Failing to Deliver: Ali, PPP-Led Government Can’t Protect You and Your Family

Jul 30, 2023 Letters

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Dear Editor,

For the past three years since assuming power, the Ali-led People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government has failed to live up to its promises of providing a better quality of life for the Guyanese people. Instead, we have witnessed a rise in the cost of living, an increase in crime, escalating unemployment rates, and inadequate support for public servants. The government’s inability to address these pressing issues has left citizens vulnerable and disillusioned.

Editor, this editorial aims to shed light on the failures of Ali’s administration and its impact on the well-being of the Guyanese people.

RISING COSTS OF LIVING:

Under the Ali government, the cost of living has spiralled out of control. Basic necessities such as food, housing, and healthcare have become increasingly unaffordable for ordinary citizens. Despite promises to tackle inflation and implement effective economic policies, the government has failed to curb rising prices, leaving families struggling to make ends meet. The burden falls disproportionately on the most vulnerable members of society, heightening inequality and deepening the divide between the haves and the have-nots.

POOR QUALITY OF LIFE:

The Ali administration’s inability to address fundamental issues has resulted in a poor quality of life for Guyanese citizens. Infrastructure remains underdeveloped, with inadequate access to reliable electricity, clean water, and proper sanitation facilities in many regions. Health and education systems are in dire need of improvement, as hospitals lack essential resources, and schools suffer from a lack of funding and qualified teachers. The government’s failure to prioritize these crucial sectors has left the Guyanese people with limited opportunities for growth and development. Since the PPP took over our country 1992 to 2015 and we again witnessed the same PPP in a more evil way, we haven’t grown as a nation with the PPP governments.

CRIME INCREASE AND UNEMPLOYMENT:

One of the most distressing aspects of the current government’s tenure has been the surge in crime rates. Communities across the country are grappling with escalating levels of violence, theft, and drug-related offences. The lack of effective law enforcement and the government’s inability to implement comprehensive crime prevention strategies have left citizens feeling unsafe and unprotected. Moreover, unemployment rates have soared, with the government failing to generate sufficient job opportunities for its citizens, especially our young people. This further exacerbates the crime problem, as individuals turn to illegal activities out of desperation.

TAXATION ON ESSENTIAL ITEMS:

The burden on ordinary citizens has been further intensified by the government’s decision to impose taxes on essential food items. This regressive policy disproportionately affects the most vulnerable segments of society, pushing them deeper into poverty. Rather than implementing measures to alleviate the financial strain on its citizens, the government’s actions have only compounded their hardships. While many of the PPP cronies, friends, and family submitted false investment developed projects to GO-Invest (Guyana Office for Investment), and concession was granted immediately. The poor Guyanese people continued to suffer.

NEGLECTING PUBLIC SERVANTS:

Public servants, who play a crucial role in the functioning of our country, have been neglected under the PPP administration. Many of these dedicated individuals receive meagre wages and salaries that are insufficient to support their families. The government’s failure to prioritize fair compensation for public servants not only undermines their morale but also affects the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery.

CONCLUSION:

The Ali-led PPP government has proven to be ineffective in safeguarding the well-being of its citizens. From the rising costs of living and poor quality of life to the surge in crime rates and unemployment, the government’s failures have had a significant impact on the Guyanese people. It is crucial for the government to re-evaluate its priorities, implement meaningful reforms, and address the pressing issues faced by its citizens. Only through proactive and decisive action can the government begin to restore faith and confidence.

Pt. Ubraj Narine, JP, COA

Former Mayor

City of Georgetown

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• COA, former, JP, Mayor City of Georgetown, Pt. Ubraj Narine

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