Damaging billboards wouldn’t help their cause

The desperation of the Opposition is showing. Knowing that they cannot mount a challenge to the PPP/C based on issues for the upcoming elections, they have resorted to the traditional tricks of the PNC, interference and intimidation.

Already running scared and putting their hands up as seen on the APNU posters, the mammoth crowd at the PPP/C Rally at Albion last Sunday, further exacerbated their fears. Now, they have resorted to allegedly damaging PPP/C billboards and posters which are very costly.

Over time, the Opposition and their cronies in some sections of the media tried to spread doom and gloom about Guyana here and abroad. They tried to lobby international groups with their falsehoods, but to no avail. Their routine lies have been exposed. Guyana has been lauded for its democratic practices and for the strides made in improving the lives of its citizens. Prudent management has ensured that the country was insulated from the global financial shock that continues to rock the developed world.

Guyana is exemplary for its stability and continuous recording of positive economic growth over the years; one of the few countries to do so. These achievements and Guyana’s adherence to democratic principles have been recognised by the international community which continues to be a partner for the country’s path to prosperity. The progress evident today is unprecedented in Guyana; the same for the freedoms that permeate.

These cannot be disputed, and as a consequence the Opposition is left with nothing of substance to tell its dwindling constituents. As such, they have resorted to lies and misinformation in addition to their usual tactics of intimidation. The damaging of the PPP/C billboards is indicative of such ingrained characteristics. Despite a new name, the Opposition cannot change and be issue oriented. The PPP/C which has always called for a clean and peaceful campaign, must be commended for reiterating to its supporters the need to ignore the action of those who would want to destroy and intimidate.

In addition to destroying the PPP/C campaign materials, some known activists of the Opposition tried to disrupt a meeting on the East Coast. Those who were bussed to the location to disrupt the meeting were clearly under the influence of some intoxicating beverage. Obviously they imbibed prior to their arrival. Their attempts were unsuccessful. Not contented, the leader of this disruptive group was seen in Albion on the day of the PPP/C rally engaging in similar activities to disrupt the event. Once again, the efforts were unsuccessful.

The size of the crowds not only thwarted their efforts to provoke those present, but sent a clear message to the Opposition that the PPP/C is the only all-inclusive party and has stood by its commitments to improve Guyana and its citizenry. The evidence to this is overwhelming. What the disrupters seem to be oblivious to is the fact that Guyana has moved on from the days when elections were rigged; when people were prevented from voting despite being on the list; when one person voted for many others and when ballot boxes were hijacked. As one returning Guyanese recently remarked, “Guyana is really a different country now. It’s not only different, but better”.