What the people say about...
By Charlene Stuart
Stabroek News
April 30, 2001

This week, 'What the People Say' asked the man/woman in the street their thoughts on the recent dialogue between President Bharrat Jagdeo and leader of the PNC REFORM, Hugh Desmond Hoyte and some of the issues they would like to be discussed at these meetings.

Norvell Fredericks, photographer: `It is nice that they are talking. This should have happened from the onset because Guyana belongs to all. However, these talks need to move away from administrative issues and focus on developmental ones such as the setting up of factories in Linden. There should also be discussions on free zoning. Although that might not provide direct earnings for the government, the gains otherwise and in the long-term are tremendous. Job creation and provision should also be placed on the agenda. As Guyanese, we should consider ourselves merchants of reality and not merchants of hope. In my opinion, the Church provides us with enough hope, it is time our dreams are realized. Guyana needs it.'

Germain Grant, public-sector employee: `The present talks are good and were very needed to move the country forward. In terms of areas to be discussed, youth development should be a priority since to my mind it covers a wide sphere of areas. From here, youths will be trained and trade schools set up which will in turn help the manufacturing industry.'

Colin Joseph, businessman: `The dialogue between President Bharrat Jagdeo and Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte is good. It has certainly moved the country one step forward and towards development. Because of this, Guyana has been saved from destruction. The focus should now be on infrastrucutal development in places like Land of Canaan where I live. There we do not have electricity and the road is bad. Another issue should be that of the setting up of factories and mills so that everyone is given an equal shot at job opportunities. However, apart from this, youth development should be talked about. All in all, the central focus should be love and unity.'

Amarylis Lewis, student: `Talks are good because it gives the country a chance to get back on its feet but the fact is people need jobs. The view in certain sectors is that because certain persons/businesses are supportive of the People's National Congress (PNC) they are not entitled to fair or reasonable government subsidies. So in order to change this, ways should be devised to de-politicize the grant process. Moreover, there is urgent need for a Sports programme. If this is not done we are going to lose our best. In addition to these two areas, skills training institutes need to be established and the present ones decentralized while the job market must be examined.'

Sarabgeet Singh, taxi-driver: `With the dialogue came peace. Look at Friday for example, I would have thought it was Christmas with the amount of shopping that took place in Georgetown. However, we have got to be careful that the talks do not end there and that we move towards implementation. The topics that should be added to the present list are the ending of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) monopoly. In these agreements, only the consumers are suffering. Another item for the agenda should be the implementation of the Youth Initiative started by President Bharrat Jagdeo. There should also be discussions on how the economy can take off and the monitoring of this country's imports.

Sheila Rogers, pensioner: `From what I have read, the present talks are good but I stress that all discussions must be fruitful and fair on both sides in order that there be stability. From here on, the talks should centre on equal opportunity for all, removing all cries of discrimination. Poor people need access to land and access to loans without the present hassle involved. It is my opinion that some plan should be worked out in which persons can acquire land and pay sometime down the road. Secondly, programmes aimed at youths should be included in the dialogue and the revision of the old-age pension benefits. But above these, should be God.'

Joy Alonzo, home-attendant: `The dialogue ends up benefiting all. It is welcomed since it has stopped the street protest and some of the violence that accompanied it. However, the race issue has got to be stopped. Among the other things to be placed on the agenda, should be development of the country, jobs for young people, equal opportunity for both local and foreign investors and land issues such as its distribution. In this particular area, a more feasible plan should be worked out for the development of the housing sector and government should set up housing schemes. Also, the two leaders should talk about working out a living-working wage for Guyanese in both the private and public-sector.'

David Yhann (Snr), electrician: `I think the talks are good. However, they need to move away from the two parties and include more stakeholders such as the trade-unions, private-sector and other political parties who would share their ideas and suggestions'.

Mohamed Kalamadeen, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Macizo Diamond Trading and gold miner: `The dialogue is not bad but it should be open to other political parties. Topics that should occupy these persons' minds should be the enacting of legislation to protect our fellow countrymen from overseas miners and the stamping out of corrupt practices. It is also my opinion that the public should be allowed to view the discussion and ask questions because at the end of the day it is the people who decide. Some feedback mechanisms must be put in place to allow greater public participation and the asking of hard-ball questions. But above all action is needed.'

Andy Jagroop,teacher: `Frankly, from what I have read it is good and I commend that. Moreover, dialogue is good and should help us to move forward. But what I have not heard talks on are the protest and the return to normality. We need peace. There is also room for improvement in the education and health sectors. Government has got to attract foreign investment for the private sector which will ultimately provide jobs for young people. Investment in local products needs to be stressed while Guyanese need to move away from the dependency syndrome. In addition, facilities for youths such as community grounds should be talked about.'