https://citizensreportgy.com/?p=13272
The APNU+AFC Coalition leader, David Granger, has called himself a “powerhouse” who ensures that his government is working for the people. This was his response when pressed on the criticisms of the Coalition’s dismal track record after four-plus years in office.
In complete denial, Granger said, “I do not believe that my critics would find agreement among my ministers. I’m very strong leader and I’m not laid-back at all. I insist on you know high standards, high quality performance and I am behind my ministers, behind my officials to ensure that they deliver the best quality service.”
He added, “Every month I meet all of the permanent secretaries so that they could report on the performance of their ministries. Every week I meet my ministers. Every week I meet my security officers. Most of the changes you see being implemented in some of these sectors are the result of my initiative. I am not laid-back at all. I am a hard taskmaster and I ensure that everything that is done by this government is done to the satisfaction of the Guyanese people.”
According to Granger, he is unaware of critics. “I don’t know where these critics come from,” he said.
Notably, the APNU+AFC Coalition’s manifesto, made public in the lead up to the 2015 General and Regional Elections, remains unfulfilled. The Coalition’s 100-day plan was not realised, in addition to the dozens of other promises included the manifesto. The APNU+AFC Coalition, in their 100-day plan, promised “Significant Salary Increase for Government Workers.”
The only persons who enjoyed any significant salary increase in the first 100 days were the Coalition officials. Another one of these promises is that of free tertiary education. The APNU+AFC Coalition had previously promised this in 2015. However, upon taking office, the fees at the University of Guyana were increased. The Coalition, in government, also implemented measures that made it harder for students to take loans. Guarantors are now limited to the number of students they can sign for.
Granger, then Opposition Leader, on the campaign trail stated that within a year of graduating from the University of Guyana you will be employed. Upon taking office his tune changed – his position became that it is not the government’s job to find a job for people, rather they can become entrepreneurs. In addition to the imposition of hardships, benefits to Guyanese were removed.
Ranks of the Disciplined
Services saw their bonus removed. The cash grant for public school students was removed. Pensioners subsides for water and electricity were rmoved, while rates were increased. These are only some of the failures of the Granger- led Coalition.
