Latest update April 24th, 2024 12:59 AM
Feb 14, 2016 News
By Leonard Gildarie
The year 2015, surely, must have been a watershed year for Guyana.
After two decades, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) lost its grip on power with a new Government,
led by David Granger, sworn in back in May. The victory was narrow one, less than 5,000 votes. Significantly, there was a larger voter turnout.
It pains my mind that once again, largely, we voted along racial lines. The figures said it all.
I have said it and will say it again, the traditional way parties have been campaigning for elections will not work. People are impatient for things to happen. Promises will not be enough.
The city is changing. The place is cleaner and traffic police appear to be more respectful, though my street and so many others in Diamond are still potholed. We are set to celebrate our 50th Independence with a bang – with big plans for May 26th. But our country is crying for more. There are significant concerns over what appears to be a slowdown in the economy.
Government and analysts alike are blaming this on lower commodity prices for rice, sugar and gold on the world market. But there is also the suspicion – I use the word tentatively- that a clampdown on the drug trade, especially with the presence of the DEA office in Guyana, has played a major role.
With toned-down Mashramani celebrations this month – with many of the events shifted to May for the independence – consumer spending which is expected to drive the economy during this crucial period, will not be anything to boast about.
In terms of gold, we can expect the country to have another year to smile about. The Aurora Mines and Troy Resources are expected to ramp up productions, with their declarations last year pushing final figures to 450,000 ounces.
I am predicting 500,000 ounces at least with world prices not expected to fall below $1,100 per ounce. I am also hoping that will see miners moving more into operations that will see costs being slashed and recovery rates improved considerably with new technology. We have been talking and talking, but little progress in this direction.
We will not expect oil to come for another five years or so. But Guyana will do well to look elsewhere to learn from oil-producing countries how they manage their proceeds. Regulatory and other frameworks will have to be strengthened in readiness. The time is now to learn; to ask questions.
I am worried about small cash crop farmers. They have been planting for generations now, but very little processing is done in Guyana. We see lots of wastage and a cycle of poverty among farmers because of this.
We will have to move fast on cheaper energy, with moves to also make GPL stronger and ready for hydro-electricity..
In terms of Kaieteur News, I can assure you that it will continue to be anti-corruption and carry out its mandate – that is, bringing the news to the people as is.
The new Government already knows that the honeymoon is over. This administration is expected to be more accountable and forthcoming than what prevailed in the past. There are some shaky signs in this regard.
We are moving to hold Local Government Elections for the first time in 20 years. It will be hard fought. I am highly unhappy over the running of the NDCs and the Town Councils. A change is needed, desperately. We cannot afford to play politics.
There have been calls by Government for communities to pay more attention to state contracts and report any concerns. I agree. We have been too quiet. It is our money being spent. We have to be unswerving and firm when it comes to demanding the highest quality of service from our public servants and local government-elected officials. They cannot be allowed to run the offices like a private business. We all know what prevails.
I would also like to see more meaningful participation in the decision-making processes of this country. There are many levels of this – from the National Assembly to constitutional bodies, NDCs, and even in Government..
I would dearly like to see one of our leaders be likened to those that started the phenomenal successes in places like Singapore and Malaysia.
LISTEN HOW JAGDEO WILL MAKE ALL GUYANESE RICH!!!
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