What the people say about... By Miranda La Rose
Stabroek News
March 5, 2001
We asked the woman/man in the street what issues they thought the political parties should be focusing on in the run up to the March 19 general elections. Their responses follow:
Edmund Warner, Guyana Technical Institute (GTI) student: `Plans for education and cheap education are definitely two of things I would like to be addressed at a political rally. Further I need to know what are the possibilities for young persons like myself who spend years studying: owning a car, house, and other basic necessities by the time I achieve the age of 30 years old. I will listen to any candidate who tells me how the health facilities in this country will be improved since the percentage of AIDS victims seems to be rising and there seems to be a lack of facilities which cater for them. The other question is that of teachers' salaries and the number of qualified teachers that are actually educating the younger ones. In the main, any candidate has got to tell me what their government's contribution will be towards the social and economic well-being of the country'.
Shevon Lord, private sector employee: `Anyone will grab my attention if they speak on job opportunities and in which sectors they will be created. Moreso, I need to know what plans will be in place for infrastructural development, and I don't mean one that is restricted to the city. I feel it should encompass the length and breadth of Guyana, especially the outlying areas. Plans to boost the Regional Democratic Councils will also make me listen and of course the issue of taxes. What new ones will be introduced and what, if any, will be reduced. There needs to be a clear explanation as to where the income taxes that are being deducted from people's salaries are going. While I have no problem paying taxes, it appears as if they are going towards only selected places and schemes. Therefore, a break down or clear-cut plan will be helpful.'
Karth Arthur, University of Guyana (UG) student: `Job creation, the job market, foreign investment and investors are definitely some issues that should be spoken about at any campaign. The problems that besiege U.G in terms of lecturers, their remuneration and facilities should also be on the agenda. I would also like to see more emphasis placed on sports, so if someone could outline a sports policy I would listen. Teachers, their salaries are other things that are close to my heart and I would like to hear these issues talked about'.
Troy Thomas, private sector employee: `Prayers should be emphasized. The scriptures state clearly that if a nation should humble itself and pray, God will hear its cry and heal the land. Guyana will be better off if prayers are said since it was promised directly from God'.
Malcolm Gilkes, private sector employee: `I would listen to any rally in which the speaker deals with job creation and investment. It is important that the nation hear how any incoming government plans to attract investment into Guyana. But more importantly, every campaign trail should carry a message of unity. Move away from establishing committees since they rarely get the job done. I also want to know about plans to open up the interior to create industries and boost eco-tourism. More exploration projects should also be thrown out to expose the mineral wealth of this nation.'
Samantha Meertins, female boxer: `Political candidates should talk about infrastructural development and public utilities such as electricity, phones and road repairs. Education will also be a sticking point with me.'
Fitzroy Potter, self-employed: `As a citizen, I would like to hear about job opportunities and better paying jobs. What investment plans will be instituted that will ultimately create more opportunities. Also more emphasis should be placed on prayers and morals. I don't want to hear about records from past and present governments. Any talk of development will make me listen.'
Compton Greenidge, electrician: `It is time people start talking about a better Guyana for all its people and job creation. Plans about community life should be discussed so that ultimately the lifestyles of everyone should be improved. Teachers and soldiers' salaries should be raised and debated on, while housing schemes should be established. I want to see a people's president and definitely don't want to hear about race-vote. No one-sided view will do it for me. Talk about measures to control the U.S dollars and defending Guyana's territorial integrity and I will listen.'
Paul Onys, baker: `I want to hear about what will be done now, at this present time. Any talk about personal records will be a turn off for me. Job creation is another thing big on my agenda and the issue of discrimination. The best interest of the country must be looked after regardless. Oh, and of course, defence of our borders should definitely be a topic for rallies.'
Waveney Wilkinson, quantity surveyor: `At any rally, the question of education should be addressed since I feel that without it this country cannot go anyway. At this point, our country's education system is very low. When I look around I am appalled at the fact that some secondary school students cannot read. For me, education goes beyond reading and writing and the fact that they are so many street children points to the need for more technical institutions. Moreso, they should talk about reintroducing religion in schools, regardless of denomination. To me, once this particular topic is discussed, the nation is on its way forward. Guyana automatically moves back on track and half of the problems are solved.'