The PPPC record in Linden is appalling

Jun 07, 2011 Letters

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The Editor,
Amazement, dismay and a deep sense of betrayal were some of the emotions that I am sure came to the youths of Linden who would have read the article in Monday’s Stabroek News.
That article quoted ‘Jaffar’ Mohamed as working to handover their future to the PPPC regime after 19 years of providing absolutely NOTHING to Linden apart from token improvements to allow their supporters to reap millions of dollars. But these supporters provided Lindeners continuously with poor quality work!
I am reminded here of the government’s promise to upgrade the Mackenzie Sports Club Hardcourt, with its millions of dollars spent to prepare a surface that no basketball could be played on, but a known PPP/C supporter/contractor boldly faced the media to say that ‘de wuk done’.
While I am not against any individual having a unique political view, this gentleman purports to represent a faith that very recently came forcibly face to face with the realities of dealing with a repressive government bent on suppressing the very things our Constitution guarantees.
One is only left to wonder if his ‘brothers’ have come under attack by  this very regime, have been incarcerated and prevented from speaking out at forums he himself had promoted here in Linden.
What could possibly be his motive for working towards leading the gullible to a similar fate?
I forcibly restrained myself from quoting the nonsense recorded there, in favour of pointing out the many inconsistencies apparent to all. I will leave the public to be the judge of the content, character and motives of this Lindener.
1.      After stating, according to the report, that his new ‘group’ would work towards the PPP/C winning Region Ten, and that Linden would be “better off” with the PPP/C at the helm, the reality of life in Linden forced Jaffar to immediately point to the need to appoint ‘shadow ministers’ to ensure the representation of the interest of Lindeners at the government level.
But this same government that he supports holds a Parliamentary seat for Region Ten, held by no lesser person than the Prime Minister himself.  Is Jaffar then saying that the PPP/C Prime Minister has not represented the interests of Region Ten for the five years that he has held this seat?
Or is it that the government he supports refuses to include Linden and Region Ten in the development of Guyana because they cannot ‘control’ us?
Jaffar stated that the PPP/C had “proven that it has the capacity to take Guyana forward”.  My question to him is, where do I live Sir? In Rwanda?  If taking Guyana forward means an improvement in the lives of its citizens, I dare him to apply this to the reality being faced by any 18 to 40 year old living in Linden. And ask them if, after 19 years of the PPP/C, their life is truly “better”.
The targets of this group are first time voters and youths as stated.  However, these same young people would have just been BORN when the PPP/C went into government, and this Party would have had ALL OF THEIR LIFETIME to make things better for them.  Are these youths better off than their parents?  Do they own their own homes? Do they have stable, well paying jobs?  Do they have sporting facilities to occupy the huge amount of free time their unemployed status leaves them?  Do they have organized sports the likes of the GUYMINE/GUYSTAC Games to hone their athletic talents?
Can they afford to support a family if they choose to get married?  IS their life truly better after 20 years of the PPP/C?
While no government can create jobs for all of its people, EVERY government is tasked with creating the climate for investment and opportunities to ensure that all its citizens could be gainfully employed.
Low employment levels are the bane of President Obama at this very moment. Indeed, in an effort to guarantee stability in society and lower crime levels, high employment levels rank as maybe the single greatest contributor to that guarantee.  With 19 years to bring employment to Region Ten, this government has surely failed totally on this score, and on the basis of this alone the support of this organization for failure should make Lindeners shun them.
My amazement quickly turned to pity, however, when I turned the page and saw all of the  Executives of this ‘group’ in the “What Lindeners Say” column (lol).  These same persons who ‘support’ the PPPC government, joined ALL of the other Lindeners on that page in highlighting my last point, the dismal failure of the PPP/C to provide employment for residents of Region Ten.
Their conscience spoke, and they rattled off concern over infrastructure, sports facilities, inputs in the health sector, water, roads and the quality of work being accepted by this government who always boasts of millions and billions spent, when we live with the potholes and water that is undrinkable.
I am therefore going to leave it up to my fellow residents to determine if Jaffar is worthy of their ‘support’, or if he is only another of the minority who will wander over to seek to benefit from the government’s concept of “money spent, NO work done”.
Vanessa Kissoon M.P.
Region Ten

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