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- (Craig Sylvester KN Nov 2nd, 2017)
- The PPP administration and Jagdeo systematically ran GUYSUCO into the ground during their last 15 years in office, jeopardizing the welfare of sugar workers and their families. When the PPP left office in 2015, the corporation was virtually bankrupt and continually required government financing to continue its unprofitable operations.
- The PPP’s embrace of corruption and pilfering of state funds reached such proportions that it creeped into the major organizations overseeing the operations of the rice sector. Sweet heart deals went through which saw payments to select supporters while many other rice farmers were forced into virtual penury as they were underpaid for their produce. In some instances, payments were delayed to such an extent that rice farmers were placed under severe financial stress and their operations placed in jeopardy
- The PPP administration over its twenty three years in office consistently demonstrated disdain and disregard for both public and private sector workers, neglecting to consider that many of Guyana’s workers suffered tremendously as a result of the policy reforms which were a result of the economic transformation that was effected to address the failed policies of the PNC during its 28-year run. Even after the first fifteen years in office, the PPP administration consistently handed out annual increases of the order of 5 per cent to public servants. Government’s wages policies heavily influenced that of the private sector so that today, much of Guyana’s workforce get by on depressed wages and in many instances, live below the poverty line.
- A declared socialist based party, the PPP from its early years in office frustrated investment prospects which could have done much to reduce unemployment levels, raise incomes and potentially raise Guyana’s status internationally.
- Recognizing that his policies would generate very little export growth and revenues from the private sector, Jagdeo crafted the LCDS as a means for raising foreign currency internationally. With foreign currency and international support flowing in through this initiative, Jagdeo could thumb his nose at Guyana’s local private sector which never really lent him support in the first instance.
- Many of the so-called foreign direct investment schemes during the PPP’s terms were in fact dressing to quell claims by the opposition that the PPP government was not doing enough to attract investment, stimulate economic growth and address our crucial unemployment issues. The investment in Linden yielded little or nothing for the town and Guyana. The highly touted Bai Shan lin venture was always riddled with claims of corruption which included undervaluing of exports and massive duty waivers, which in total amounted to a complete rape of Guyana’s resources by this company.
- Petty corruption on a massive scale became part and parcel of government operations as businesses and private individuals were routinely placed over a barrel to have their imports processed and many other government services provided.
Bribery and corruption became a norm during the course of transactions with government ministries and agencies. - The PPP sought to dominate the media by its selective issuances of licenses to its supporters. The local media particularly Channel 6, endured much harassment from the PPP as the station continually embarrassed the government on numerous issues.
- Finally, the PPP’s penchant for misappropriating taxpayers’ money is very probably unsurpassed and unmatched in the Caribbean region, from the misuse of NIS funds to build the Berbice bridge, which now costs so much as to make travel for some prohibitive, to the Marriott fiasco which needs no further disclosure here.
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