Dear Editor,
The new PPP/C Government was sworn-in and the process of nation-building has begun. The task to undo the underdevelopment of five years and six months of APNU/AFC’s backwardness is of immediate urgency.
We must put our shoulders to the wheel to make Guyana a place where we can be comfortable to live in and for our children’s children to inherit. It will be a long hard road, with lots of obstacles in the way, because as we tread the path of development we still have to contend with an equally retrograde opposition, however, we will be successful in the end.
In this regard, we forge ahead, irrespective of the odds set before us. So, let’s begin:
* The Speaker for the House. While a vote is made for Lennox Shuman of the LJP and I say that in the spirit of inclusive governance, however, I must admit that Attorney-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin comes out as the most suitable candidate for that position. And here’s my reason for saying this, the twelfth Parliament would be anything but productive or progressive should the PNC have its way, and that is judging them from their abysmal performance in Government. Now that they are in opposition I have reason to believe that they are going to create major disruption, with the ultimate aim that nothing should get done. Be informed, that they are already programmed to make a fool’s exhibit of their empty shelves and no better place than Parliament to showcase such base qualities, that’s their modus operandi. The Opposition PNC is built for being obnoxious and that you can’t deny, so in light of the foregoing, Datadin is the one best suited and well equipped to handle such occurrences. We cannot allow our future successes to be hijacked by a moribund few who are up to no good.
* The Agriculture Ministry. Very important and pivotal to the developmental thrust is the role of this Ministry, it is strategically poised in the productive sector of our country and one that brings in much needed foreign exchange. Over the past few years, it has been neglected, brought to its knees through poor policymaking or lack thereof, that trend of retrogression has to end and a more productive, progressive outlook initiated. A lot of work has to be done in this Ministry, I am talking about planning and financing to get it back up and running.
* Healthcare and the COVID-19 pandemic. The previous Administration had no real plan to deal with this pandemic, only a piecemeal “political” approach to something that is wholly a health issue. The PPP/C has a herculean task in putting together a comprehensive plan with the relevant medical personnel in order to get this health hazard under control.
* Infrastructure and public works. From the airport – which is a first impression project – to roads, energy generation and other capital projects, there must be an overall coordination and completion of projects as we focus on making our country a modern State. We hit the ground running.
* Labour and Labour-related issues. I view Guyana is in good hands in the personality of Mr Joseph Hamilton
* Education is in safe hands, back under the astute leadership of Miss Priya Manickchand. She has done us proud in previous years and will only continue the good work.
* Foreign Affairs. We have to repair and promote our image abroad as a place for investment and this can only have meaning in the skilful handling of the newly-appointed Minister Mr Todd.
* The Finance Ministry. Though without a Minister, this Ministry is not rudderless because we still have the tried and proven abilities of Dr Jagdeo which should be tapped into. He did a marvellous job in managing our finances, bringing back stability to our treasury. Ably assisted by the honourable Bishop, I think this team can get the work done until a suitably qualified Minister is found.
* Forestry and mining. These are areas that have shown tremendous potential and progress under the supervision of the PPP/C’s time in office, however, sadly, over the last five years have shown a significant decline. This landslide of fortune has to be arrested.
* The new Oil and Gas Sector. Here we see the opening up of new areas of investment that has the capacity for rapid income generation. Here experience and qualified personnel are required.
* Security and policing. All the foregoing factors hinge on security and safe communities without which investors and common civilians alike would not be encouraged to follow. Crime impedes progress and as such, must be dealt with swiftly and condignly. We need to feel safe and this can only be done with a well-trained, well-equipped Police Force. We must explore the rapid response to crime strategy, the reintroduction of the strict stop and search plan in addition to raids into known criminal hot-spots. Criminals must not feel safe among us.
Respectfully,
Neil Adams
