Today’s PPP leaders are smarter and slicker
I am seeking space in your newspaper to state my opinion on the plight of small business in Guyana. With reference to a Guyana Chronicle Newspaper article dated August 10th 2021, captioned, “consumers, business community to save $ 4.8 B”. This was a statement by President Ali that stated that shipping charges will be reduced to pre-pandemic levels.
Being a small business owner I was excited about this news given the fact that my business suffered really badly during the pandemic. I proceeded to enquire about the procedures needed for me to benefit from this relief, since all my supplies are shipped into Guyana. I called GRA (CE and TG on Tel: 227 6060) and to my astonishment I was told that this relief is only for persons shipping merchandise in containers.
My question is what happens to the small businessman that doesn’t bring in containers? Where are the benefits for small business owners during this pandemic? It seems like the benefits of this reduction in freight charges are only for the rich, very rich and those that already have billions, while small businesses like mine have to face the brunt of the enormous increase in freight charges. How can this be fair? Who is looking out for small businesses?
As an African Guyanese that voted for the PPP/C at the last election, I was convinced then that a PPP/C government would be pro- business but I now realise that they are “pro big business only”. I am highly disappointed! The rich are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer. They will never get my vote again.
Sincerely,
Shawn Sam
