Since 1992 the government had to embark on a programme of reconstruction

Dear Editor,

M. Mc Allister, PNCR-1G parliamentarian in part of his presentation in the debate on the budget has attempted to float once again his party’s propaganda, that they were responsible for the improvement in the economy, repair of the infrastructure, and the debt forgiveness received since 1992, because of the so-called Economic Recovery Programme (ERP) introduced under the presidency of the late Mr Desmond Hoyte.

Although his party keeps claiming that no progress was and is being made under the PPP/Civic government, which of course they cannot substantiate for such progress is very visible and it is there for all to see, they are now trying to claim the credit for this very obvious progress and development.

He was not able to get away with this false claim however as PPP/Civic Minister Robeson Benn reminded him of the complete destruction of the infrastructure under the PNC and that since 1992, the new government had to embark on a programme of reconstruction to repair all the damage left behind by the PNC.

The people and the economy would not have benefited as much as they did if it were not for the prudent fiscal management of the PPP/Civic government and their programmes and policies to make the investments they did and are doing in the social sectors – health, education, social assistance, increases in old age and NIS pensions, water, roads and bridges, and in encouraging foreign direct investment and the private sector, and also in their efforts to stamp out corruption, and to modernize the country.

We have now reached the stage where we can accelerate our progress and development and further improve the standard of living and quality of lives of all citizens and there is no discrimination or marginalization as the PNCR-1G keeps weakly trying to insinuate.

The members of the Opposition have been invited by several Ministers of the Government to attend various meetings and workshops with members of the Government and others to participate and put forward their ideas, suggestions and criticisms and so make additional meaningful contributions to the policies and programmes of the government for the betterment of the people and country.

This is another opportunity in “Building Trust to achieve genuine political co-operation” towards greater inclusive governance in Guyana.

Yours faithfully,

John Da Silva