With his government coming under increasing pressure to abide by a motion of no confidence passed against it on December 21 mandating that new elections be held within 90 days, President David Granger today extended an olive branch to the opposition saying that there are opportunities for “enhanced political cooperation”.
In his New Year’s address to the nation, the Head of State made no direct reference to the no-confidence motion but mentioned that “recent developments in the National Assembly have created opportunities for enhanced political cooperation.”
“Meetings between the Government and Opposition will take place in the new year to discuss and determine the way forward for our country. Your government is prepared to work with the Opposition to ensure that our national objectives are achieved and that 2019 can be a satisfactory year for all,” he stressed.
It is unclear whether the opposition will be swayed by this as it is demanding that the APNU+AFC government resign in accordance with the constitution and clear the path for general elections in 90 days. The government has since balked at resigning and says it will challenge the validity of the motion of no confidence and will move to the courts if necessary. Some of its spokespersons have also levelled allegations of bribery against the PPP and the APNU+AFC MP who defected to enable the success of the motion.
In his address, Granger stated that life for all Guyanese will continue to improve in 2019 through the efforts of the current government.
He said that “Guyanese can expect, by the end of the new year, to live in a state with more secure borders; communities that are safer; an economy that is more resilient; a society that is more cohesive and public services that are more easily accessible.”
Labelling 2019 the Year of consolidation, he went on to note in several instances that “the constitution is supreme.”
“Your government starts the year by recommitting to consolidating Guyana as a safe society with a stable economy and strong parliamentary democracy,” he said adding that “the National Assembly and the Judiciary are the bedrock of our democracy.”
“Your government remains committed to upholding the Constitution, preserving the rule of law and guaranteeing a safe, stable, orderly and peaceful country. We respect the courts which protect our institutions and system of democracy,” the Head of State who is currently in Cuba for medical treatment reiterated.
According to Granger, government through prudent management, has ensured the improvement of citizens’ lives over the past three and a half years.
He stated that workers’ incomes increased while access to public services such as public education, public health, public utilities and public infrastructure has improved.
New towns
“New towns were created; new jobs were generated. Guyana witnessed the irreversible institutionalization of local democracy through the establishment of four capital towns and the renewal of the local government system. Elections were held again in 2016 and 2018 in accordance with the Constitution,” he stressed explaining that “Local government elections consolidated democracy at the grass-roots level, empowered citizens and facilitated their free and unfettered involvement in decision-making in their municipalities and communities.”
He further noted that government has renewed public confidence in the economy by embarking on programmes of diversification, has attracted investments, increased exports of traditional and non-traditional commodities, encouraged small- and medium-size enterprises and laid the foundation for the strategic development of the emergent energy sector even as improvements in citizens’ well-being have generated hope in the future.
The impending implementation of the ‘Green State Development Strategy’ has been created with realizing Guyana’s undeniable potential as a land of promise and prosperity where everyone will be able to enjoy a good life while protecting the environment for future generations.
Referencing projects and policies in the recently approved 2019 Budget, Granger noted that they are aimed at sustaining the economy, strengthening local democracy, stimulating social cohesion and creating new jobs.
“Everyone will benefit,” he intoned stating that government has provided for improved health care and advances towards universal health coverage in 2019.
“We will consolidate improvements in maternal health and in the reduction of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Public health institutions will be better equipped and provided with adequate medicines and medical personnel,” he said.
Frontier security has been strengthened in the face of a flood of migrants fleeing distress in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Granger explained while claiming that over the last three and a half years government has worked tirelessly to secure national borders.
The UN Secretary General’s decision in January 2018 to refer the Venezuelan territorial claim to the International Court of Justice, was welcomed and the anticipation of a favourable outcome reiterated even as the support of the Caribbean Community and other friendly states for Guyana’s territorial sovereignty was credited with having reassured citizens and foreign investors of the safety and security of the country.
“The Guyana Defence Force has consolidated the Guyana People’s Militia on a regional basis. Reforms in the security-sector are being implemented to ensure safer communities in 2019. The Guyana Police Force will be expected to expedite security sector reform with the aim of guaranteeing human safety and public order and suppressing transnational crime,” the Head of State stressed.
