Dear Editor,
A Government must understand that when they are elected to office, they are required to govern the country without fear or favour, in the interest of all. In a democracy, a government must recognise that its citizens will support different political parties of their choice. However, when a government is installed into office, it cannot govern only those who voted for them. A government must govern for all, knowing that many have voted against them. I supported APNU+AFC in the last election because I believe that no country should be governed by any political party for more than two terms. Countries that have chosen to change their government at regular intervals have seen more progress than those that have one government for long, extended periods. Look at Caricom and we will see that all of these countries change their government at regular intervals.
I was excited and happy when the coalition won. I believe then, and I still do now, that President Granger and Prime Minister Nagamootoo will carry our country to greater prosperity. There are some decisions, however, made by this government that concern me. There is a long list, but I will paraphrase a few of my own observations:
- With a population of just over 750,000 persons, we have too many Ministers of the Government. How can one reasonably justify this?
- Not only did we appoint all these Ministers, with all the perks that the office is entitled to, we have significantly increased their salaries. Now when they leave office, the Guyanese taxpayers will be burdened with their retirement benefits until they die.
- The President appointed “Presidential Advisors” from one ethnic group only. This has really disappointed me, because I believed that the President was a man above ethnic politics. Are the appointments made by the President or APNU? And whether it was the President or APNU, are there no qualified Guyanese from other ethnic groups who can be advisors to the President?
- The Prime Minister also appointed the majority of his staff from one ethnic group? What message are the President and Prime Minister sending to the Guyanese public?
My hope and wish is that these gentlemen understand that they are President and Prime Minister for all of Guyana, not just their ethnic group. We cannot continue to be a divided nation; it will only make us weaker. The tone that is set at the top will permeate the entire society.
Editor, the Opposition has not made it easier for the Government. They continue to rant against the Government when staff are sent home, claiming ethnic cleansing. This is largely untruthful, and the opposition knows that. The Opposition, when in Government, appointed many of their crony friends and family to top jobs. Well, many of their performances have been mediocre and it is within the government’s right to change them. The fact is that the Opposition, when in Government appointed more people of one ethnic group, so who will the Government fire now? It will have to be people of that ethnic group. I honestly do not believe that this Government is sending people home because of their ethnicity, but more because of corruption and mediocrity. For the Leader of the Opposition to preach racial politics, it is not good for him or the country.
Yours faithfully,
Charles Sugrim
