Although University of Guyana (UG) students found Thursday’s presidential candidates’ discourse “very useful,” they say that it will not influence how they vote at the November 28 elections.
The George Walcott Lecture Theatre was filled to capacity with the student body and staff members of the university for 2011 Presidential Candidates’ Discourse, which featured David Granger of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Peter Persaud of The United Force (TUF), Donald Ramotar of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and Khemraj Ramjattan of the Alliance For Change (AFC).
However, when students were asked by Stabroek News whether they were swayed after the event, many admitted that they still were unsure.
According to Rachel Bonie, who is currently studying Economics, she attended the debate hoping that a decision can be made as to who she will be voting for but instead, she was left just as baffled as she was before. “It was not useful; it was more like a rally. If I wanted to hear those things, I’d just go to one of their rallies. That was not a presidential debate. It was not properly planned or anything, especially Mr. TUF. They all made shallow promises,” Bonie said.
She further stated that students needed to hear what can be done as well as how their actions will affect the economy. Bonie noted that her choice will be based on the manifestos, which she plans to read collectively and compare.
Also, Marketing student Vonette Dash stated that she too has been left uncertain as to whom she should vote for and perhaps a bit more confused after the debate. “They acted in a way like they were only bombarding each other and not getting to the point about what they can do,” she indicated. “I prefer AFC because Mr. Ramjattan focused on his point and didn’t bother with the other candidates… but I still don’t know who I’ll be voting for,” Dash stated.
Some other students believed that not enough focus was placed on the development of the education sector and the university itself.
Marketing student Kareem Rodney told this newspaper that the questions which were asked were not relevant to UG and as a result no guarantee was made of any positive changes for students. However, he noted that Ramjattan and Granger, during their presentations, informed students of some plans they have for the campus. “I’ll be throwing my support behind A Partnership for National Unity,” he finished.
Also affirming his support for APNU was Travis Muir, another Marketing student, who said that the best presentation was made by Granger since he highlighted what will be done directly at UG. “Nobody didn’t really like PPP’s presentation because it seemed as though Ramotar was only focusing on what they want and not what everybody else really need,” he said.
Commending Ramjattan’s presentation but asserting his support for APNU was Clayton Reece, an Electrical Engineering student. He said that although Granger was keen in his presentation, Ramjattan’s was “clear and very understandable.” The student said that the debate did not influence his decision as to who he would be voting for, since he knew from the inception that his support will be offered to APNU. However, he said it has encouraged him to go out and vote and also to encourage others to do the same.
Allon Fernandes, an Economics major, agreed that Ramjattan had a strong presentation and liked it mainly because of his address to the UG body. “He took the time out to address us as though we were a group of academics and he focused mainly on the systems and took personalities and individuals out of his attack… so I’ll be voting for him,” he noted.
Opposing this view was Treion D’anjou, who stated that the debate has proved that Ramotar is the “right choice for this country.” “I was leaning towards Ramotar but after the debate he just cemented in my mind that he is the right choice for Guyana, the Business Management student said. He indicated that Ramotar’s proposals seemed more reasonable and was also more realistic than that of Granger and the other candidates.
Lashawna Scott, a Marketing and Finance student, said that she believes that Guyana is in dire need of change and indicated that whichever party can assure her of this will have her support. “No favourtism, just as long as they’ll be able to make a positive change in the economy and society,” she added. Scott stated that although she is unsure about who she will be voting for, she has so far been open to APNU but at the same time she has no “problem with the PPP party because they have done a great lot for Guyana since they’ve been in power but there are still a lot of things that can be done so why not try for a change.”
Communications student Marvin Wray considered the debate to be very useful and productive, since it offered students of the university insight on the political campaigns and the policies of the parties. He noted that Ramjattan’s presentation had tremendous influence on him, explaining that his goals for Guyana appeared to be positive and realistic. Also, he said, Granger excited the crowd and it was evident that there is a youthful charge behind the elections this year. “A lot of young people are interested and they are very passionate about it… With regards to who I’ll be voting for, my mind is still opened and I am watching the campaigns but I am motivated to vote,” Wray noted.
