Never again must any Government be permitted to do as it likes
DEAR EDITOR, Reading the news about the hundreds of millions that have been carted off by the PPP governments and their acolytes and recognising the squalor they have left behind, it is enough to incense this public and to react with indignation. This society is plagued with poor health services and inadequate material for education but has had to suffer not because the money wasn’t there, but because the money that should be channeled to improve these services was misused by the Jagdeo/Ramotar leadership, who treated the people’s money as though it is theirs. The haughtiness and intolerance with which the PPP governed had forced citizens into a world of fear. People were afraid to express a dissenting opinion just to avoid the wrath of the entire PPP machinery coming down on them or the communities they live in denied State resources. Many, in order to eat, felt forced to think it was better to live on their knees rather than die on their feet. People were afraid in their own country. In midst of this fear and forced silence, simple, avoidable acts like maternal deaths took control at our health institutions. Were the previous government open to listening to its people and allowing its people to speak, matters like these could have been ventilated and corrected through the supply of needed resources rather than squandering it. The ordinary citizen was left to the mercy of a healthcare system that was underfunded, mismanaged and became embroiled in corruption, while PPP officials were flying to Florida for treatment for ‘belly ache’ and getting millions of taxpayers’ money for dental work. The people and their communities were underserved by the Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar governments. We, the people, must now ensure that a relentless programme be pursued to make sure that the people’s money is returned to the Consolidated Fund to benefit the society in its entirety. As we speak about and condemn the losses and thievery, action must be taken within the laws to make sure that those responsible are brought to justice. The society needs to be vigilant that never again will any government be permitted to do this to us. It is the responsibility of the citizens to become vigilant and participate in decision-making in their communities and public institutions. Sharma Solomon
