Dear Editor,
Kindly permit me the space to offer my reasoning on the performance of the coalition government since taking office. There have been areas of much improvement, inclusive of the holding of Local Government Elections, the transformation of Georgetown, the clear and progressive nature of the Ministry of Public Works. But, Editor, there are key failures that have left a bitter feeling in the mouths of many pro-coalition supporters. In the following paragraphs, I will elaborate on a few key aspects, which I fear the coalition has miserably failed the people of Guyana.
Firstly, I stand firmly when I say the Minister of Education, under which Sports and Culture falls, has been an abject failure. Editor, after 11 months in office, this comrade has failed to solve the woes of the students of the University of Guyana. To that effect, all the students are asking for is a better system, one where they get a value for their dollar. Indeed, the University has problems that it needs to rectify, including poor conditions, better remuneration for staff (to attract better qualified lecturers and researchers), and improved standards to enhance/maintain its accreditation. These problems will only be improved if there is better leadership both at the University level (through a visionary Vice Chancellor) and constant engagement with the government. Funding for research and teaching from central governments and private entities are the cornerstone of any good university. Mr. Roopnaraine needs to get off his high horse and engage the people. A Commission of Inquiry will not solve all these problems. He needs to engage all stakeholders and carve a path forward for a dying system. When the portfolios (Education, Culture, and Sports) were combined, I was one who strongly felt the divisions of Sports and Education were two major entities, both important in their own ways for our future children progress. It is sad that both divisions are failing badly.
Secondly, Editor, the affairs of the Minister of Agriculture leave much to be desired. The manner in which the closing of Wales, and potentially LBI were announced was nothing short of straight up disgusting. This government lacks the personal touch when it comes to their people. Would it have hurt the Minister to engage those who are losing a part of their lives? The people of this system rely on GuySuCo as a source of income, a glue that holds the community together and forms a rich vein of history forged by our fore parents sweat and toil. In addition, a contingency plan for the lands and resources of these facilities is not clear to the farmers and workers. Did the government have a plan? Or the idea was to act then reason? Leaves a lot to be desired from an administration that strongly feels experience (based on the many old folks) outweighs vigour and youth. Despite his many past accomplishments and work experience in this field, Mr. Holder leaves a lot to be desired and reasoned.
Thirdly, Minister Lawrence’s major oversight and lack of personal touch with handling the child abuse case is another shortcoming. The President was a firm believer that the past regime was not doing enough for our kids and here you have a colleague commenting “this is a family issue that has been going on and on and on and on for whatever reason, I can’t tell you, because if I had a brother, even if there was an accusation, this is not how I would go about helping him” (March 24, 2016 – Minister Volda Lawrence’s unbecoming conduct, Kaieteur News). This is surely ground for contempt and one holding public office overseeing the wellbeing of our kids should be immediately reprimanded. She has failed the people of Guyana; the future of this country requires stringent rules that will protect our children.
Now, finally, to the cream of the crop. Mr. Harmon, Minister of State, has placed a convenient white blanket over the eyes of many Guyanese. I am ashamed to say I went to the same secondary school as this man. I perceived Mr. Harmon as a trailblazer, a fighter, but his actions over the past months have left much to be desired. Firstly, the secret gazetting of the salary increases and now the entire B.K. saga and Baishanlin dabbling. Mr. Harmon was critical of B.K. prior to taking office. They blamed the PPP/C for handing this specific company contracts, enriching their coffers, at the expense of the people of Guyana. I am sure that Mr. Brian Tiwarie was a donor to the coalition and surely promises were made, either in passing (I strongly hope) or with commitment. Mr. Tiwarie was one of the first to beautify Georgetown with the regime change. He swooped in and offered a hand. Why did he not act in this same capacity under the previous government? Further, the infringement of Mr. Harmon on the portfolio of the Minister of Finance in ordering the 14-day extension in relation to Baishanlin was corrupt. Ministers surely have an instrument of conduct that carefully outlines their duty, one would hope. Mr. Harmon’s silence and his bold response/threat to the media mirrors the corrupt PPP/C power mongers when they were in office.
The people of Guyana voted for change, voted for transparency, voted for a better today and tomorrow. Prior to taking office, President Granger vowed to take a stance against corruption and sloth handling of the country’s affairs, but the miserable failure of a few key Ministers under his watch without any consequences, will steadily transport Guyana to an era when the PPP/C were in power.
I personally think those holding high office owe everyone an explanation for their actions, or in these cases, inaction. Guyana has great potential, but their needs to be vision, reasoning, and monitored execution. Nothing comes easy, many thought the days of fighting for an answer from politicians in Guyana was over, guess again. These Ministers need to buckle their shoes up and reach out to the people and stop lazing around.
Yours faithfully,
Michael George
