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Dear Editor,
Just before the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, the PPP/C promulgated that once given the opportunity to return to office they will govern for all Guyana and will be transparent and accountable. Instead of keeping their campaign promises the PPP/C is once again guilty of being discriminatory, racist, unfair, and uncaring. Not a single day passes without the harassment of the black working-class Guyanese, who are perceived to be anti-PPP, and Representatives of the Opposition. Mr. Ifraan Ali’s much touted “one Guyana” initiative is a total farce! Guyanese have witnessed the many atrocities committed on sections of our society, from the distribution of the $25,000 cash grant to the recent increase in salaries. Sugar workers, fisherfolks, rice farmers, vendors at Mon Repos have all been granted special treatment in comparison to other categories of workers in Guyana.
I listened with keen interest to the last Press Conference held by Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday, December 9, 2022, where he referenced what members of the PPP/C government endured during the Coalition Government. Editor let the records show that only Ministers and senior Government Officials, who served in the PPP/C government and who allegedly committed crimes while in office, were brought before the courts.
It is time for Mr. Ali to take his stand as THE PRESIDENT, and stop being led by Mr. Jagdeo! Mr. Jagdeo failed miserably as President of this beautiful country and appears to be enjoying his third term at Mr. Ali’s expense. A review of Jagdeo’s track record reminds Guyanese of the allegations against him. The many failed projects including the Skeldon Estate, wanton waste of taxpayers’ money, discrimination – the Frederick Kissoon report of African Guyanese not qualified for diplomatic nominees, extra-judicial killings, disrespect and disregard for the constitution and laws governing this nation. Yet Jagdeo is allowed to behave as though our nation’s resources are entirely under his control and at his disposal for him to use as he sees fit. There is no place for the opposition or the constitutionally appointed Local Democratic Councils in his playbook.
Editor, in which country in the hemisphere do we see the total absence of the rule of law where the government has absolute control? Guyanese continue to witness the blatant persecution and prosecution of former Ministers of the Coalition Government, professionals, party stalwarts of the PNCR and the recent attack of the Chief Citizen of the Capital City, Mayor Ubraj Narine. What has happened to Mayor Ubraj Narine is unfortunate. I listened to the recording and did not find his comment offensive. Nevertheless, I applaud him for his apology to those whom he may have offended. Mayor Narine and Member of Parliament, Mr. Sherod Duncan were also arrested and placed before the court for “obstructing traffic and inciting racial tension.”
Today Guyana is back to the pre-Coalition days. Guyanese are afraid to speak out, simply because of the vindictive nature of the PPP/C regime. Editor, Guyanese are loving people, and we tend to forget and move forward. But we need to remind them of what prevailed under the Coalition Government.
In March 2019, while addressing supporters at the commemorative celebrations for the Jagran’s at Port Mourant, Berbice, Jagdeo urged them to “chase out” members of the Coalition Government, whenever visits are made. The Coalition Government did not arrest him nor was the Police Force instructed to tail him. Mr. Ifraan Ali himself led supporters of the PPP/C during a protest demonstration outside of the Pegasus Hotel. Protestors swarmed the vehicle of Minister Dr. Karen Cummings endangering her life. Was Mr. Ali harassed by the then Coalition Government? Was Mr. Ali harassed by the Guyana Police Force? No, President Granger was not a dictator seeking to drive fear into, silence or lock-up his opponents.
Editor, I am urging Guyanese not to be distracted by the shenanigans of the PPP/C regime. Keep focused on the major issues: Elections Petition #99, the appeal before the courts on the 2020 General Elections, discrimination in the awarding of contracts, failed policies of the regime, mismanagement of the economy, high cost of living, the egregious acts of dismissals from the public service, paltry increase in salaries for Public Servants, unsolved murders, the booming drug trade, the absence of the rule of law, constitutional breaches, and CORRUPTION in all sectors.
Guyanese, the time has come for us to wake up. Let’s stand together against the wrong doings of the PPP/C. Do not be fearful! Let us all be reminded of 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Yours sincerely,
Annette Ferguson
Member of Parliament
