The Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) said despite achievements last year the country faced many challenges and it hopes that 2008 will bring many new triumphs.
In a press release the WPO said at its recently concluded 15th Triennial Congress it found many positive ventures and plans aimed at supporting the country’s development but Guyanese faced many hardships during the year. The WPO said the rising cost of fuel and the devaluing of the US dollar created additional hardships for Guyanese as it severely impacted the cost of living. This, along with the 100% increase in basic food items like milk and the implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT) exacerbated the already high cost of food.
At the same time, the group said it supports initiatives by President Bharrat Jagdeo and his Caribbean counterparts, who met in Georgetown to discuss issues related to the increased cost of living. It said too it hopes that the “teething” problems inherent in the VAT system are removed.
The WPO also said it is concerned about the murders that have occurred, particularly those relating to spousal and domestic abuse, adding that it supports the government’s Stamp it Out! proposal. The group also said it is buoyed by the many positive initiatives and it welcomes the president’s announcement of the establishment of a Single Parent Household Fund.
Meanwhile, the group noted its apprehension about the continued house arrest of Myanmar freedom fighter, Aung San Suu Kyi, and the struggle of the Burmese people which is still without a resolution. It also noted “with horror” the assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister and leader of the Pakistan People’s Party Benazir Bhutto. The group calls on the United Nations to take stronger actions against military dictatorships.
