Latest update December 6th, 2024 4:51 AM
Aug 25, 2015 News
One of the foremost manifesto and campaign assurances given by A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) during the General and Regional Elections was its hundred day plan – where it promised to delivery on 21 measures to benefit the Guyanese people within its first 100 days in office.
Since its election to office on May 11th, the party has been unable to wrap up several key aspects of its ambitious plan. Some of those are the establishment of passport and licencing offices in Berbice, Essequibo and Linden, establishing television stations in Linden, inaugurating a National Youth Council and setting a date for Local Government Elections (LGE).
In addition, there were promises to establish the Public Procurement Commission and an Investigative Commission on Corruption, the Liberalization of the Telecoms and ICT sectors and a National Conference for Women.
As the 100 days came to an end yesterday, Vice President and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo sought to address the imbalance, during a press conference held in one of Parliament’s committee rooms. He was accompanied by the other Vice Presidents – Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock.
“We have by and large kept our promises. Where there has not been completion of particular promises, we have stated what the reason is,” the Prime Minister stated.
Nagamootoo listed several unforeseen circumstances that had hampered the work of the coalition, including the floods, an escalation of the threat from Venezuela, the crime situation, and an un-cooperative parliamentary opposition.
However, he reiterated that the Government was continuing its efforts to complete all its promises. In addition, he pointed out that the wage increase for public servants was just part of phase one.
Several announcements the Government made during the budget presentation are awaiting the passage of the budget in September to go into effect. These are the reduction of the Berbice Bridge toll, salary increases for Government workers, removal of VAT on certain food items and increase of old age pension.
The National Assembly has already capped benefits previously enjoyed by former Presidents by way of the former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill 2015. While it did not affect the pension they initially received, it did cap allocations for water, telephone and electricity.
Meanwhile Government’s efforts to bring a TV station to Linden are said to be a work in progress. The same is said for Government’s efforts in bringing birth certificates and licencing offices on stream.
While Government has supplied varying time periods for the holding of Local Government Elections, there has not been a definite date set. However, the prevailing consensus is that it will be held by year end.
The establishment of the Public Procurement Commission has been stalled as its establishment hinges on the input of the Parliamentary opposition – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). However, one of the coalition’s promises had spoken of an investigative Commission on Corruption and since coming to office, it has launched widespread forensic audits into several State agencies.
In addition, an Asset Recovery Unit has been set up, headed by Dr. Clive Thomas. Already the audits have been reported to have uncovered several cases of fraud.
It is understood that while the National Security Committee has been brought on stream and is holding weekly meetings, the draft plan for crime and security is currently with the Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan.
Though the promised National Youth Council and a National Conference for Women are yet to be held, the administration has successfully hosted the National Cane Farmers’ Conference, National Rice Farmers’ and Millers Conference and the National Toshaos Conference.
The administration has already faced much criticism from the PPP/C during parliamentary sessions for its undelivered promises and in particular, its perceived neglect of youth.
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