Recently, President David Granger expressed satisfaction over the manner in which his A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government was managing the affairs of the country. He even had the temerity to give his administration an “A-grade” for its performance after being in Government for a little over two years.
Mr Granger, in light of his Government’s declining popularity, argued that the administration was busy “cleaning up” the mess left behind by the previous People’s Progressive Party administration which had been in Executive office for close to 23 years. He promised that Guyanese could expect better governance at the end of his Government’s “first tour of duty” explaining further that by the “second tour of duty” things would move “faster” once they managed to complete the clean-up process.
The President also expressed the view that citizens are enjoying the ‘good life’ under his Coalition and are in a far better place now as his administration understands what is necessary to achieve a higher standard of living and socio-economic growth.
Whilst some might agree with the President depending on the quality of life they have endured over the past two years, a majority of the populace do not. In fact, some might even argue that the President is living in the land of Narnia and is probably using a different pair of glasses to assess the realities outside of State House and the Ministry of the Presidency.
The fact that Mr Granger could make such a bold declaration publicly whilst Guyanese are protesting daily and complaining about the declining bill of health of their investments and personal economic fortunes indicates just how removed he has become from the ordinary citizenry since assuming Office in May 2015.
Granger is not the man he was when he was in opposition. He does not stand for the same principles. He does not speak with the same moral conviction as he did before when addressing matters of governance, corruption and inclusivity. The former Guyana Defence Force Brigadier has blossomed into an ordinary type of politician who is loyal to his party first and is concerned about security of tenure.
This may explain why he is so removed from the press and only makes an appearance when it’s time to save face, especially when scandals are at their climax and his own reputation is at stake.
Two years on and Mr Granger still does not understand the fundamental role that he must play in his Cabinet in order to send a powerful message to his Ministers that they must deliver tangible benefits to the people. Right thinking and decent Guyanese are still at the mercy of the misfits and shady characters who are in his Government and close to the APNU, as well as AFC (known and unknown financiers and partners).
These days, President Granger appears to be taking a hands-off approach to the affairs of the country as he is taken up performing the symbolic duties of Head of State and Government. Can he say what the price is for a loaf of bread at Stabroek market and whether it has become more affordable since he took Office? Can he say what is the cost for a pint of skim milk, a pound of cheese or even a pound of sugar at a normal community shop or supermarket?
The truth is, things are worse now than they were when Donald Ramotar and Bharrat Jagdeo served as Presidents. Commodity prices are sky-high and Mr Granger’s Government has unleashed an economic warfare against its people particularly the poor and vulnerable via taxation. Crime is increasing, whilst the Police are failing in their duty to demonstrate higher levels of professionalism.
Mr Granger’s Government is changing the fun and excitement associated with every event that unified Guyanese and has brought calamity to the society. Just look at what Mashramani has morphed into! His Ministers who now wear arrogance like a medal around their neck, appear incapable of dispatching their responsibilities.
The honey period is over and so is the time for smooth, yet empty political banter. No one is convinced that the scary spate of legislation brought by the Government to go after State assets and those who they belief have squandered State funds will set the country on the right path. It is creating a more divisive economy where both domestic and foreign investments remain low because of the rising levels of uncertainty.
Mr Granger must know that Guyana today under his stewardship closely resembles the Guyana of yesteryear when the PNC ruled. If he is not serious about changing and modernising the political philosophy of his Government then he will have no second term. No amount of rigging could influence the outcome of the ballot if the collect will of the people is to use their power to unseat his Government at the next elections.
He will surely get the grade he deserves if he does not clean-up the mess his own Government has caused over the past two years.
