Guyana is on a path of socio-economic self-destruction. While this country’s image glows abroad because of its stable foreign policy agenda inherited from the previous Government, its people remain hungry, poor and jobless at home. It is clear that the agenda of the three-year old A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change Government does not involve addressing ‘bread and butter’ issues as a priority.
If one were to look at what this Government said it would do before the elections and what it has done to date, one would arrive at the inescapable conclusion that Guyanese were duped back in 2015 when they thought they voted for change and a shift in the political culture and configuration of our Republic. It is a known fact that those who are in the hierarchy of the Government and the coalition’s political establishment are still hungry for revenge against the PPP, but they cannot have this revenge at any cost. They cannot be allowed every day to “cuss out” the PPP and blame that party for every crime humanly possible, without first understanding that Guyanese purportedly disciplined that party in 2011 and 2015, therefore causing a change in the guardians of their interest. This does not seem to have penetrated the thick skulls of those who are trying to carve out both a future and legacy for the coalition.
To date, that legacy is defined by rampant unemployment and haplessness in our society. It is based on barefaced corruption and constitutional dishonesty, as well as violations by the APNU/AFC coalition. The legacy’s foundation is also linked to an abuse of the treasury by a Government that has a Finance Minister who is practising ‘text book and elementary’ economics. In the area of creating unity, coherent cultural policies at the national level and ethnic security, the Government has failed miserably. In fact, no one is impressed by this Government’s handling of our domestic affairs. The only people who are convinced that they are doing a good job since 2015 are those 33 MPs representing the coalition in the National Assembly, and those working behind the scenes within its public relations machinery. It appears that the Government is happy with managing the decline of this great country, because there has been no real progress made on a myriad of issues since it took office.
And what is even more worrisome is the fact that the key players in the coalition are indifferent and arrogant whenever they are criticised. They refuse to change course. They will not be bullied to do what is right for the socioeconomic bill of health of this great country. And now things have gotten worse, as investment and business are at a standstill but the APNU/AFC appears to be more interested in the creation and sustenance of a plantain chip and coconut biscuit-run economy. They do not see that businesses are contracting because they have poor taxation policies, which have led to a significant decline in the spending power of the Guyanese public. Guyanese have not become richer since the last elections. They have become poorer, under-motivated, and uncertain about their own personal coexistence in many respects. This is largely because the Government has sent the wrong signals since 2015 about the Guyana it hopes to mould by the end of its tenure in office.
From the rhetoric of senior personnel in this APNU/AFC Government, Guyana will be a place where political parties win elections to pursue revenge and the enrichment of their leaders.
It is time there be a serious policy shift and the setting of a new agenda, based first on ethnic healing and reconciliation. Constitutional reform cannot be seen as the only mechanism for the achievement of that goal. The choices of the Government are even more important in fostering and creating an environment wherein Guyanese, regardless of their genetic makeup, feel secure, equal and respected. Who it appoints to key public posts, and their conduct in office, is very important. The messages they send to the public are also important. A national conversation on how to achieve real healing and conciliation that lasts for generations to come is a first step in the right direction. This must be part and parcel of the 2020 agenda.
Also, Guyanese must not allow themselves to be duped into supporting coalitions or parties that are big on rhetoric and small on action. They must do more to hold parties accountable to the agreed agenda set before the elections. They must speak up and out when people’s rights are being violated, regardless of race, social standing, gender, and political affiliations. Guyanese must never be silent while their leaders use the state and its machinery to pursue revenge against its opponents. They must ensure that Government functions in accordance with the law, or demand change. We must always resist socioeconomic policies and higher levels of senseless taxation that would not lead to the creation of a better society or our personal wellbeing. A new movement of independent and patriotic Guyanese must emerge and challenge the status quo of any Government that refuses to do right by the people.
2020 may be the year when Guyanese would re-elect the PPP to power, or give it a new mandate or fresh agenda to govern. If that happens, no one but the coalition would be responsible, since it has been reckless, carefree, and politically retarded in the handling and implementation of the agenda it was given back in 2011 and 2015. The year 2020 must also include reducing poverty further, creating wealth, and ending racial discrimination. Let the chips fall where they may, 2020 is the year when Guyanese will demonstrate real power.
