With the elections over and a new president sworn in, we asked persons to comment on the process as well as their expectations of the new government and what should be their priorities. Here are their responses:
Anesa Hussain, businesswoman
‘I went out early to vote and there was no problem; everything went smoothly. I expect the new government to do everything that they promised they would do. I am just looking forward to see the betterment that they could bring. The main thing I would like to see happening is for the businesspeople to enjoy less taxes so consumers can pay less on items. I would also like if the process of clearing imported goods can be faster and hassle-free. I mean people shouldn’t have to wait long for their own goods.’
Seew Persaud, businessman
‘I voted and I’m happy about the way the process went on elections day. All politicians make promises to the people before elections and after that they don’t fulfill them. But I hope it would not be the same with this new government. We want to see what it can do for the people. I think the first thing they should look at is finding jobs for the youth so they would not be idle. I also think that this domestic violence law is causing women to take advantage on men and that should stop. Women are doing what they want and men do not have any right…’
Stephen Fred, engineer
‘To be honest I expect a whole lot of remediation and new systems to be put in place. There have been a lot of controversies over the years in terms of certain projects and in
terms of how certain things were done. So personally I think that within the first 100 days a lot of these things would have to be corrected. The priorities should be to place emphasis on public servants; teachers, firemen, police, like we saw the government highlight in its plans. But we do know how easy it is for them to stray from these plans. With that said, I do hope that everything work out for the best and I do think that things would take a better turn indeed. Actually, I did not vote because of religious reasons but I know the process was smooth. We even had the observers saying that it was smooth and free and fair. Even the Gecom officer said the same.’
Mohan Samaroo, taxi driver
‘I voted and to me the process went smoothly. I expect the new government to do everything that they put in their manifesto. As a pensioner, I think their priority should be to increase the old age pension. They should also hold the local government election; this wasn’t done for over 21 years. I also think they should drop the price for gasoline. Up to now we are not getting a realistic price. The new government should also help the single parents, increase the salary for workers and drop the VAT on all food items. I also want
to say that there was no fraud in the elections and (Donald) Ramotar and (Bharrat) Jagdeo should get themselves out and allow the country to go forward.’
Max Ford, carpenter
‘I voted and I think the process went smoothly. I expect that whatever this new government promised in its manifesto they should deliver to the people. I would like to them to focus first on the nurses, teachers, police, soldiers, farmers and especially the youth because they are the people who have to look after this country. I would also like them to put systems in place so that when students finish writing the CSEC exams they can have a job or something to do. If not, they get involved in bad company and start using drugs and become owners of guns. Right now several playgrounds are unused and just a few areas in West Demerara really supporting sports like football.’
Surujpaul Persaud, snow-cone vendor
‘I went out and vote and was glad that everything went well. I expect the new government to continue to work and develop the country. I mean everybody had a chance and this
is their chance. They just have to show the people that they can do what they promise them because the people put them there. At least they promised to develop the education system and I think that they should see that as one of the priorities.’
Aneela Persaud, vendor,
‘I had no problem when I went out to vote. I would like to see some changes here at the Leonora market. I’ve been selling here for over 30 years and for about 15 to 20 years the market was just like this. Most of the stalls in here are empty because the vendors prefer to sell on the line-top. The previous government promised to bring the people in but they didn’t. The APNU+AFC government said they would bring change and we voted for change so I hope that they can see that the vendors come back in here. It is not fair on us because we are hardly doing business and many single mothers are suffering because of that.’
Roy Grant, taxi driver
‘I think the process was smooth and everything was free and fair. Yes I went out and vote. Well Mr. Granger promised us to do some things in the first 100 days and we would like to see that. The first thing I would like to see is the changes in attitude and the unity among the races, with Indians and blacks mixing together. For years people have been
segregating from each other and I hope that this combined government can bring some kind of unity especially among the young people. I would also hope that life for my children would be easier.’
Dwight Jordan, taxi driver
‘I voted for the elections and there was no problem. First of all, I would like to congratulate Mr. Granger and his new government on the victory. I know this is for the betterment of all Guyanese and I trust that everyone can put their differences aside and come together as one People, One Nation, One Destiny. The government promised to do a lot within the first 100 days and we hope that they can put the workers’ salary and old age pension as priorities.’
William Wong, taxi driver
‘I’m happy that I went out to vote and to me the elections process was very smooth. My expectations for the new government are for betterment and good governance. I look
forward for them to carry out the plans they have for the first 100 days and if they do that everything would start off well and we can continue to have more progress.’
Azeez Ahamad, taxi driver
‘I voted for the elections and everything went well and the atmosphere was very calm and peaceful. There was no complaint; everybody in the Tuschen Scheme work hand-in-hand and they went out and did what they had to do by their choice. First of all, I would like to congratulate Mr. Granger and I hope that he stand on his word and give us what he promised us. We have been suffering for a long time with our road in the scheme and I’m calling on him to assist us in getting our road done and getting the area cleaned up. If we can get this done we would be very thankful as a community. Right now we need a police station in the scheme. We have an outpost but the services are limited. In the nights there is no vehicle and there would just be one police to take a report and they would send you at the station. We would also like the government to look into this car park because we are affected by the private cars that work hire.’
