IN grand style at the newly opened Marriott Hotel, major and notably realistic and achievable goals were outlined by the leadership of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) as the incumbent party launched “the best plan there is” – Guyana 2.0, yesterday.

And an audience in the hundreds that undeniably represented the diversity of Guyana was assured that the PPP/C “will deliver” once it is returned to office.
“This manifesto is our pact with the Guyanese people,” said incumbent Head of State and PPP/C presidential candidate, Donald Ramotar.
He made it clear that the PPP/C does not promise the Guyanese people the “moon and stars” but sets out a plan for the future that is strategic.
According to him, growth, job creation, generation of wealth, the boosting of the manufacturing and tourism, among sectors, a focus on food and energy security are plans that will be bolstered by several transformational infrastructural projects. Among those listed are the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), an all-weather road to link Guyana to Brazil, bridges across the Corentyne and Demerara Rivers and a deep-water harbour at the mouth of the Berbice River.
“We will do it…we will deliver,” President Ramotar declared.
He added that Guyana 2.0 is no “public relations gimmick,” rather, it represents an interconnected plan – a development thrust that will ensure growth on all fronts, supported by infrastructural advances, which will in turn see the generation of wealth, which will then support efforts to advance better quality of living for the Guyanese people.
Taking a jab at some of the plans of the political Opposition, in particular the proposal to develop Information Communication Technology (ICT) labs in public schools, Mr Ramotar blurted out: “We already did it!”
The President underscored the fact that education, health, housing and other social sectors will see greater advances. There are also plans in place to ensure that Guyana meets international standards and measures to “root out” corruption.
“We are committed to governing justly and fairly,” he promised.
Mr Ramotar said ‘Guyana 2.0’ is a comprehensive document that touches on every sector in Guyana and does not detail simply what a future PPP/C administration intends to do, but explains the rationale for the measures proposed and specifics of those measures.
“We have come a long way…this manifesto is built on accomplishments,” the President said, adding that Guyana 2.0 will take the country further to realise a vision that can be shared and embraced by all Guyanese.
The current Administration’s track record, the President said, has influenced the confidence of PPP/C that the plans outlined in Guyana 2.0 will be realised over the next five years.
“We have never promised what is beyond us…we never deceived the Guyanese people and we deliver on our promises…we will deliver on what we have promised in this manifesto,” President Ramotar said.

COMMITTED TO GUYANESE

PPP/C prime ministerial candidate, Mrs Elisabeth Harper, stated that the commitment to ensuring that Guyanese realise their potential and also enjoy consistently improving quality of living has driven the policies, programmes and legislative advances made by the ruling party.
“We want to advance this,” she declared, adding that particular focus is being placed on vulnerable groups.
A better life, according to her, involves improved access to social services and, to this end, Harper stated that Guyana 2.0 sets out a clear path to achieve this objective in a manner whereby gains made in the last two decades are consolidated.
In addition to detailing the measures to be taken in the education, health and housing sectors, the PPP/C prime ministerial candidate also addressed the plans for Guyana’s indigenous peoples, youth, sport, culture, support for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, the tackling of teen pregnancy and domestic violence and the fight against crime, among others.
Harper said her party’s vision also addresses the positioning of Guyana on a platform where it can take advantage of new frontiers of growth and development.
Partnerships, according to her, are quintessential to the successful implementation of Guyana 2.0.
“We are prepared to deliver,” she stressed.

