100 days in office … President Donald Ramotar sets historic precedent for Guyana
A GINA feature, March 11, 2012
President Ramotar signs the Oath of Office after being sworn in as Guyana’s Seventh Executive President.
It has become a trend to assess Heads of State/Government at the 100th day juncture of their administration, and though it is not clear as to which state/country this practice originated or specifically when such a methodology had been introduced, the 100 days’ performance barometer for leaders is mentioned regularly in the readings and assessments of United States of America’s Presidents. Even Guyana’s own Forbes Burnham had his 100 days.
Many observers/analysts apply this time frame in determining how much the incumbent leader understands the enduring issues at hand; what vision and plans he/she presents to deal with these and, the dynamics of the political landscape as they unfurl, apart from the general administration that leader heads.
There were many, who questioned the capabilities of Donald Rabindranauth Ramotar, even alluding to the fact, that for the almost 20 years of the PPP/C government, he had not been given a Cabinet office.
However, the first 100 days have now passed since he took the Oath of Office on December 3, to become Guyana’s seventh executive President, making history as the first to be inaugurated as leader of a minority Government under a constitution that allows a two - term limitation for Heads of State.
Winning the Presidency at the 2011 national and regional elections, the new president said the results were a reflection of the democratic will and maturity of the people. “I am prepared to work beyond the difficulties to ensure that our country does not regress,” President Ramotar said, vowing to fulfill the tasks of creating opportunities for all Guyanese, and at the same time defend the right of a president to hold his own views apart from those of the party.
Two days after being sworn in, President Ramotar appointed his 20-member Cabinet with a few new faces, some re-assigned to their positions and, one new Ministry named to handle natural resources.
First duties
Among his first set of public duties as Head of State in the month of December, was to join in the festive season with the rest of the nation and the local and diplomatic community. He attended celebrations by the Russians, the local “Christmas Tree light up” at Rahaman’s Park, Houston, spent time with members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the army at their Christmas socials.
In other areas, President Ramotar accompanied by First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar distributed hampers to the elderly and presents to children as Christmas cheer was spread across the country. While many were celebrating Christmas, the President was at the children’s ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation comforting children and presenting them with gifts.
Parliament and Dialogue
President Ramotar had by this time assured the nation that his government was in charge, but also signalled to the two political parties that he was prepared to answer their call at working consensually in arriving at critical decisions in the interest of Guyana and its peoples.
President Donald Ramotar gives his inaugural address to the Tenth Parliament of Guyana
This can be described as a master stroke on the part of President Ramotar along with his matter-of-fact warning during his presidential speech that he was not prepared to be held to ransom by the political opposition. Therefore, his strategy of reaching out to the peoples’ representatives, is an indication that their opinions are what will be his guide in future deliberations, and that the opposition will not succeed in their attempts to stymie the onward trend of the nation, which has benefitted even their constituents.
He signalled also, that collaboration is the way forward, slamming the two parliamentary opposition parties for squandering the chance for enhanced political cooperation and consensus by joining forces and allowing their majority over the governing party to overshadow the interest of the nation.
Parliamentarians on both sides of the House were urged to seek consensus and compromise and resist the temptation “to believe that any party can ride rough shod over another.” Failure to do so, the President believes, may consequentially miss the historical opportunities that this new composition offers.
In keeping with his commitment, President Donald Ramotar meets with Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition David Granger for talks
Commitment
Nevertheless, amidst this challenging, political situation, the past 100 days has clearly shown that only an experienced politician of the calibre of President Ramotar can negotiate, leading his government.
As the New Year approached, he pledged that his government will work resolutely on a development agenda that guarantees value for money in the delivery of public goods and services and, to bring an end to corruption. The Head of State promised quality in the social services, improvement in the physical infrastructure, and a greater and higher standard of living for everyone.
When a scandal of alleged rape erupted against Commissioner of Police Henry Greene, President Donald Ramotar acceded to his request for leave and appointed Assistant Commissioner Leroy Brumell as Commissioner in the interim. External assistance was invited to investigate the issue.
Additionally, in keeping with his promise of reviewing the taxation system in Guyana, President Ramotar set up a panel in the persons of Accountant Ronald Ali, economist Dr. Cyril Solomon and, prominent businessman, Clifford Reis to lead the review process. The promise of a tax regime review, including an appraisal of the Value Added Tax (VAT) was promised during his campaign trail.
In a further commitment to the people, President Ramotar vowed not to sit idly by and allow Guyanese women to continue suffering at the hands of violent spouses and called for a re-orientation in the way the police approach and address the issue.
Additionally, as 10 Regional Chairmen and their deputies were appointed, the President expressed his willingness to work very closely with them in the interest of the country and the populace.
Newly sworn in Regional Executive Officers after the ceremony at the Office of the President.
