Although security posed the “most important” challenge of the year, the PPP said yesterday that its administration has seen returns on heavy investments in goods and services to the people.

Donald Ramotar

At a year end press conference yesterday, PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar described security as the most important challenge of the last year, reminding that very dangerous criminals carried out some of the most horrific and gruesome crimes in the country’s history. He cited the massacres at Lusignan, Bartica and Lindo Creek which resulted in a death toll of 31, including children. Ramotar congratulated the security forces for their determination in bringing the criminals to justice but at the same time warned against complacency. “We must be watchful to prevent any outbreak of such violence again,” he said, adding that the “PPP wishes to encourage the communities to continue to be vigilant and to get involved in the policing groups to enhance the security of the community and the nation as a whole.”

Ramotar also sounded a warning about climate change, saying that it is clear that it has begun to affect the country in a negative way. Heavy rainfall has caused a lot of damage, with East Demerara, East Berbice and the Pomeroon being identified as among the worst affected areas in the country. Ramotar said while it is clear that a lot has been done to improve the drainage system, helping to prevent a recurrence of the 2005 Great Flood, it is evident that the government still has quite a lot to do. “Our government is aware of the problems and the coming year will see greater efforts to tackle this once again, with a view of alleviating the difficulties that are currently being experienced,” he added.

He observed that Guyana has become a leading advocate internationally on the ecological crisis the world currently faces, with President Bharrat Jagdeo’s initiative to preserve standing forests.

He said, “We believe that we have a major contribution to make in this struggle to protect our planet from falling into an ecological disaster.”
Meanwhile, Ramotar said there were many achievements, social and economic, of the year, with the opening of the bridge across the Berbice River crowning it all off.

He also cited the hosting of CARIFESTA X, saying it was a great success despite the short time for preparations. He said too that the economy continued to grow despite the unfavourable international economic climate in which the country’s major trading partners are caught, including one of the worst international recessions in recent times. “In the coming year we have to continue to be even more efficient in handling our economy to ensure continued growth and development,” he said.