HIS Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo’s term in office is coming to an end shortly. I would like to highlight some great aspects of his presidency  and thank  him for putting Guyana’s economy on a sound platform. Some of the achievements of the Jagdeo presidency are: ** The maritime boundary dispute between Guyana and Suriname which was presided over by an international tribunal. After about two years of legal representation headed by Sir Shridat Ramphal, Guyana won. This is of  immense value to this nation. This is something all Guyanese should be proud of. Our president did not order our army into war, but took the matter to the relevant body. This is called ‘statesmanship’.

** The National Stadium at Providence, East Coast Demerara. Many  before were promising the Guyanese citizens a stadium but could not deliver. President Jagdeo must be commended for his dedication in pursuing this massive project from start to end. Also, a  massive swimming pool for international competition. A modest cycling track is due to be completed before the end of 2011 at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

** The Vendors’ Mall. Hundreds of poor Guyanese were selling on the pavements, facing persecutions daily by the City Council. President Jagdeo saw the plight of these poor people and decided to create the Vendors’ Mall in Water Street. Despite opposition from some quarters, hundreds of vendors are grateful to President Jagdeo for providing them with a place to earn a living.
** This is a masterpiece of his presidency. Many thousands of Guyanese of all races  are proud owners of their homes due to the president’s massive house lots endeavours. The social sector which includes health, water and housing are well budgeted for.

**  His vision for the Low Carbon Development Strategy is a role model for the nations of planet Earth to emulate. Fittingly, President Jagdeo was judged ‘Champion of the Earth’, an award which carried a hefty sum of money. This monetary award was donated to the indigenous people of Guyana.

** As a Guyanese, I am thankful for the way the President is handling the economy, despite the global recession.
I am confident the Guyanese people will turn to this youthful leader, even when his term expires, for advice and solutions for the many challenges that lie ahead.