President Granger pushes ahead with agenda; disappointed PPP would not work with national unity govt.
“I really want to see every Guyanese child, regardless of how poor they are in school, and if I can go through the streets and see no body liming and children selling papers during school hours I’d be very very happy,”
Two days after being sworn in as Guyana’s 8th Executive President and on the first working day of his presidency, Head of State, President David Granger has already set about working to leave what he believes will be a lasting legacy.
In a Monday morning interview, Mr. Granger said he feels a sense of humility and responsibility, now that he has the support of the majority of the population to discharge his responsibilities.
Granger, who is the father of two girls, disclosed that his legacy will be to leave a well educated population, abolish extreme poverty and ensure full employment.
“I really want to see every Guyanese child, regardless of how poor they are in school, and if I can go through the streets and see no body liming and children selling papers during school hours I’d be very very happy,” Mr Granger added.
He said the Guyanese people voted change and he intends to fulfill that promise.
Granger in an anxious tone said “meetings, meetings, meetings … I have to meet the people and let them know the direction we are going in,” when asked about his day ahead.
He will be working out of the Office of the President and promised to name his Cabinet within one week, after meaningful consultation, and subsequently set the 11thParliament into motion within 14 days.
A budget could be expected within 60 days.
The new government is yet to confirm how the economy is doing financially but Granger said his immediate focus will be to find money to keep the country rolling and provide security to citizens.
Mr. Granger said too that he was very disappointed that Former President Donald Ramotar, who he last spoke with on Friday night, has not accepted his offer for close working relations.
The President said Ramotar, who led the PPP Civic into the elections, has shown no indication of acceptance and reasoned that the win which the APNU+AFC coalition has secured is a movement that Guyana been waiting for and. To this end he explained that Ramotar could send a good message to his supporters by joining the movement for national unity rather than staying on sideline and criticize.
“Guyana has turned the corner. It will be better government… we are not in the business of winner takes all and locking people out. I would like a government of all the people and that is why I would like to ask former President Ramotar to reconsider his position,” said Granger.
Responding to reports of persons claiming and seizing state property as the transition is ongoing, the President said “if you take something that doesn’t belong to you, that is theft and theft is a crime. I am not witch hunting but its unlawful to remove state property without permission… if anyone does I will send police to get it back and if they commit a crime they will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He said his coalition government will also look to examine projects started by the last administration and look to continue those but has already outlined how improbably it would be to continue the Specialty Hospital, Fibre Optic Cable and Amaila Falls Hydropower Porjects all of which he said, the last administration killed. (Kurt Campbell)
