As Guyanese prepare for the May 11 general and regional elections, they are being urged to reflect and become more informed on the country and its history, and where it is today.
President Donald Ramotar made the call on Wednesday evening, while speaking at two public meetings at Cotton Tree and Devonshire Castle, Essequibo Coast, Region 2.

The president spoke at length about the developments Guyana has seen over the years, as he noted that under the new political dispensation, in the 10th Parliament, the Government was hopeful of continuing the developmental work. This, President Ramotar said, was a herculean task.

With more developmental programmes planned, President Ramotar told the gatherings his Government has been faced with an Opposition bent on taking the country back into the colonial days, where basic food items were only had illegally.

The gathering was also reminded of how indebted the country was under the days of the rule of the People’s National Congress, and how the incumbent PPP/C Government worked to build and stabilise the economy, which has seen nine years of consecutive growth.
However, all of the achievements realised thus far were not without challenges, President Ramotar said.
Speaking of some of the challenges, the President said the combined Opposition in the parliament blocked several key developmental projects which would have turned Guyana into a more modern state.
Mention was made of the Amaila Falls Hydro Power project, the Specialty Hospital, and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion project.
The Head of State however, noted that despite efforts by the Opposition, much was achieved, but more could have been garnered had the Opposition been supportive.
Referring to the combined Opposition as anti-developmental, President Ramotar said if they were patriotic, and had the Guyanese people at heart, they would not have cut the budget for three consecutive years.
Touching on the rice industry and given the fact that the Essequibo Coast is a large rice producing area, President Ramotar promised that his administration would never abandon the industry, which was suggested by the Opposition.

Speaking of his administration’s commitment to the industry, the president said the sector has contributed significantly to the country’s economic growth, and it is only fair that help be rendered to the sector, when it is needed.
President Ramotar said that once back into government with a majority, bigger developmental plans in the making will unfold and these would ensure that all citizens enjoy a better quality of life.