Dear Editor,
The results of a mid-July opinion poll conducted by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) has found widespread disenchantment with the PPP/C government and little confidence among the population in the ability of the disciplined forces to reign in crime. However, people support the tough anti-crime measures being undertaken by the disciplined forces and feel they need to do more to reduce crime. According to the findings of the survey, rising crime, the escalating cost of living, and perceived corruption are the major reasons for growing dissatisfaction with the government. Throughout the country, people have complained about high cost of living and the crime wave.
The poll was conducted in mid-July on current issues using the live interview methodology. The poll interviewed 602 (272 Indians, 186 Africans, 84 Mixed, 60 others) respondents representing the demographic composition of the population. They poll was co-ordinated by New York-based pollster Vishnu Bisram who has had nearly two decades of experience conducting surveys internationally.
According to the findings of the opinion survey, there is widespread disgruntlement over rising prices, especially for food, fuel and building materials. Many complain they could barely eke out a living unable to purchase certain basic goods they are accustomed to, and many also said their lives were gripped with fear of “Fine Man’s gang.” The relatively high cost of living and fear over personal security are two of the top concerns people have in the country. In fact, when asked what they feel is the most important problem facing the nation, most respondents had difficulty choosing only one problem among a variety of choices. Almost everyone (some 89% of those interviewed) said they are troubled by the crime wave and high cost of living. Many respondents also noted that they are concerned with what they perceive is rising corruption by elements in the government sector and among the police. But they say their immediate priority is for the government to address rising prices and crime. Although many people seem to understand that rising prices have to do with high energy prices and the shortages of goods in the international market, they feel the rising cost of living is a result of the implementation of VAT. They want the government to reduce the VAT to make goods more affordable. They also feel the government should pursue policies to lower inflation and bring about price stability.
Most people say they lack faith in the disciplined forces to arrest run away crime but they support the tough measures being undertaken by the government to tackle the crime wave and urge the forces to go after the criminals. People feel the disciplined forces have rotten elements which give the forces a bad name and who need to be purged to improve their image. They complain about widespread corruption among the police, especially the traffic police. Asked if they have confidence in the disciplined forces to control crime, only 27% said yes with a whopping 55% saying no, and 6% saying they are not sure. Some 12% said the disciplined forces working alone cannot solve crime and that they need the cooperation of the people to defeat the criminals. People feel the entire nation needs to work together to fight crime.
The high crime rate and rising prices have severely hurt the popularity of the government. According to the findings of the survey, a majority of the population is disenchanted with the way the country is being run.
Asked if they are satisfied with the way the country is being governed, only 28% said yes with 52% saying no, 13% saying “balanced” (neutral rating or not yes and not no) and 7% not sure. The poorer classes of society complain that the PPP has lost its moorings as a working class and poor people’s party. They feel the government is drifting away from Dr Jagan’s legacy of a clean government that advocates the interest of the working classes. They are also concerned that party officials are not showing the politeness and respect towards non-party people displayed by Dr Jagan.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
