By Tracey Khan Drakes

[www.inewsguyana.com]- The ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is now meeting the Alliance for Change’s (AFC) recent 10-point demand of the executive with a ‘demand’.

General Secretary of the PPP, Clement Rohee.

General Secretary of the Party Clement Rohee today (July, 14),  during the Party’s weekly press briefing, said that the AFC has developed a brazen appetite in its demand making ways on the executive under the guise of having the interest of the country and people at heart.

“Our party remains cognizant of the terror that was unleashed on Guyanese along parts of the East Bank corridor following a previous demand/ultimatum by the AFC. During that faithful afternoon many were beaten and robbed and denied their constitutional right to freedom of movement, law enforcement officers were subjected to wanton abuse,” Rohee said; adding that the Party is concerned over what the new set of demands by the AFC has in the making.

The PPP/C is now demanding that the opposition instead of making demands support government’s demands and “show the Guyanese people its seriousness about developing Guyana.”

The PPP/C 10-point demand includes: support for the Marriott Hotel, Specialty Hospital and Amaila Falls hydro project; expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport; passage of the Anti-Money Laundering Amendment Bill and the Customs Amendment Bill. Additionally the PPP/C wants the opposition to restore all cuts to the national budget, support reforms in the security sector, allow cabinet to maintain its no objection privilege to the Public Procurement Commission and support government’s investment policies.

Rohee made it clear that the Party is not prepared to meet the opposition’s demands at this point.

Among AFC’s demands is for President too establish the Procurement Commission and appoint the members of the Integrity Commission and for immediate steps to tackle corruption in the public sector including a forensic audit of the operations of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL).

The party also reiterated its calls for the toll at the Berbice Bridge to be reduced and the construction of a new bridge across the Demerara River. Local Government Elections continues to be at the top of the AFC’s agenda and the Party believes it can be held this year.

The party also echoed its dissatisfaction and disgust over the coverage it continues to receive from the state run entities and called for the appointment of broad-based Boards for state media and access for all Opposition Parties to state media entities.

Demands were also made for government to halt of illegal spending of funds not authorized by the National Assembly and suggested tripartite talks to reach agreement on budget items.