President David Granger is looking to the 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE) to show how the Guyanese public views the performance of his administration.
Granger was asked on the latest edition of the Public Interest programme whether he would be interested in a poll to understand the approval rating both he and his government’s policies are earning.
In response the President said that while such a poll might be useful he is looking forward to the next local government election to act as a “barometer of the popularity of the administration.”
The 2016 LGE continues to be hailed by government as one of its greatest achievements since it was the first election of its king in two decades.
On last evening’s programme Granger reiterated that he campaigned long and hard for LGE because he believes it is the best way to strengthen local government organs.
The President had also campaigned for the Local Government Commission on the same premise but two years into his administration the commission is still to be put in place and he has not yet named his three nominees for the eight-person commission.
Granger became President after the APNU+AFC coalition won the May 2015 elections, since that time his government has instituted several seemingly unpopular policies which have seen protests.
He is however convinced that by the time the next General and Regional Elections arrive in 2020 the Guyanese population “will see that the changes have brought about a better life.”
In the meantime, the President is refuting claims that his administration is failing to properly consult on policy initiatives.
He stressed that his government consults on most of its decisions. Using the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) as an example Granger stressed that there have been months of consultation, a Commission of Inquiry, a draft white paper as well as invitations to the union and opposition for consultations.
“The sugar industry is contracting we cannot continue to sell sugar at that price profitably. We are trying to limit the damage by establishing three mega estates; one in East Berbice, one in West Berbice and one in West Demerara so that we can save as many jobs and produce quality sugar for a smaller market,” he explained, noting that his government is open to receiving a plan either from the union or the opposition on how the industry can be saved. The main sugar union, GAWU says it has submitted such a plan.
He also said that his Cabinet will soon be producing white and green papers on Housing, Public Telecommunication and Public Infrastructure.
“We will see a lot green and white papers coming out which are discussion papers,” he explained adding that the budget cycle for 2018 begins next month and all sectors of society are invited to make contributions.
