PYO protests opposition stance on AFHP in front of Parliament
Written by Savitri Laikram, Thursday, 25 July 2013 21:03, Source - Guyana Chronicle
THE Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) yesterday staged a peaceful protest outside of Parliament Buildings on Brickdam, Georgetown, calling on the political opposition to support the legislation linked to the Amaila Falls Hydro Project.
A section of the PYO members who turned up to picket yesterday.
The youth arm of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) believes that the opposition is thwarting the development of Guyana.
Executive member of the PYO Steering Committee, Romel Roopnarine, indicated in an interview with the media that this picket is one of the first peaceful protests to be staged by the group, and more peaceful protests will be staged in future, among other initiatives.
He said the PYO showed up to display its support for the Amalia Falls Hydro Project, and to register its objection and concern against the stand taken by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) parties, which are trying their utmost to stall the project and, by extension, the development of Guyana.
Roopnarine said the PYO picket line had representatives from groups located all across the coastline as well as from Regions 9Upper Takutu/ Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice).
Moreover, he said, a wide cross section of persons from all across the country, all of whom are protesting in solidarity with this project, have united to send a message to the Opposition and those who are delaying the hydro power project in the National Assembly.
He said the youth are protesting because they are aware of the project, as it is attracting widespread public attention and is the main topic being debated nationally at this time.
Persons hurl abuse at the PYO members and try to obstruct the demonstration.
At a recent PYO press conference, Roopnarine said the PYO, after holding discussion, had decided to join the chorus of condemnation of the Opposition for its callous act in respect to this AFHP project. He described the actions of the AFC and APNU as anti-development, and said their attitude is boycotting, undermining and sabotaging critical developmental initiatives and projects which are geared to make the lives of all Guyanese much easier.
The PYO is leaving the door open with respect to having its members’ voices heard on the Amaila Falls Hydro Project; and Roopnarine asserted that the opposition parties have now found themselves cornered and are ashamed to admit their failure to understand that the entire nation needs the Hydro Power Project, testimony to which are the many releases and calls by various bodies for the opposition parties to rethink their decision in this regard.
In campaigning for the 2011 elections, the Opposition had called for the creation of more jobs for young people, and the provision of cheap and clean energy, but now they have both backpedalled on those calls, Roopnarine noted.
He said the Amaila Falls Project makes both of those things a reality, and what the opposition parties have proven is that they have moved away from the promises made in their respective manifestos, which strangely called for the same things.
Roopnarine said the PYO is appreciative of the stakeholders’ consultation forum which was hosted yesterday at the Guyana International Convention Centre (GICC), because it was very informative and had great detail in terms of explanation regarding the project from the government.
The PYO members simply wanted their voices heard on the matter. The youth of Guyana who are in the PYO movement would have obviously seen a positive and bright future for the country, Roopnarine said, as he noted that there would be challenges with a project of this magnitude, but the PYO felt the need to display its support and address the situation in a progressive manner.
Government ministers who were present to encourage the PYO members
He asserted that the PYO is very dynamic, as its members have been going about Guyana doing many projects and humanitarian work, as they are youths who are in support of the brighter and fast-developing Guyana. He said also that the PYO comprises youths from all across the country and are of all ethnicities. They are of the opinion that the faster this project begins, the faster it will conclude, and it will be very beneficial to the country, as the people would not want to go back to the situation caused by politics in the 1960s and 1970s.
He said the AFHP is not a PPP Government project, but one that will be of benefit to all of Guyana, as was recognised by the experts of the New York-based investment and advisory firm Blackstone Group LP, which are known for their hydropower work. They have seen the feasibility of the project as international experts.
“We cannot sit down and do nothing and expect hydropower to fall into our laps,” he pointed out. He noted that the opposition parties are giving the impression that allowing the PPP/C government’s plan to introduce hydropower to Guyana will show progress and highlight the negativity of the PNCR’s failed hydropower project during their regime. As such, they are trying to stall this project using every possible method they can find.
PYO member Sawan Jagnarain pointed out that, earlier in the day, when the demonstrators began their peaceful protest, individuals who portrayed themselves as opposition supporters came up to the youngsters and started shoving them about, and tried to hit them while using very explicit language and chasing them off the road.
Ministers Anil Nandlall and Irfaan Ali handing out leaflets to passing vehicles yesterday.
He said he hopes that APNU’s leader, David Granger, understands that he cannot be talking about the “virtues of democracy” while, on the other hand, when people come out to exercise that right, they are violated and railroaded.
He said he stood there witnessing the individuals walk in to a yard which houses an office of an opposition leader, after they would have finished their assault on the youths.
Various ministers of the Cabinet sought to show their appreciation of the PYO demonstration by joining in and encouraging the actions of the PYO, lauding their good work and dedication.
Ministers who were present included Priya Manickchand, Anil Nandlall, Irfaan Ali, Clement Rohee, Dr Frank Anthony, and Robeson Benn. Also present was Director of Sports in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Mr. Neil Kumar. The ministers and Kumar also assisted the PYO in handing out leaflets that detailed the social and economic benefits the Opposition had denied the people of Guyana by refusing to support the AFHP bill. Those leaflets were handed out to passing vehicles and persons.
APNU leader David Granger was at the scene of the protest. He greeted persons who showed up to challenge the protesters and hurl abuses at them. When members of the PYO and passing persons tried to engage him in conversation, he walked away.
