Two consecutive victories are indeed significant (Pt 1)

Dear Editor,
The two consecutive victories by the PPP/C at the 2016 and 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE), is indeed significant in the context of wider national embrace. The overwhelming evidence indicate the party’s increasing popularity for all the right reasons, and this must certainly be a tremendous motivation for their members and supporters to work for a big victory in 2020.
The electorate’s view and increasing demonstration of unflinching support to the PPP/C, perhaps among others, is in recognition of the comparatively greater and tangible opportunities which were present and evolving not so long ago. In fact, the APNU/AFC Coalition is in its fourth year of government and these options have dissipated into thin air. They have failed to demonstrate to the young people of this country that they are prepared to create the much-needed job opportunities.
Shortly following the 2015 General and Regional Elections, the increased hardships were initiated with the Coalition callously ripping apart and throwing by the wayside supportive mechanisms that were in place for youths while providing no substantial alternatives.
Broad testimony is revealed from the dismissal of approximately 2000 Amerindians, 7000 sugar workers; together with the closing down of this country’s first Call Centre in Linden where approximately 200 persons, particularly youths, were kicked out of their jobs. The exit of Bi-Shin-Lin, the Barama Company, along with the numerous deals, led to reduced contributions from the Mining and Forestry Industries, and serious hardship to our people in this country.
In this framework, the haughty, manipulative, disrespectful and self-aggrandising attitude of several of the Coalition’s leading Ministers cannot be understated. There have been too many bullish conflicts resulting in unwanted legal challenges (often lost by the Government), together with suppression of citizen’s and other constitutional bodies’ rights. From the teachers to the cane and rice farmers.
The PPP/C’s significant net increase votes in Essequibo and Berbice must be most heartening to General Secretary and Opposition Leader Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. It signals that many of the rice farmers duped by the coalition in 2015, have certainly recognised the double-dealing nature of the government. Although delayed, their quick turnaround and no-nonsense position was anticipated, appreciated and very much welcomed in the national context.
It would be useful and strategic for the PPP/C to take advantage of their broader connectivity to the people, to ensure that residents are comfortable in their respective communities. There has already been a signal from persons in the government that there is likely to be a suppressive approach to Local Government Areas won by the PPP/C at the recent Elections.
In response, however, it is anticipated that Councils must take up the challenge of providing unparalleled community service within their limits, and the leaders should continuously follow the Jagdeo masterstroke of being with the people in the streets and house-to-house. The low-voter turnout speaks volumes of the people’s disenfranchisement, but establishes the need for harder work.
The work in ‘mass’ organisations making representations for the people, is strongly required and very relevant today. While the PPP/C has a supporting base, including the workers and farmers, their policies advocate broad based national improvements for all citizens.

Sincerely,
Neil Kumar