‘NO PIES IN THE SKY’

Meanwhile, the PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee, made it clear that the ruling party’s vision for the future offers no “pies in the skies,” rather it is grounded in the Guyanese reality and in considerations of moving towards a future filled with opportunities.
“This manifesto is not the be all and end all,” he stressed, adding that the PPP/C welcomes all Guyanese to come on board to realise the visions outlined in the 55-page document. “I appeal to all to come and join us,” Rohee said.
The PPP General Secretary posited that the choice offered by Guyana 2.0 is whether Guyanese want to be “economic and social dinosaurs” in a “Jurassic park of our own making” or in a nation that is progressively moving forward.
“This PPP/C 2015 manifesto builds on a solid record of deliverables to the people of Guyana,” he stressed.
Rohee contends that, led by the PPP/C, Guyana is headed in the right direction and assured that the party is committed to utilising all the “creativity” and “intellectual capacity” possessed by Guyanese.
“Issues of national importance, individual, village and community interests are all wrapped into a national platform for development,” he said, adding that, as was in the first days of the PPP, the working class remains at the centre of the party’s agenda.
The PPP/C General Secretary was confident that by 2020 Guyana will represent a stronger economy in which its people are safe and secure and enjoy stability. “This manifesto delivers opportunities for all Guyanese,” he said.
Rohee stated that the ruling party stands firm on a solid track record, which was an uneasy feat particularly considering the extra-parliamentary and parliamentary challenges in the last three years. “We have to move on,” he declared.
In his view, the PPP/C is the most influential political party because of the influence of the thousands of Guyanese who support the party. As such, moving forward, Rohee made it clear that the PPP/C Manifesto is inspired by the people of Guyana.
“Those who have doubts, wait and see on May 11,” he said confidently.
An excerpt of Guyana 2.0 was first made public two weeks ago and has since received commendations from a wide cross-section of Guyanese society.

‘We aim to live in a united, vibrant, prosperous country, proud of our cultural, religious and ethnic diversity. We will be better educated, healthier, live longer, live in our own homes, make optimal use of information technology, and work in better-paying jobs. As a nation, we are committed to pursuing economic and social justice for all, committed to gender equality, family values and protection of the welfare of our women, children, the elderly and the poor, and providing opportunities for our people to develop their talents in sports and culture. Our country will be proudly playing a leadership role in the global effort for a better hunger-free world, a safer and more sustainable environment, and promoting better options for managing climate change.’ – Guyana 2.0

[box type=”info” align=”aligncenter” ]VISION 2020
* A united country where all our people regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or religious affiliation can continue to reach new heights in peace and harmony.
* A proud country playing a leadership role in regional and hemispheric cooperation and integration.
* A beacon of environmental stewardship for the rest of the world and a leader in charting a new developmental path for green growth.
* A country that is a model of cultural and religious tolerance.
* A country where our people respect hard work and honest living.
* A democratic country governed by the rule of law and where the Constitution is sacrosanct; where the rights and freedoms of the individual are safeguarded and where there are effective and efficient law enforcement and judicial systems in place.
* A nation where poverty is eliminated and where the fruits of economic growth are fairly and equitably distributed.
* A globally respected, sovereign and independent Guyana with secure borders, enjoying friendly and good relations with our neighbours.
* A country with a sustainable, expanded, modern and diversified economy with new frontiers of economic growth, job-creation programmes and transformative infrastructure.
* A Guyana with modern industries, innovative technologies, attracting investment, improving the competitiveness of our goods and services and a Brand Guyana boosting growth.
* A nation linked through markets and communications to the rest of the world, a gateway to South America and a hub for markets to the North and South.
* A country where transparency and accountability are principles that guide our work.
* A country with equal opportunities for all; where people can access opportunities to pursue their goals as workers, farmers, entrepreneurs and professionals in a safe and secure environment.
* A country where children can work towards and achieve their dreams.
* A country providing world- class healthcare and educational services to all its people; technical and tertiary education for all to meet the needs of Guyana.
* A caring and responsible society in which the needs of the elderly and retired are taken care of so that they can spend their golden years in even greater dignity.
* A Guyana where the security services are properly resourced to guarantee internal security and so be able to protect our territorial integrity.
* A nation that ensures the social, emotional and mental well-being of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable groups ( women, children, disabled, elderly and youth)
* Implementing a governance model of empowering and devolving greater responsibilities and autonomy to local government authorities; deepening inclusivity and bringing decision making closer to the people.
* Support development of the Amerindian peoples’ quality of life, so as to ensure cultural preservation and social advancement.[/box]