Party Leader Robert Corbin, during a press conference on Friday, said, “it is time for the Office of the President to disclose how much taxpayers’ money President Jagdeo has spent in his numerous tours around the globe and the benefits, which Guyana has derived from this expenditure.”
Corbin accused Jagdeo of engaging in several overseas trips while neglecting the welfare of Guyanese. He said the President should be addressing problems relating to the miners, foresters, indigenous citizens and bauxite workers. He stated that “at this time when the welfare and livelihood of miners, foresters and the Amerindians are threatened by the dictatorial behaviour of the regime, President Jagdeo should be at home seeking to resolve these disturbing issues instead of spending millions of taxpayers’ dollars touring the globe.”
The Opposition Leader noted that the party had previously expressed its concerns at the lack of consultation, particularly with affected stakeholders, including the mining sector, when the government disclosed its Low Carbon Development Strategy. According to Corbin, “the consultations amounted to merely presentation exercises designed to deceive the world that the strategy proposed by the Jagdeo administration had the support of all.” He added that “the miners and foresters are still in a quandary to determine how they will continue to exist and carry on their livelihood with the new proposed measures.”
Corbin further said that “the PNCR therefore supports the miners and foresters of Guyana who have found it necessary to pursue their interests. It is hoped that the Jagdeo regime understands that there can be no business as usual when the rights of Guyanese citizens are being trampled upon.”
Meanwhile, Corbin also called on the President to address the issue with RUSAL and workers of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI) at Kwakwani. “This issue has been festering for several months whilst RUSAL continues its union busting and anti-workers manoeuvres without any intervention by the Minister of Labour,” Corbin said.
He said the minister was yet to respond to the letter he had sent calling on him to carry out his legal duty to intervene and ensure a proper resolution of the issues affecting the workers. The party said the Russian company is known for lawless tactics and said the PNCR will not condone such behaviour.
“The PNCR will not allow this matter to rest while Guyanese workers are suffering and will continue to pursue this matter resolutely,” Corbin emphasised.
