Dear Editor,
As a student of politics, I am struck by the irony that a potential presidential candidate, barring his disposal at Congress, appears to lack a fundamental understanding of governance, public policy, and administration, yet aspires to lead a nation boasting the fastest-growing economy, globally. It is evident that Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton, struggles to articulate comprehensive and coherent positions and plans for the APNU when challenged by competent reporters. Regrettably, his grasp of critical aspects of governance seems lacking, rendering him, at best, an abstract thinker ill-equipped even for a role within a Student’s Council.
Mr. Norton’s recent press conference further highlighted his intellectual limitations. This is what he had to say about Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s approach to public policy and administration: “Jagdeo does not outline policies for this country. And so, his first deficiency is the absence of [a] policy approach to development. His approach is projects, projects, projects.” Interestingly, Mr. Norton is university educated and has served as a political science lecturer at the University of Guyana (UG) for several years. Political science emphasizes the importance of public policy and administration to development, and the relationship between the two.
Therefore, any novice student, whether from UG or elsewhere, would discern that development projects serve as implements for policy execution. Consider the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), a progressive policy conceived by VP Jagdeo. This national policy allocates 15% of carbon market revenues for community-led initiatives among Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Toka, an Indigenous village in the Rupununi, recently used funds allocated to it from the sale of carbon credits – through the LCDS – to purchase a mini-excavator which it is using to dig wells to harvest water for crops and livestock which have been adversely affected by the prolonged dry season. Initiatives like these, outlined in Village Sustainability Plans, exemplify the tangible outcomes of proper policy formulation and directives that address societal needs.
Since the PPP’s return to government in 2020, Guyana’s story is replete with such examples: expansive housing schemes and road developments under its
housing policy, enhanced educational access through new school constructions and renovations under its education policy, and ambitious healthcare improvements including the construction of twelve new hospitals. For a candidate aspiring to the highest office, it would be prudent for Mr. Norton to acquaint himself with the fundamentals of governance and public administration since abstract notions will hold little sway come 2025.
Sincerely,
Ravin Singh