Even the senior citizens are recognised by the Head of State, and Guyana’s latest centenarian, Cecelia Rebecca Tappin, a Lichfield, West Coast Berbice resident was honoured with a visit from him when her many family members, neighbours and friends gathered to celebrate her milestone.
West Berbice centenarian Cecelia Tappin has President Donald Ramotar as her birthday guest
President Ramotar has practically demonstrated that he is indeed a president for all Guyanese, one who is willing to listen to even those with dissenting views. The National Stakeholders’ Conference therefore, reinforced the fact that he is indeed genuinely concerned about the views of Guyanese, as to what they think about, and expect of, their government; and the need to work together at this most challenging time for the common good. The fact that relentless critics of the past administration, attended this summit and spoke very appreciatively of his open mindedness and ‘ready to listen’ approach, leaving them no doubt, positive about the nation’s direction under his hand, speak volumes of his emerging style as a truly transformation figure and a genuine national leader.
Members of the National Stakeholders’ Forum meet with President Ramotar
Religious Freedom
All these sterling qualities, President Donald Ramotar has displayed thus far explain, also, why the nation has been able to settle down again, calmed by his undoubted understanding that ethnic unity is the way forward for building a cohesive society.
During Interfaith Week the Head of State took the firm stance that Guyana rejects the notion that “any person or any people can be stigmatised or prosecuted because of religion,” and that the Government will repudiate any effort to subject people to policies that restrict the pursuit of their faith.
The President is particularly pleased that in Guyana where there is a diversity in religious beliefs, the Government has maintained a policy of respect for the right of every individual to his/her faith and that no one should be prohibited or maligned for his/her belief.
The important role religion plays in perpetuating the moral standards in Guyana was acknowledged by President Ramotar during the Christmas, Youman Nabi and Shiv Raatri observances by the three major religions.
Diplomatic ties and foreign relations
President Ramotar has already demonstrated a profound grasp of the realities of an enlightened foreign policy, foreseeing the need for Guyana to reach out to other nations, particularly the emerging economies.
He has met foreign Heads of Mission and other members of the diplomatic corps in Guyana to discuss the policies of the Guyana Government and cooperation with the international community. In furthering US relations with Guyana, His Excellency has had dialogue with the US Ambassador to Guyana and other US agencies, pointing out that they continue to be especially supportive of Government’s efforts in bringing the country to an economically viable place where opportunities are created for every citizen to enjoy an excellent quality of life.
President Ramotar greets OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza
Turning to the increased Chinese presence in Guyana, President Ramotar hailed the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and China’s assistance to Guyana in several areas.
Ties with the United Nations and the Middle East were also strengthened during the President’s first 100 days in office, along with improved relationships with Guyana’s immediate neighbours as he maintained the already firmly established diplomatic agenda.
In keeping with his promise of continuity, the Head of State made his first state visit to Suriname. The fight against piracy, intelligence sharing, strengthening of bilateral cooperation and cross-border security are among the issues discussed by President Donald Ramotar and his Surinamese counterpart Desi Bouterse, when an eight-member Guyana delegation engaged in a one-day working visit to the Republic of Suriname.
Additionally, OAS Secretary General JosÉ Miguel Insulza supported the hope that the new President achieves his goal of more political understanding of moving the country forward. He extended the invitation for President Ramotar to attend and participate in the Summit of the Americas in April.
Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Yu Wenzhe and spouse exchange toasts with President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar on the occasion of the Chinese New Year.
Climate change and LCDS
President Donald Ramotar has assured that the forest carbon payments Guyana earned from the Government of Norway that are locked away in an international financial institution have not gone unnoticed.
The Norwegian Government has lived up to its obligation of depositing US$70M in forest carbon payments to the Guyana REDD Investment Fund (GRIF) after sealing what is considered the second, largest world’s forest climate services arrangement.
Suriname, like Guyana, has a success story about an environmental initiative that has attracted the attention of international donors and investors. Views and ideas in this regard were exchanged when Chairman of the Suriname Conservation Foundation, Wim Udenhout met the Guyanese Head of State.
Flood
Leadership at any nation’s helm is about honesty, vision, purpose, a willingness to listen to the governed, the capacity to offer guidance in the face of national peril, and making the polity feel part of the decision making process. Very importantly, it is about maintaining the common touch.
Heavy rains inundated several communities in Region Five and prompted President Donald Ramotar to make an impromptu visit to the Region for a first-hand assessment. He also visited North Ruimveldt and concluded that there is need for work on internal drains and the main canal. He also observed that squatting along the reserve of a main canal in the area is one of the factors responsible for the state of affairs in the area every time there is heavy rainfall. The President noted the urgent need to work in close collaboration with the City Council.
President Donald Ramotar speaking with Region Four and Five farmers affected by flood
Growth
President Donald Ramotar noted that Ogle Airport has come a far way, having started out in the 1950s by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and lauded the Aircraft Owners Association for starting the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School.
