Govt still to deliver on key promises in 100-day plan

63 days to go…

– Ramjattan claims coalition will deliver

By Michael Younge

The A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition is still to deliver on key aspects of its 100-day plan which was unveiled in the lead-up to the 2015 General and Regional Elections, even though it has been occupying Government for some 37 days now. In the 100 day plan, which was used to score political points before the elections, the new Government said it would reduce the Berbice River Bridge toll, significantly increase the salaries of Government and Public Sector employees, return the television station to Linden and set a date for Local Government Elections. The coalition Government also promised that it would significantly increase old age pension and the establishment of a long term economic plan to realise the vast potential of the country.

Dr Henry Jeffrey, Political Commentator

The plan, which the now oppositional People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)dubbed “unrealistic”, “fanciful” and “rooted in deceit”, also promises to reduction on the benefits and pension of Heads of States and former Presidents, wavering of taxes on duties and fuel for small scale miners and the liberalisation of the telecommunications and information communication technology sector. Also, among things that have still not being implemented or appear to be at a standstill, are plans to establish a passport and birth certificate licensing office in Berbice, Essequibo and Linden. The promised establishment of an investigative commission on corruption also appears to be in limbo, despite countless pronouncements from Minister of State Joseph Harmon that there have been various audits and investigations ongoing into the alleged or perceived wrong doings by the PPP/C while in office. When contacted, Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan would only say that progress is being made. “Write that Khremraj Ramjattan says plans are progressing very well,” the Vice President said before immediately hanging up his mobile phone on Saturday. But another Vice President, Sydney Allicock, told the Guyana Times that the new Government is still “organising itself” to address the promises outlined in the 100-day plan. When asked if the new coalition Government will still have enough time to deliver on some of the huge and key promises contained in the 21 point plan, Allicock responded, “It is a challenge but nothing is impossible as long as we work together.” He then said he was busy and could not answer any more questions on this matter. Efforts to contact Minister of State Harmon and President Granger on Saturday proved futile as calls to their mobile phone went unanswered. A source close to the ruling APNU/AFC Government told the Guyana Times that most of the Ministers have been busy getting up to scratch with their new portfolios and understanding how Government works. “I do not think they recognised that it is a ball game when you are in Government as opposed to being in Opposition. I think they now realise that with the limitations that exist in the Government and the economic impact, some of the things they want to do will have…to take some time and analyse on how to move forward,” the source said.

Sydney Alllicock, Vice President

Khemraj Ramjattan, Vice President

The source also confirmed that no real meeting that has taken place to focus specifically on the implementation of the 100-day plan or some of the core promises in the coalition’s 2015 manifesto, but decisions are being made at the Cabinet whenever the opportunity arises on others. “They need more time…100 days is not enough…,” the source said while insisting that he preferred not be identified. The coalition’s 100-day also includes plans to axe the value added tax and to establish a public procurement commission, as well as pass the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill. These appear more achievable as the subject ministers responsible have already indicated that attempts will be made as soon as next week to honour these commitments. However, Political Commentator Dr Henry Jeffrey, during an invited comment, said that all of the things outlined in the plan could not be achieved in such a short time. He, however, remained optimistic that the new Government will deliver during the last half of the month of the entire 100-day time frame set out in the plan. Dr Jeffrey appeared to understand the hold up in the delivery of core aspects of plan, stating that the new Government just got into office and is settling down, but that does not mean that it is not consciously working on implementing it.