STABROEK NEWS, JUNE 27 ---
In the backdrop of hints that the joint opposition may be preparing to move a motion of no-confidence in the government, triggering general elections, the Alliance For Change today issued a 10-point list of demands for the Ramotar administration including a date for local government elections, the immediate establishment of the procurement commission and the lowering of the Berbice bridge toll.
The AFC press release follows:
AFC’s 10 point Demands of the Ramotar’s Administration
More than a year after the Nov 28, 2011 General Elections, the Donald Ramotar administration has resolutely refused to carry out reform measures to tackle rampant corruption, enhance good Governance and ensure transparency in public expenditure, improve security of Citizens, and increase public sector wages.
The confrontational posture of his predecessor in discourses on public
issues and reckless spending of taxpayers moneys continue. The misuse of the State media continues unabated, with bombardment of Guyanese on a daily basis with lies, half-truths and personal attacks on Opposition members and parliamentarians. The people of Guyana are fed up with this state of affairs.
On behalf of the people of Guyana the AFC makes the following demands on the Donald Ramotar Administration:
1. On Governance: Immediate establishment of the Procurement Commission and appointment of all members of the Integrity Commission.
2. On Corruption: Make immediate steps to tackle Corruption in the public
sector including a forensic audit of the operations of NICIL, Sole Sourcing
of Drugs from New GPC, Transfer cash balance from NILIL to the Consolidated Fund, Hold a forensic audit of on all subsidies and additional spending on the Skeldon Sugar Factory.
3. On Berbice Bridge Toll: Immediate reduction in the toll for crossing the river.
4. Construction of a New Bridge across the Demerara River ( and not a floating bridge).
5. Set a date and hold Local Government Elections in 2014.
6. Appoint broad-based Boards for state media and access for all Opposition Parties to state media entities.
7. Step up efforts to contain crimes and create broad based consensus on a rational Security Reform Strategy and National Development Plan.
8. Halt all illegal spending of public funds not authorized by the National Assembly and hold meaningful tripartite talks to reach agreement on budget items on which all parties agree and support and not done by way of illegal, under-hand and unconstitutional ‘Excesses’, spending.
9. Implement measures and programs to stimulate job creation for unemployed youths and address the hopelessness of our young people.
10. Tax Reform to reduce the impact of taxation on public sector wages.