I am shocked by the arrogance and contempt displayed on a weekly basis by the leadership of a political party, whose supporters were conned in believing they were voting for civility and change. Khemraj Ramjattan appears power drunk, and would do or say anything to steal voter-support from Granger’s PNC/APNU.
In 2012, as government announced the July 1 deadline for the withdrawal of electricity subsidy for the town of Linden, the Alliance For Change -AFC became very active on the frontline of the PNC stronghold, organizing protest which eventually led to anarchy and the unfortunate deaths of three “peaceful protesters.” The opposition efforts to spread this unrest nationwide failed miserably because while the rest of the country were paying the full electricity rates, the people of Linden were enjoying and abusing a $3 billion government electricity subsidy which the AFC and APNU had earlier cut from the 2012 National Budget. They created the atmosphere for lawlessness in the mining town, then hid like cowards in the background as law enforcement moved in to stop an insurrection. They were determined not to be seen as the ringleaders.
As if nothing was learnt from this mayhem, the Joint Opposition again butchered $5.2 billion from a governmental assistance programme presented in the 2013 National Budget from loans provided by Venezuela, China and the IDB.
A significant amount of this subsidy was to run new transmission lines on the coastlands and for the construction of seven new substations designed to reduce Guyana Power & Light leaky systems. Although the opposition knew this budget cut would force an electricity rate increase and hardship upon all Guyanese, they are determined to create another scenario similar to Linden, that threatens to stability and security of our nation.
No one wants to pay more for electricity, but the AFC and APNU must take full responsibility for playing politics, hoping to create dissension among our people.
Moreover, the leadership of the Alliance For Change has now clearly demonstrated his intention to influence the emotions of consumers, knowing that this is likely to create civil unrest and anarchy if his threats to have GPL investigated by the Public Utilities Commission are not complied with.
According to a press statement, “The proposed hike in electricity rates by the state controlled GPL must be vigorously resisted by the Guyanese people… The AFC would like to warn the PPP Government, that this highly ill-advised and unjustified act on the part of GPL, will be provoking huge national unrest.”
This proposed increase by GPL could have been avoided, had the Joint Opposition been thinking of the Guyanese consumer rather than disrupting progress.
GPL is not perfect, and the electricity situation nationwide is less than reliable. But I have not seen a single condemnation by either opposition leader to their supporters, to desist from meter-tampering and the stealing of electricity.
In fact, one APNU supporter, was awarded a seat in Parliament, after he was arrested and taken to Den Amstel Police Station for stealing electricity from GPL. I guess it’s only corruption when a PPP/C supporter is involved.
In 2006, GPL’s fuel bill was $12.4B while in 2012, this doubled to $24.2B.
It is time for the AFC to demonstrate to the Guyanese people that it can be trusted with stewardship of our nation. Provoking regular confrontations with the Administration will not help fulfill their manifesto pledge to the voters. Maturity in politics is mastering the art of compromising, not confrontations.
How can Khemraj Ramjattan justify his leadership role in a political party that has accomplished nothing for his constituency?
Harry Gill
