Latest update April 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
Nov 22, 2011 Letters
Dear Editor,
PPP/C’s Presidential Candidate, Donald Ramotar, announced at a political rally on Sunday evening that he is ready to listen to the views and ideas of national interest from persons, groups or organizations.
Indeed, he was specific enough to say that “As long as they think they have ideas I would be ready to listen to them, I would be ready to discuss with them, I would be ready to debate with them and I would be ready to work with them in the interest of Guyana.”
Unfortunately, over the past nineteen years his party has rejected every single proposal made by the parliamentary opposition during the annual budget debate. His party has been silent even as the party’s President and government have rejected hundreds of calls, suggestions and ideas made by Guyanese on issues ranging from murders of citizens, abuse of state power, financial management and good governance.
But Guyanese are a forgiving people and do not hold him personally responsible for all the violations that have taken place under his party’s watch. I am sure they are prepared to turn a new leaf with him.
Here are twelve issues that citizens would like him to make a commitment to if elected President:
-Ensuring that the constitutional bodies such as the Ombudsman, the Public Procurement Commission and the Local Government Commission are set up within thirty days of, or other specified period, after his election.
-Within sixty or other specified number of days but not exceeding four months of his election, working with Parliament to appoint a broad-based Constitutional Reform Commission to examine the Constitution with a view to removing the dictatorial features of the constitution and to making it more democratic and consistent with republican status and the rule of law.
-Appointing a Commission of Enquiry to look into all aspects of the crime spree that led to the deaths of hundreds of Guyanese including his party’s Minister, Sash Sawh.
-Ensuring that all public funds including money from the sale of government properties and the proceeds of the lottery are placed in the Consolidated Fund.
-Implementing the recommendations of the Chang and the Symonds Reports to strengthen the Guyana Police Force.
-Removing party control of the state media and the restriction on the citizens of Region 10 to access to television of their choice.
-Removing the state monopoly on radio.
-Reviewing the Amaila Falls Hydro Electricity Project with a view to ensuring transparency and economy in the project and lower tariff to the consumers.
-The establishment of a full enquiry into the CLICO collapse and action to deal with wrongdoers.
-Appointing qualified independent persons to the Audit Office and removing those who have a conflict of interest.
-Repealing the Former Presidents (Other Benefits and Facilities) Act.
-The passing of modern anti-corruption legislation.
Mr. Ramotar will note that the issues raised will either save money or lead to better governance. They do not involve any expenditure or loss of revenue such as the reduction of VAT and other taxes on which he may wish to take the lead.
Because I wanted to limit the list to a round dozen, and to make them as uncontroversial as possible, I have not asked about the Marriot Hotel, the Intelligence Agency in the Castellani House Compound, the Airport Expansion Project or the giveaway of state property to party leaders, comrades and friends. You are, of course, free to address these.
These are not new matters or fresh ideas. They have been around and expressed by many “persons, groups [and] organizations.” He would have no doubt addressed his mind to them. Each is capable of a yes or no answer. As a citizen, I am appealing to him to answer them promptly for the benefit of the electorate whose vote he now seeks.
Christopher Ram
JAGDEO ADDING MORE DANGER TO GUYANA AND THE REGION
Apr 18, 2024
SportsMax – West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has been named Wisden’s leading Twenty20 Cricketer for 2023, as she topped all and sundry, including her male counterparts. Alan Gardner looks...Kaieteur News – Compliments of the Ministry of Education, our secondary school children are being treated to a stage... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]