I HAVE no clue of the identity of ‘Punti Peraud’, the author of a letter “Harry Gill now speaks from the other side of his mouth” (Kaieteur News, February 20). I also have no clue of the gender of this person or whether anyone bearing the name ‘Punti Peraud’ really exists. But this letter caused me to take a break from my busy schedule to respond appropriately. I hope it is given the same prominence in the Kaieteur News as the one used to attack my character.It is no secret that I had once foolishly and unjustifiably attacked the Jagdeo Administration while living in New York, believing then that I was an authority on the domestic policies of Guyana simply by reading the Kaieteur News online and listening to Mark Benschop “Hate” Radio on the internet.

I was wrong then, and I personally and publicly apologised to former President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo for my indiscretions.
Over the years since, I try to right a wrong and to recognise and support the PPP/C for good governance; for rescuing Guyana from economic disaster caused by the policies of the then Minister of Finance in the PNC Government, Carl Greenidge; and for improving the quality of life of every Guyanese, including those living in opposition strongholds like Linden and Buxton.

It is obvious that the letter writer ‘Punti Persad’ is as brain-washed and mis-guided as my brother whom I love, but no longer have a relationship with after issuing threats to my personal safety on behalf of the PNC party he foolishly continues to serve.

In an effort to silence me, I was told that Robert Corbin was really upset by my letters attacking the mismanagement of Guyana’s resources under past PNC Administrations that led to the nation’s bankruptcy, and was told “Harry, they’re some people in the PNC who could hurt you really bad…I cannot protect you if you don’t stop writing letters criticising the PNC.”

This is the same brother who called me in Bartica during the 2013 Regatta to say that he has no respect for David Granger because Granger failed to thank him and others in Region 3 who worked tirelessly for the APNU campaign during the 2011 general election. He wanted me to relay this message to Granger as he knew Granger and I were both staying at the same hotel in Bartica.
Surprisingly, David Granger did not know who my brother was, a man who served the PNC with loyalty and passion since the days of Burnham. But I merely mentioned my brother in this letter to illustrate that nothing this PPP/C government does would ever change the hearts and minds of those who blindly disregard all the positive changes taking place here that have made life much easier for them and their families under the same government they so despise.

Anyone who knows my brother will agree that he has achieved more wealth conducting honest business under this PPP/C government than he ever did taking tremendous risks under the PNC, but for him to admit that, would be seen as blasphemous given his loyalty to the PNC-APNU.

The writer ‘Punti Peraud’ asked that I itemize “the new projects which have come on stream” to justify development in Guyana. This person must be either blind or lives on the summit of Mount Roraima, far away from civilization.
For everywhere one goes in every Region of this country, there are real signs of ongoing development and economic prosperity. New businesses and beautiful homes can be seen everywhere. More Guyanese own their own homes and house-lots; and more families now own a car, a necessity that was only a dream 20 years ago. And while the Opposition will argue that these are privately owned, the PPP/C government has made it possible through good governance and a growing, stable economy, to allow commercial banks to give mortgages to new and existing homeowners and loans to buy vehicles.

If the economy of Guyana was bad or unstable like it was in the days of the PNC, banks would not have money to lend, and Courts would not risk giving credit to anyone to purchase furniture or appliances as they willingly do now.
New projects are so commonplace that most Guyanese now take them for granted: New schools; new roads and bridges; new hospitals and health centers with new ambulances and modern medical equipment; a new Police Training Center; new police vehicles and technology to fight crime; a new forensic lab; a brand new Marriott Hotel soon to be opened; incentives given to the Private Sector for job creation; and new sports facilities, just to name a few. And despite efforts by the Joint Opposition to derail progress under the PPP/C government, Guyana will soon have a Specialty Hospital; a new international airport; another bridge over the Demerara River, and the Amaila Falls Hydropower Plant… all because we now have a caring, responsible government that is committed to improving the lives of every Guyanese.

A student of economics, Davendra Kissoon, wrote the following in a recent letter:
“Under the PPP, Guyana has seen tremendous growth in standard of living, land, life expectancy and economic stability. During the PPP/C reign, we have seen a dramatic increase in the per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). In the year 1992, the per capita GDP (PPP) was US$509.37 and was ranked 133 globally. By the year 2013, the CIA estimated Guyana’s per capita GDP (under the PPP) at US$8500 and was ranked 104. This represents a growth of $308 per year in per capita GDP or a 17 times growth.
There has also been an increase in overall standard of living as shown by the Human Development Index. In the year 1990, the Human Development Index of Guyana was 0.509, by the year 2013 it has increased to 0.638. Guyana has moved 0.129 points up the index. This shows an overall increase in the living standards of the country.
Over the last 23 years, Guyanese have seen increases in life expectancy. In the year 1992, the average life expectancy was 62 years, by the year 2012, the life expectancy had risen to 66 years. This represents an increase in life expectancy by 4 years. This is due to tremendous improvements in the diagnostic capabilities and overall improvement in the health sector.
Under the PPP, the inflation rate has been stabilised. The total inflation of the Guyana dollar in relation to the US$ from the era before the PPP was a massive 3150% while in the era of the PPP was 66%. This represents a massive reduction in inflation or an average inflation of 2.9% in comparison to the US$.
Another triumph of the PPP was the overall reduction of debts and the reduction of the debt to GDP ratio. In the year 1992, the Debt to GDP ratio amounted to a massive 602%, in comparison, Guyana’s present public debt only amounts to 60%. This is a massive reduction and a very important one. Guyana now boasts the fastest growing economy in the Caribbean, better access to healthcare, better accessibility, better schools, press freedom and democratic elections. According to the GRA, there are approximately 36 new car owners per day and 8 persons who will own a home for the first time each day. Guyana has also experienced 8 successive years of economic growth.
The points presented are only a small part of the many improvements we have seen under the PPP. A lot of these improvements are now things we take for granted.”
I rest my case.

HARRY GILL