President Irfaan Ali and his ministries have withstood the test of time, tactics and temerity

Aug 05, 2022 Letters

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Dear Editor,

Kaieteur News – Two years ago, the Ali administration was finally sworn into office after a five months impasse during which, the then President Granger led APNU+AFC Administration held this country under siege and had their knees on the necks of Guyanese, refusing to demit office even after a recount of the votes by international observers proved that the PPP/C Party had won the March 2020 general elections with a majority of 33 seats. Only after the US had imposed visa sanctions and the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had called President Granger to “step aside,” then the legitimate PPP/C Party was legally allowed to take their rightful seats as the recognised Government, voted in power by the Guyanese electorate, not selected or installed by any regime. Plagued with economic, social and psychological instabilities, including floods, COVID-19, poverty, bankruptcy, crime, drugs and unemployment, the new government had preplanned with foresight and the answers to most of the problems, were outlined in their manifesto. Good things certainly come to those who wait, for, “patience is virtue.”

From day one, for the reinvigorated PPP/C Party, there was no turning back, stalling for time or uncertain about the next move, as the fresh and energised President Ali led his team of dedicated players to pioneer this exciting nation through uncharted water, engineered by the potential of the promising oil and gas industry. This industry had started off on a wrong footing because of the lopsided oil agreement signed by the APNU+AFC Party and ExxonMobil. Facing the heat now to renegotiate the contract, the PPP/C Government is being bombarded with intolerable accusations and insults. “Do nothing, fear nothing.” This saying helped guide the young administration to throw away the key of fear to pursue policies and principles based on fairness, equality and not discriminative.

There was much to be done with limited time and a craving expectation from a yearning population, all operative in a devastating vacuum left by the previous, devious and defiant APNU+AFC administration. A raped Treasury and unaccountable records provided the dismal task of grasping in the dark with only the dim light flickering from a match stick and not the luxury of a fluorescent tube.  A peeved nation filled with anxiety, expected the new Government to revolutionise the country overnight and implement changes to satisfy the needs of each individual. Such was the horrendous and improbable task lying ahead for this fearless team, but, guided with the principle of “where there is a will, there is a way,” Dr. Ali and his ministries have withstand the test of time, tactics and temerity.

To compound the issue, political instability executed and instigated by the defeated party, certainly did not help any smooth transitioning and the pleasure of getting comfortable in any cushioned seats. The Granger/Harmon led racist insinuation contributed to the West Coast Berbice uprisal and the violence which spurred Afro Guyanese to retaliate against Indo Guyanese to leave a sour and bitter taste in the mouth. This effect was again replicated recently at the sad Mon Repos incident. The perverse Coalition Party meant to play havoc with the lives of the PPP/C government and their supporters, but instead, included their electorate constituent also, not caring or being concerned about who lie in their path in order for them to succeed with their willful and mischievous plan to derail the peace, progress and prosperity of this nation at any cost. “Waste not, want not,” meant nothing to the blind leadership of a rudderless Coalition party.

President Ali recently remarked, “All of our programmes have accelerated development.” Undaunted by all the trials and tribulations, hurdles and impediments, the negativity of all the naysayers and the unplanned stumbling blocks, a resilient PPP/C Government paved its way through muddy water and foggy atmosphere to overcome all the hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, storms and hails, weathering all of man-made pessimism and nature’s gifts, to calmly manage the affairs of the nation, efficiently and effectively, bringing the economy back to a blossoming flower by yanking it from the jaws of death.  As patient as David but passionate as Goliath, the gentle lamb of the Government, gentlemanly eroded the Godzilla Coalition to evoke their promised manifesto and implemented their plans strategically, after presenting the biggest budget in the history of Guyana. This paved the way to unleash a series of humungous projects to metamorphose the new landscape of Guyana with massive infrastructure, ingrained in streets, roads, highways, culverts, kokers, bridges, water stations, pumps, wells, streetlights, airports, waterways, buildings, hotels, hospitals, houses, markets, schools, sports complexes, etc. “Seeing is believing,” but the diaspora returning home after a prolong absence, cannot believe their eyes and are bedazzled on arrival.

The President did say, “Together, we have already accomplished a lot.” In its first two years, the PPP/C government has accomplished more than what the APNU+AFC government did in their last five years of governance. The government brought tremendous relief to the entire Guyanese population via, increases in social and security services, tax relief, school grants, flood grants, COVID-19 relief grants, hampers, old age pension, bonuses, allowances, disability grants, agriculture grants, fishing grants, minimum wage, etc., all amounting to billions of dollars. There was no disparity but equality in the distribution of benefits and the meek call for discrimination practice from the baffled few are weak and unfounded, lacked any proof and used as a desperate means for political survival. The PPP/C Government’s “proof is in the pudding.”

Damage control was a priority on the government’s “to do list” and Dr. Irfaan Ali has established Guyana’s name on the tongue of all the world leaders and brought international fame by his many visits and participation on the global scene. He is renowned and well respected, having received accolades and applauses from all the international and regional heads of governments as a key player in world affairs. Through his astute leadership, his service and loyalty, his commitment and dedication to Guyana, the neighbouring countries, CARICOM and the world at large, he is opening doors for Guyana and Guyanese and all the major business entities want to come to Guyana to set up business. This is only the beginning of the transformational development by the PPP/C Government, trading under a “One Guyana” motto, for, “In unity, there is strength.”

Yours Respectfully,
Jai Lall

 

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