Filed Under: Letters
The hypocrisy of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo
May 4, 2016 By Editor
Dear Editor, I have said it numerous times that the APNU/AFC Administration should remember that they have not been elected to serve a lifetime in office. One year is about to pass and four will remain at which time the people will go to the polls again. My question to PM Nagamootoo is this: what will he tell the people when he stands up at rallies begging for votes in 2020.During the course of campaigning before the May 2015 elections and even before that, Mr Nagamootoo tried to portray himself as a humble servant of the people. He spoke of PPP politicians wanting to live a “Cadillac lifestyle in a donkey-cart economy”. He spoke of the “fat cat” salaries being received by various members of the PPP party when they were in Government. Actually, I believe the PM was famous for coining these terms.
It is repulsive that this same individual upon ascending the office of Prime Minister proceeded to demand that same Cadillac lifestyle and “fat cat” salary. His first act in office as PM was to criticise the conditions of the PM’s residence. He was quoted as saying he would not let his dogs live there. He then demanded upgrades be done to the tune of millions of dollars before moving into the residence. Be reminded, Editor, this is the same residence the former PM under the PPP was living in with his family. The man then proceeded to make proposals for an increase in salary which would bring his salary to an excess of one million dollars excluding benefits. As if that was not enough, he wanted a brand new $22 million Land Cruiser and upgrades done to the roads and bridge leading to his private residence. The Land Cruiser was added to a fleet of more than 20 vehicles. When asked about it, he indicated that it will be used to reach out to the people who voted for him. As I listened to his response I wondered if he had lost his mind. Never in my life have I seen such blatant hypocrisy and greed. Mr Nagamootoo has betrayed his supporters and the Guyanese people.
He went into office and did the same things he accused his PPP counterparts of doing. Not only has the Prime Minister disgraced himself and his party and betrayed the Guyanese people but as Prime Minister, he has done nothing of substance and certainly nothing deserving of a salary increase. It would be wise for the new Government and the Prime Minister to remember that it is the people of Guyana who will judge them come 2020 and when they open their mouths and speak of donkey-cart economies and fat salaries, the Guyanese people will be reminded of their hypocrisy.
I urge the Prime Minister to stop dwelling on material stuff, fat salaries and shiny houses and start doing some work or his time in office as a member of Government will be short.
Regards, Tiana King-David