GUYANA’S rapid transformation just under two decades now cannot be refuted.
The overwhelming evidence has been frequently expounded in the media. Those who would have lived through the years of the oppressive PNC regime and who are still around will attest to the immeasurable progress that has been achieved since this current administration took office in 1992. While innumerable examples can be cited, the many basic modern amenities that the populace now enjoy are indicative of the continuing progress ushered in by the PPP/C Government.
This unrelenting push to improve the lives of Guyanese has been the focus of this administration. It has stuck steadfast to this commitment and has fulfilled many promises as articulated by its elections manifestos. Travelling from Georgetown to Region Six has become a leisurely endeavour. No longer are man-hours being lost waiting for ferry vessels. The Berbice River Bridge has ensured immediate crossing.
No longer are the linking roads riddled with pot-holes. Now, city residents can leave for a picnic at the No. 63 Beach on the Corentyne and return the same day with maximum time being afforded for frolic.
This was once unimaginable. It was only possible through vision and forward planning by the PPP/C administration. President Bharrat Jagdeo’s visionary leadership is exemplary.
In this modern world, time is money. Immediate crossing enhances businesses. Today, business entities in Region Six no longer suffer financial losses which could be incurred from the spoilage of perishables. Unfortunately, spoilage was frequent when the ferry boats operated between Rosignol and New Amsterdam. Such acts affected not only business owners but consumers.
Given that a large volume of vegetables and other food products that are consumed by City residents originate from East Berbice, the trickle-down effects of extremely long waiting periods and spoilage were not confined to Berbicians. Today, this has changed drastically. The burden of the losses mentioned has evaporated. The Berbice River Bridge has brought positive changes to the lives of many.
Again, this is not confined to Berbicians. The bridge and its enhancement of the lives of thousands, is only one example of the vision and prudence of this administration.
Similarly, numerous projects were successfully undertaken across Guyana to improve the lives of the citizens. Potable water, health, education, housing, infrastructural development, human services and security are just a few of the areas which have vastly developed since 1992. Many new hospitals, health centres and schools and other institutions of learning have been built while existing ones have been rehabilitated. This has ensured that thousands who could not have access to such services in the past no longer suffer.
The continuous enhancement of the lives of Guyanese through forward planning has been characteristic of this administration. The Cuban scholarship programme stands as another beacon in this regard. It has assured that the services of skilled professionals in various fields including Medicine and Engineering are available to the masses.
Gone are the days when public health institutions were woefully understaffed. Today, cancer treatment is available at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation which also facilitates delicate surgeries. These were once unimaginable.
When all is taken into consideration, the evidence of the development and the enhancement of the lives of Guyanese are irrefutable. As mentioned, these are just a mere few examples. The government’s relentless efforts to improve the lives of the citizenry continue unabated.
The One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project is another visionary programme to enhance literacy. President Jagdeo wants every Guyanese, regardless of age, to become computer literate.
This ambitious project will kick off later this year and is yet another area in which Guyana leads. Research shows that at 1992, some 35% of Guyanese children had access to secondary education. Today, this figure has more than doubled vindicating the efforts to enhance educational facilities.
An educated nation guarantees a country’s bright future and development. The OLPF provides numerous opportunities for self enhancement through eduction.
Who would dare be against such a project from which people’s lives will improve? Who will dare be against the building of infrastructure to facilitate educational advancement?
Who will dare be against the building of hospitals and roads and other infrastructure for the benefit of all Guyanese?
Who? Unfortunately, there are a few who are bent on ensuring that progress is curtailed and that Guyanese do not continue to improve their lives. The few comprise some in the Opposition and their cohorts in some sections of the media, especially the Kaieteur News. They are overwhelmed by the government’s immeasurable successes. This has caused much embarrassment to them. Like the fox, for them, “the grapes are sour”.
The President and his government must not be distracted by the Kaieteur News’ misinformation and must continue to remain steadfast in their commitment to enhance the lives of Guyanese.
The Kaieteur News will continue to “frolic” in the tunes paid for by their “pipers” in the Opposition. What a dance it has been!