Latest update April 25th, 2024 12:59 AM
Apr 17, 2017 Letters
Dear Editor,
I have read with alarm the article written by Mr. Eric Phillips stating that the growth of the economy during the PPP years in power was driven by an illegal economy. He has no support for this accusation, also it is libelous. He is critical of the job creation policies of the previous government, without mentioning that huge areas of land across the length and breadth of the country was made possible for the construction of housing for both Indo and Afro Guyanese.
Mr. Phillips should understand that any economy where construction predominates is an economy that would grow and the fallacy of a so called drug economy is political propaganda and not economic reality. One wonders whether Mr. Phillips cannot come to grips with the fact that GDP growth and a higher standard of living are the results of effective government initiatives and a vibrant Private sector.
He is bent on creating a rift between the races of Guyana by inferring that the PPP marginalized one race. This sort of incitement is not only a fallacy but it also creates hatred among races. The economy of Guyana is in a downward spiral not because of marginalization but because of false statements made by people like Mr. Phillips. His comments would drive fear into potential foreign and local investors. It does nothing good for our present Government. Mr. Phillips needs to look throughout Guyana and see the vast amount of small business ventures established during the PPP term of office. What he needs to do not to criticize the previous government, but in his wisdom suggest ideas for a continued growth under the present government.
I commend his desire to have gains from illegal sources addressed, but he has not discussed the legality of the method being used to address these. There is a rule of law in Guyana that is being superseded by illegal and draconian entities as SOCU and SARA, which are bent on political witch hunt. The powers provided to these bodies would dissuade potential investors looking for a comfortable area of operation.
His understanding of the Private Sector and its relationship with Government is totally naive. Government and the Private Sector need to work in partnership to create jobs and keep the economy on a strong foothold. It is in the interest of government to provide contracts, allocate land, grant concessions and maintain and grow infrastructure of the country.
The fact that the two groups worked in harmony was for the betterment of the country and is something that should be emulated, not despised. He should be aware that the growth in the economy was founded on free trade over the years, and not as he claimed, a monopolistic environment. The criminalized state he refers to was non-existent and this was manifested through the number of foreign investors who were willing to invest in Guyana. In addition numerous Guyanese from the diaspora were willing to return to serve in technical positions or were willing to invest at home.
Mr. Phillips is advocating an autocratic state where people’s opinions should be silenced and we do not want to return to that situation. He mentions that our young people are upset without saying what they are upset about. Mr. Phillips, young people need jobs, proper education at a cost they can afford, and a decent life style. As a contemporary of Queens College, I remember the accolades you received through hard work academically and your giftedness in sports. During those formative years racism was not a factor in your development. You should remember those years and encourage young people to work in harmony rather than preach the idea of racial disharmony. Both Indo and Afro Guyanese benefitted from the years of the PPP and rather than return to a divided society which you are inciting, you should be preaching unity and inclusiveness for the success of this nation.
R. Singh
(Past Q.C. student)
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