Dear Editor,
I had recused myself from the politics of Guyana for a while. However, I have been following the 2015 election through social media, friends and family in Guyana, and the news.
The PPP is contemptuous in their governance and the delay in declaring that APNU+AFC has won is ludicrous. The Guyanese electorate has spoken truth to the powers that be and given a clear mandate to a new government deserving of the people. It is desperation that they cannot declare they have lost the election. My public administration training and expertise in the United States have led me to make the following analyses:
First, the PPP underestimated the intelligence and frustration that the people have with their government. A government that is full of corruption and cronyism. Similar to the United States, about 1% of the population controls the wealth, economic and political powers. The difference between Guyana and the United States is that the politicians go to jail there. Also, access to the government by a few people reaps the benefit often associated with corruption and kickbacks.
Secondly, the PPP genuinely believe that the Indian population will still vote for them no matter what. Little do they know that era is long over. What people wanted in Guyana was the freedom to access the same resources that the PPP and their acolytes have. The millennial generation wants to be assured that they too can have a secure future just like the 1%. This analogy is drawn by the wide margin of votes for APNU+AFC in Region 4. The city of Georgetown, the hub of all economic and employment opportunities, is where the millennials now reside, and they are much more informed about the policies of the PPP.
Thirdly, I strongly believe that you can fool the people some of the time, but not all the time. I feel energized and proud of my country of birth. However, I must state that there is a lot of work ahead and I am confident in Messrs Granger and Nagamootoo. I urge them to bring back dignity and respect to public service.
Thanks to my fellow Guyanese.
Yours faithfully,
Steve Hemraj
