Govt. continues to fulfill social services commitment
--- HPS Luncheon
by Chamanlall Naipaul
Guyana Chronicle
October 4, 2003
Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, says the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, which is celebrating its eleventh year in office since the return of democracy following the historic free and fair election on October 5, 1992, has fulfilled and continues to fulfill its commitments to Guyanese in the important areas of social services.
Dr. Luncheon told journalists yesterday that the figures "reflected primacy of the commitment and consistency" with respect to the health, education, human services and social security sectors.
There was a "veritable revolution in housing coupled with a very necessary policy change with regards to land distribution and titling," he observed.
He made these remarks at his weekly news conference, observing that the business of governing has seen initiatives of the most fundamental nature focusing on increased accountability, transparency and, very importantly, the oversight of the executive branch of the Government by a Parliament with extended powers.
He said there has been increased inclusiveness both by constitutional means and political accord, as well as strengthened parliamentary democracy.
The economy saw impressive advances initially but growth has been slowed and aggravated by both external and internal factors, he conceded, but pointed out that the "body politic is slowly healing after the turbulent days of post 1997 elections."
New leadership in both major parties and civic and external agencies has furthered this process, he offered.
Dealing with the external factors, the HPS said fundamentally it is related to trade relationships. He said the future is "inextricably tied" with negotiating pursuits at the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Free Trade Areas of the Americas (FTAA) and the European Union/African, Caribbean and Pacific (EU/ACP) countries.
Pointing out that the economies of the Caribbean are mainly agriculture based, Dr. Luncheon said that in the context of globalization and free trade, the challenge is to maintain and expand on the diversity of exports. "We cannot put all our eggs in one basket," he declared.
As regards the issue of enactment of legislation pertaining to intellectual property rights, the HPS observed that "we do not have a robust capacity to implement and overview agreements" in that area, adding that this has been acknowledged by the international community. Consequently, he said, Guyanese is increasingly being provided with support to enhance capacity in this area.
He reiterated that the PPP/C government in its eleventh year remains committed to its pledge of accountable and transparent government, equitable distribution of social services and goods, economic growth and development social justice, peace and stability.
"The Government welcomes the support of Guyanese regardless of their differences, in struggling to achieve greater heights for Guyana," Dr. Luncheon declared.