Dear Editor,
A Partnership for National Unity led by David Granger and The Alliance For Change led by Khemraj Ramjattan together at the last general election secured thirty-three seats, one more than the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic, and thus took control of the National Assembly. The PPP/C retained the presidency and the executive.
The question that is being asked is what did the opposition parties do for the thousands of people who voted for them and who gave them a one-seat majority? Many Guyanese who voted for APNU live in villages that are depressed. Their areas lack proper streets, potable water, street lighting and recreational facilities. APNU could have forwarded plans to the government to address the problems, bearing in mind the PPP/C budget depended on APNU and AFC support to pass in the National Assembly.
APNU and the AFC claimed in budget after budget, that the PPP/C did nothing to create jobs for the thousands of unemployed, yet after three budgets presented by the PPP/C government neither of the opposition political parties presented any plans for the creation of jobs.
What the opposition parties did with their one-seat majority was to block large projects that would have created jobs for thousands and moved the country forward. Large projects such as the Amaila Hydropower Project, the Speciality Hospital, the Marriott Hotel and the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport were opposed. The government persevered with the Marriott Hotel and was successful in its completion.
Single parents need support to maintain their children, proper homes, jobs and other assistance. Yet neither Granger nor Ramjattan saw the need to do something for them with their one-seat majority. In Guyana security jobs are plentiful and are occupied by both males and females. Guards work long hours, usually with no meal allowance and no night premium, and they pay heavy fines for absence and sleeping. In some cases they receive below the minimum wage.
Neither Granger nor Ramjattan did anything for them.
What the opposition did with their one seat majority was to undermine the government. They ignored the consequences that their actions would have on their supporters. Their actions did not bring any good to Guyanese; they brought more harm. Even if the opposition could not get all their plans approved at least some would have gained support from the government.
The opposition parties were not looking after their supporters’ interests but were mostly seeking power.
Yours faithfully,
Baldeo Persaud
