PPP/C marks 3rd poll win anniversary
Guyana Chronicle
March 19, 2004
TODAY marks the third anniversary of the victory of the PPP/Civic at the general elections in 2001, and according to the Party's General Secretary, Mr. Donald Ramotar, this incidentally was the third successive win for the PPP/Civic since the return of democracy in October 1992.
Ramotar said during this period the government continued to make important achievements for the people of Guyana.
He told a news conference yesterday that despite a mostly unfavourable international economic environment, Guyana's economy was managed prudently to prevent any reversals. Noting that inflation has been kept in the single digits, he pointed out that moreover, the huge foreign debt, which this country was saddled with, some US$2.1B is now down to approximately US$1B.
At the social levels, the Government has shown sustained commitment to improving the conditions, Ramotar said, adding that more and more Guyanese now live in their own homes. "Thousands have been freed from the uncertainty and sometimes tyranny of living in rented dwellings," he asserted.
The PPP General Secretary also indicated that our health services have definitely improved in the short period as well and said a new hospital is almost complete in Region Six (New Amsterdam) and another will soon be started in Region Ten (Linden).
"Thousands more of our people in every nook and cranny of our country have access to health services," Ramotar asserted.
He also alluded to the fact that people are beginning to see the fruits of the Government's investments in education as more children are passing CXC examinations and the intake of students at the University of Guyana is increasing. Added to this is the fact that more Guyanese young people are studying abroad on scholarship than at any time recently.
"The PPP/Civic and the Guyanese people as a whole must take courage from our proud record as we face the challenges of the future," Ramotar posited.
He, however, pointed out that these are only the material things - "the tangibles". "The Intangibles are just as important (and) most important is the fact that freedom and democracy are being upheld."
"This is most manifest in the issue of freedom of speech, the openness of our society in the face of often hostile anti-government media, slander...is a demonstration of the PPP/Civic Government's commitment to democracy," Ramotar told reporters.
The news conference, which was held at the Party's Freedom House headquarters, was chaired by Advisor to the President and PPP Executive Member, Mr. Kellawan Lall.