Emphasising the need for developing human capital, he commended the graduation of over 500 youths, single parents from Regions Three, Four, Five Six and Ten. They had come to the end of their skills training through the Labour Ministry’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE).
President Ramotar noted however, that while 30 percent of the national budget has been going to the social services since 1992, the Government on its own cannot realise the full potential without partnership. He endorsed the partnership which was engendered between the Government and the Doobay Medical Centre and pledged continued support to similar initiatives in the future.
With respect to the hydro power plant, he said Gov’t will take measures to ensure Amaila Falls access road is in a timely manner, since this is vital for Guyana to benefit from cheap energy that would propel bold economic development.
Work on fiber optic cables is almost 85% complete, and in addition with the OPLF programme, these are aimed at modernising Government services; whereby a number of public facilities such as hospitals, schools, and police stations among others.
Oil
In keeping with the promise of a booming oil industry in Guyana President Ramotar has been busy in talks with several international investors in the petroleum, mining and agriculture sectors. Only recently officials from REPSOL, the internationally renowned oil exploration company met the President to update him on their drilling venture at the Jaguar Well offshore Guyana in the Corentyne. Tullow Oil, a London-based Company, YPF and CGX of Canada holding equity interests of 30 and 25 percent respectively also gave updates.
Guyana is the second most attractive under-explored basin in the world with a potential of 15.2 billion barrels of oil and were a discovery to be made, production targets would be estimated at 50 million barrels per year. Drilling has already begun.
As Guyana prepares to welcome the discovery of oil, the Head of State meets with executives of the oil companies drilling for the mineral.
Sports
President Ramotar has encouraged athletes to always strive for excellence, since sport plays an important role in a country’s development. The Guyana Rugby team has been gifted with cash being the first Caribbean team to qualify for the Hong Kong Sevens World Series Qualification Tournament, a pathway for the team to compete at the 2016 Olympic Games to be held in Brazil.
The President has called for vibrant, accountable and visionary leadership from sports associations in Guyana. One situation had been addressed by the establishment of an Interim Management Committee to deal with the problems facing cricket in Guyana.
Military
President Ramotar has suggested housing and life skills in the welfare consideration for soldiers and laid out a set of measures Government is willing to support in the interest of developing the human resource capacity of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). He also reminded them of their obligation to the principles of integrity which he said are paramount in any security force.
President Ramotar views the parade before the start of the Guyana Police Force’s conference
The call was made for a redress to a number of misdemeanors that in the past gave the army a bad mark including the mysterious disappearance of weapons, some of which are still unaccounted for. At the Commissioning Parade of the Standard Officers’ Course # 44 the officers were reminded that the conduct of their duties, whether good or bad, reflects the reputation of the force and in this regard, they were encouraged to uphold their integrity.
Commander-in-Chief President Donald Ramotar, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Commodore Gary Best and newly commissioned officers of the GDF
Additionally, he called on the Police Force to eliminate all forms of corruption within the Force and for ranks to conduct their duties with greater professionalism; guarding against citizens’ human rights violation.
Officer of the Guyana Defence Force in a photo opportunity with their new Commander-in-Chief
Piracy
In the wake of a pirate attack and mishap in the Pomeroon River, President Donald Ramotar summoned a meeting with persons who were either directly or indirectly affected, promising intervention at the level of the Cabinet.
A spate of attacks left 15 fishing boats with a total crew of 19 men attacked, robbed, beaten, and bound by pirates who, after their rampage damaged some of their boats.
The delegation of fisherfolks met with the President and was assured that the necessary interventions will be guided by assessments of reports being received on a daily basis.
President Ramotar meets with fishermen and their relatives who suffered from pirate attacks
CARICOM
Just before the completion of his first 100 days in office, President Ramotar made his debut at the 23rd Inter-Sessional CARICOM meeting in Paramaribo, Suriname, where he was inspired by the vision of his CARICOM colleagues for the community.
Participating in an agenda crisp with crime and security, climate change and sustainable development, the Guyana team led by President Ramotar, was also looking forward to a favourable outcome on cricket and this did happen.
CARICOM mandated that the Prime Ministerial sub-committee on cricket look into the current woes facing the game in the region and a facilitator assigned to be Secretary General of CARICOM to expedite a five - year plan for the restructuring of the secretariat culminated two days of intense deliberations.
Conclusion
Overall, during his first 100 days in office, President Donald Ramotar feels that the methodology used by the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan to approach national issues is more relevant to many of the challenges facing Guyana today.
Speaking at the 15th death anniversary of the late President and co-founder of Guyana’s first national party, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), President Ramotar noted that, “Comrade Cheddi wrote and spoke of many of the developments that are taking place today and, he predicted many of them. He was able to do that because he took a scientific view of politics and developments generally…Our detractors do not want to have any kind of development in this country because they are working on the philosophy that if things are bad for our country it would be better for them… that will never ever happen in our country,” President Ramotar said.
