President Donald Ramotar addressing attendees at the Enmore community meeting

The president recalled the history of Enmore in the fight for freedom and reminded residents  "you have a proud history, a history of a struggle and a history of achievement” as he recalled  the sacrifice made by the Enmore Martyrs, decades ago. He said, “In 1948, the workers died fighting for a better life and sacrificed themselves so we could have freedom, and that is recognised today as the beginning of the end of colonialism in Guyana”

He said, "...we are at cross roads in this country again, and these elections will determine in which direction we go, whether we go forward or go backwards". The hard fought for gains that have been achieved, are at risk of being lost, and President Ramotar reminded them of the importance of the soon-to held elections.

Attendees at the Enmore community meeting

The PPPC Government, he noted, has a long record of achievement and it must be judged on that. He explained that the country was bankrupt in 1992 with a debt bigger than the economy, and "We had to borrow to pay those debts". The government has now reduced the debt to 60% of the GDP from 950%, the president explained. “This debunks claims about poor economic management”.

"This election is about our future," he stated, and the PPP/C’s manifesto gives a clear direction in which the party wants to take Guyana.

    The gains in education were also highlighted and performance of students, locally and regionally over the years.

“Government will ensure that the population is highly educated hence the focus on education," he emphasised. In all all his engagements with Guyanese, the Head of State  has been underscoring the importance of education, hence the numerous initiatives the Government has introduced to encourage children to complete their education.

President Donald Ramotar with residents after the Enmore community meeting

Government’s policies have already resulted in the attainment of universal nursery and primary education and with 75% of the secondary level youths attaining a secondary education, President Ramotar vowed to have 100% achievement in this regard , within a year of returning to office. It was also explained that there was 30% of trained teachers in 1992, but today, there is about 75%.

He described one aspect of the government's Rural Development Plan which is  to ensure that rural residents have as many opportunities to develop themselves as others in urban areas such as the building of a call center in the community. This facility will employ 1000 people, and according to the president, it was another reason why all needed to be educated.

The president pledged to continue guiding Guyana along its developmental path as he stressed the need for cheap, reliable energy to attract investors. This move would lead to more job creation. The most important aspect towards Guyana attaining cheap energy is the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Dam. Once functional, he added that there would be an immediate reduction in tariffs of, “20 to 40% and more disposable income available” for all consumers. The hydro power project’s construction is set to begin, and President Ramotar said once he is re-elected “I hope we can begin building the project before the end of the year” as investors have already been identified to assist in this process.

President Donald Ramotar meeting a resident after the West Ruimveldt community meeting

The hydro power project will not only lead to cheaper power as more investors turn to Guyana, the Cheddi Jagan Airport, which is being expanded, will also become even more needed. Investment in other sectors such as tourism and the hotel industry would even see the need for more five-star hotels being constructed  as a result of more people coming to this country, he added.

The fact that Greece is undergoing serious financial difficulties, but is being offered respite due to its tourism sector, demonstrates the importance it can play in a country’s economy. In order for this to reach its full potential, infrastructure such as the expanded Cheddi Jagan International Airport will have to be put in place, as it is only through this and other transformative projects such as the Specialty Hospital which the political opposition blocked that the country can realise its full potential, the Head of State emphasised.   

He slammed the actions of the political opposition for their stance on the projects to develop the country, and said that this showed the true character of their leadership. Many of these same projects are listed in their manifesto and seem to be copied from that of the PPP/C’s, he said.

Mention was made of the sugar industry and government’s plans to invest and diversify the industry with the production of more value-added products such as ethanol, and refined sugars.

The rice sector will also benefit from more input to ensure that farmers continue to benefit from favourable prices and the production of value added products such as cereals.

In closing, President Ramotar urged residents to ensure that they not only vote for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, but also that their ballots were correctly stamped before being placed in ballot boxes on Elections Day.

     “The PPP/C has always stood by you and I’m asking you to stand by me and let us have the biggest majority in the history of this country”.

       He later spoke at a smaller meeting at back circle West Ruimveldt and made a similar pitch for the support of residents on May 11.