WITH elections a mere 25 days away, residents of the Region Three island of Wakenaam were last evening urged to do all in their power to keep their dignity and moreso keep democracy alive in Guyana.During a meeting which was held at San Souci junction, President Donald Ramotar told a large gathering that a lot of effort has been put into making Guyana a free country, and it is important to keep it this way.
He noted that while there are some who abuse freedom of expression and speech with no consequences, he referred to the period of time in Guyana’s history when persons were attacked for expressing themselves.

“Our country has progressed because we have restored democracy in Guyana, freedom of what we give our people and that is priceless, and we can’t put a price tag on that.”
The Head of State said gone are the days when there was only one radio station and newspaper, as he pointed out that more persons own News outfits and more private radio stations and television stations are operating.
Gone are the days too, the President said, where the police ‘lock up persons’ for uttering mere words.
Recalling an incident while campaigning for elections during the 1990s, President Ramotar said that himself and other party comrades were literally thrown off of Hogg Island by police ranks and prevented from holding a meeting.
“Comrades, that don’t happen anymore in our country. People are free to communicate their views and their ideas, and because of that our country has grown and has developed.”
President Ramotar noted that while this amount of freedom and democracy has been achieved, there is still more that is needed and that can be done.
Meanwhile, the President also noted that while Guyana has seen developments in almost every other area, much more could have been achieved if the Opposition who are disguising under a new name was supportive.
President Ramotar took the time to reflect on several developmental projects which were deliberately blocked by the combined Opposition.
Speaking of the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, the President alluded to the importance of cheaper and more efficient energy supply for a modern state which has great potential in the manufacturing and agro-processing sector.
The project, he said, would provide highly paying jobs and skills training for hundreds. Mention was made too of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion project, which would have been a major boost for tourism, as it would attract more international air traffic.
The cutting of $89 billion from the national budget, the President said, is another clear indication that the combined Opposition has taken an anti-developmental stance which will hurt Guyana’s growing economy.

Pointing to the fact that Guyana has seen nine consecutive years of positive growth, the President said the Opposition’s non-support of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill is also another clear indication that it does not have Guyana and its citizens at heart.
Wakenaam thrives mainly on agriculture, and President Ramotar reminded the residents that their island has great potential and that his administration will continue to work to help them realise that potential. “We are going to build right on this Island, and Leguan, Chip factories so that you can add value to the plantain and cassava which you produce here,” the Guyanese Head of State told the residents.
Speaking to the issue of rice and the price for paddy, he told the residents that the administration is working to put a system in place to support prices, “because we know sometimes rice is fundamentally in private sector hands, but we are going to create a system to support the prices so that farmers can have a better deal and more assistance in agriculture.”
The President also spoke of diversification in the agriculture sector stating that a lot can be done in the coconut industry, but in order for these and much more to be achieved, it is up to citizens now to play their role.
“You will decide on May 11 if our country will go forward or if it will go backward, you will have to make that decision but I warn about history…do not let it repeat itself.” (GINA)