Dear Editor,
The PPP selected their presidential candidate on Saturday, January 19, 2019, in the form of Mr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, a 38-year-old gentleman. The vote was 24 to 11 with all members of the PPP Central Committee voting. An overwhelming win for young Ali.
Allow me to offer a few points for consideration on why I will support Mr Ali and give him a chance.
First, the PPP prides itself on its manifesto being the bedrock from which it will govern. It is almost a contract which the Party and the candidate commit to. Experience shows that this manifesto is extremely important in forging the basis of its Government—I would expect a sweeping document which will address all issues including governance, constitutional reform, steps to improve transparency and attack corruption, economic reform, transformational projects, investment confidence, youth, infrastructure, etc. So, look out for what is in the manifesto and consider this the bible under which the candidate will be expected to govern.
Second, Mr Ali is young. In fact, his 15+ years in the leadership of the party, indicate that he was only 23 when he was already in a senior party position. Like any young, ambitious person, I expect that there is a certain level of ego. But with life, one matures. From the time the PPP left office in 2015, we have already seen how many of the past leaders have progressed, showing increasing levels of maturity that one would expect. No one is perfect. But certainly, when one views that political positions are temporary and that power is transitory, one has to understand that the will of the people is most important. Leadership is a burden of responsibility. Former President Jagdeo, a visionary, has shown that like any young person, experience and maturity, brings a more balanced temperament. Few would dispute that the PPP leadership has been level-headed, pragmatic, focused on dealing with issues, a marked level of respect and tolerance for all, etc. Maybe at the start one is rough around the edges but I would argue that within the PPP, there is a growing recognition of the importance of being in front when it comes to service to the people, humility, honesty and integrity. And just like the AFC no-confidence, a leader who ignores the party manifesto, can find they are back to elections. More recently, in the UK, Prime Minister May faced a no-confidence from within her own party and then again in the last week. So I expect that our PPP presidential candidate will display a growing level of maturity, dynamism and pragmatism for the times we live in. Give youth a chance. Give the PPP a chance. Give Irfaan a chance.
Third, the PPP policy positions are already clear. A massive rollback of taxes that has drained disposable income. A return of investor-friendly policies and engagements that will see massive investments from the Private Sector. It is a fact that no new investment has materialised under the APNU+AFC Government. The PPP left a Government with many investment projects lined up, large foreign exchange reserves, vast available loan resources at concessional rates, and an extremely strong macro-economy. Experience and capability have been proven by the PPP. The tide to change back to the PPP is evident, as the LGE showed with a 61 per cent win for the PPP vs a 34 per cent APNU and 4 per cent AFC.
Fourth, the job of the Government is not simply up to the President. There is a team including Cabinet and some of the brightest technocrats that enable the job to be done. I have little doubt that the deliberations within the Central Committee that saw such a strong level of confidence in the youthful Irfaan Alli, was based on many of the key members of the Central Committee being part of a PPP Government and a clear commitment to inclusion and reaching across the political divide. Stalwarts like Dr Luncheon and Gail Teixeira would have had an influence on the outcome of the candidate and are all likely to play a role alongside Anil Nandlall, Dr Frank Anthony, and Dr Vindhya Persaud.
So, give the PPP candidate a chance. Let him show what he can do. When he left Government, he was 35. Now he is 38. I recall when Dr Jagdeo assumed the presidency, he was even younger. But under his youthful leadership, we experienced a rebuilding of the middle-class, a period of sustained economic growth, the low carbon development strategy and US$250 million from Norway, transformational projects such as the Berbice Bridge, and the Marriott Hotel (opened by President Ramotar), massive investments in all parts of the country including the Ogle Airport and the expansion of Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Of course, Dr Jagdeo started post-1992 as the Finance Minister and having to seek the largest debt relief possible for a bankrupt country while borrowing prudently to rebuild the economy. Today, Guyana is the envy of the world based on the PPP legacy. Coupled with rebuilding investor confidence, the PPP handed over a golden platter to APNU, who has squandered every good opportunity. So, Mr Ali and the PPP will need to take over where they left off—a new Demerara Bridge, the Amaila Falls, restarting the LCDS, re-opening the closed sugar estates, expanding housing, lowering interest rates, and returning the economy to one where all Guyanese will see growth in opportunities and disposable income in an open and free economy. Give Mr Ali a chance. And let’s not forget, all hands will be on deck including our General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. Capability, capacity, and experience will all be part of the PPP team.
Sincerely,
A Grant
