PPP says in end-of-year news conference...
Social, economic progress impossible without democracy
by Chamanlall Naipaul
Guyana Chronicle
December 31, 2003
THE ruling People's Progressive Party (PPP) says it firmly believes that continued economic and social development is not achievable without democracy.
General Secretary of the PPP, Donald Ramotar at an end of year press conference at its Freedom House Headquarters yesterday declared: "The PPP will exert itself to consolidate and expand the democratic process in our country. We have always held the view that sustainable social and economic development is not possible without democracy. We will continue to vigorously pursue that path for Guyana."
In this regard he said that a renewal at the local level is badly needed and this can be only achieved through local government elections, which should have held since 1997 but was stymied by the aftermath the national elections of that year as well as that of 2001 in addition to several constitutional issues and an agreed system of elections.
Briefly reviewing some of the major political events during the past year Ramotar noted that despite trying circumstances the government continued the strengthening and broadening of democracy, which the PPP started in 1992.
He opined that the past year saw the deepening of inclusiveness at various levels in the society, which was manifested first and foremost in the ongoing constructive engagement between President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Leader Mr. Robert Corbin and has resulted in the May 6 communiqué being issued by the two leaders.
At the parliamentary level the General Secretary observed that the four constitutional committees have begun their work, with several ministers of the government and senior functionaries appearing before the committees to give explanations pertaining to government's positions and policies in various areas.
With respect to accountability Ramotar he stressed that the Auditor General's report for 2002 is already out and that has put Guyana "ahead of every country in the region and many further afield in this regard." In addition, he said legislation is being drafted to further strengthen the Office of the Auditor General to make it function more effectively.
On the issue of debt relief Ramotar expressed great optimism: "At the end of 2003 we had the good news of a further significant reduction in the foreign debt that had suffocated us for so long. This will allow us to improve our social infrastructure-so crucial to economic development.
He added that the productive sectors of the economy were kept stable for most part of the year despite the problems of the export market, observing that most of Guyana's trading partners were stagnated and in some cases in recession. However, he noted that in the last quarter there have been indications that the international economy is emerging from the crisis. "This is good news for our country, since it suggests that international prices and demand could improve," the General Secretary suggested.
He noted too that the ongoing development of physical infrastructure with respect o bridges, roads and the airport among others will impact positively on the economy.
On the crime front he pointed out that serious crimes have been on the decline since May of this year, and said his party is satisfied that that the security forces within the realm of the present situation has been doing a good job, but conceded that "there is room for improvement."
He also listed the functioning of the Ethnic Relations Commission as another major development of the year, stressing that it has been established to address alleged discrimination against all ethnic groups in Guyana, and that the PPP since 1992 was committed to the establishment of the Commission but its nominee for heading it was objected to by the main opposition party, as such its establishment and subsequent functioning was delayed.