More could have been accomplished -President Ramotar looking back at his three years in office
THIS month, President Donald Ramotar observed three years in office, after being sworn in to the presidency on December 5, 2011, following the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) win at the general elections in that year. Three years on, the Head of State said he would describe those three years as ‘mixed,’ due in part to a very difficult political situation, locally and a complicated and not so favourable international situation.
The fact however, that Guyana’s economy continued to grow and its social services expanded, is considered monumental given the overall circumstances they were achieved in, President Ramotar told the Director of the Government Information Agency, Neaz Subhan during a recent interview.
“I am proud of that, our team, what we were able to do, but I must admit that it was very frustrating, because we could have gone much further than we have, if we had a better local political situation…”
Looking back some 20 years from the present, the Head of State said that historians may see his first three years from a better perspective, particularly in light of the challenges faced. While he is happy with what has been achieved, it has also been very wearisome since he feels that the nation could have progressed much further had there been more cooperation on the political front.
“I am proud of that, our team, what we were able to do, but I must admit that it was very frustrating, because we could have gone much further than we have, if we had a better local political situation…”
The failure to start construction of the Amalia Falls Hydro Power project is a major regret for the President, “because that project is one that every single Guyanese would benefit from, whether they get electricity from the grid or not.”
“…the fact that the Opposition voted against it for no other reason -I don’t know what else to say but being vindictive. Why I say that is that both the Opposition parties have in their manifesto that they were in support of hydro (power) and here we had a fantastic deal and they scuttled it. I would say they delayed it,… I’m still determined that Amaila Falls (project) will come on stream.”
The need for other infrastructural projects such as an expanded Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the paved road link to Lethem via Linden and a deep water harbour were highlighted by the President as necessary for Guyana’s development.
The main goal however, is the development of human capital to ensure that an educated workforce was prepared to take advantage of the many jobs that will be available with advancing economic development. This was the focus of the PPP/C Government since it gained office in 1992, the President explained. Economic growth is tied to education levels and history has proven this. “The most important factor for development is our people,” he stressed.
(GINA)