Guyanese will forever be thankful for strong leadership of PPP/C

Dear Editor,
The people of Guyana have re-elected the PPP/C to the helm of Governance in our country under the leadership and commitments made to the nation, led by His Excellency, President Dr Irfaan Ali, Hon Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Anthony Philips, Former President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, and others. There is no doubt that these esteemed men lead a team, which has demonstrated the will to fight amidst the greatest of sacrifices for the betterment of our dear nation. Congratulations are in order!
As they purposefully set about the task of rebuilding, it is imperative that the PPP/C leaders, who the nation have returned with the maximum support, take advantage of the united front formed in the process. In so doing, they must swiftly move to undertake the advancement of positive objective programmes and initiatives, which will bridge and unite all Guyanese while serving in the interest of all our people.
Noteworthy, the main political parties keenly contested the March 2020 elections like none other before, and our citizens peacefully turned out in massive numbers to exercise their rights. It was, therefore, a sad state of affairs when the caretaker APNU/AFC regime, who knew by March 3 of their rejection by the majority of citizens, became extremely undemocratic and recalcitrant in their attempts to prevent the PPP/C from taking office.
This created a situation of extremely threatening national concern in which the patience of the Guyanese was stretched and tested, and the nation’s health put at risk. It took the massive support from the international community and civic organisations, along with the clever and smart Leadership of our party that ensured success. We will forever be thankful for the strong intuitive leadership and international support for helping us overcome what could have turned out as a major tragedy. Let us, therefore, express our gratitude to the international community and immediately embrace the task of rebuilding the country’s international image and improving partnerships.
There will not be any PPP/C Government triumphalism or big celebration party at the stadium. Rather, it is time to hit the ground running in advancing the work using an inclusive approach to the necessary rebuilding of our nation. We have seen our President appoint a blend of qualified young Ministers who are expected to work diligently in their Ministries while demonstrating transparent and accountable approaches.
The Cabinet of Ministers will certainly ooze an excellent blend of representative gender, experience, and ethnic balance, which augers well for the start off to lead the necessary governance interventions. These esteemed men and women have worked hard and are also duly deserving of our congratulations and support.
The PPP/C Government will certainly not start with any massive salary increases for their Ministers and there will be no corrupt D’Urban Park travesty. It is, however, expected that some form of reorganisation at the Head of the Ministries as well as certain agencies, will have to be addressed or restructured given that these positions were notably filled with previous political appointees of the APNU/AFC regime who are likely to frustrate the progress-oriented approach of the new Government. Of note, authorities in the previous Government have taken steps to sign and renew contracts for many political implants, which must be reviewed in the context of the necessity to effectively administrate while preventing sabotage from persons who held or nation at ransom.
There is an urgent need to look at the improvement of security across the country, which significantly deteriorated across the country over the past five years. Our citizens and investors need to feel comfortable and previously accommodated lawlessness must be halted. While the role of the Guyana Police Force has been tested since March 3, 2020, they should be complimented for largely standing tall in support of democracy, law, and order during the period. However, the misfits who have proven to be unprofessional must be dealt with, as the task of supporting capacity and workable adjustments are addressed.
Clear evidence of wanton abuse and fraudulent activities conducted by APNU/AFC, must be investigated and condignly dealt with as these have come into being in breach of our laws and to the sufferance of our people. It is a known fact that the PPP/C, while in Opposition, warned that they would not honour the implementation of actions that would impose binding contractual obligations on the Government during the period Mr Granger was in charge as the caretaker President. It is of note that the necessary situational analysis has commenced and these matters must be addressed as a deliberate course of business.
It is time to advance initiatives that would swiftly and legitimately support getting the economy back on track and to this end, President Ali must work with stakeholders to ensure the convening of Parliament so that budgetary matters can be addressed. The framework for an enabling environment for investment and job creation needs to be reset and these must be a part of the priorities to be dealt with.
Democracy has prevailed and Guyana deserves a new Government of the calibre of the PPP/C. At the same time, our people need help and are very supportive! President Dr Ali and team, congratulations! Let’s get to work towards making all Guyana proud!

Sincerely,
Neil Kumar