Authority providing to the nation a final report on the successful hosting of the International Building Expo and whether their outcomes have been achieved.

Finally, Editor, in my considered opinion, I believe that the International Building Expo 2022 was catered mainly for elites and not average Guyanese.

For your information.
Yours in service,
Annette Ferguson, MP
APNU+AFC Shadow Minister – Housing and Water Sectors

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