THE goals of the Alliance For Change (AFC), as set out in its 2011 Action Plan (version 2), have been structured on the basis of healing and reconciliation to acknowledge, embrace and celebrate our ethnic diversity; Liberal Democracy and good governance to defend and increase civil liberties of our people, and to regulate government’s intervention in political, economic and social issues affecting the people. To ensure that every citizen has equitable access to the resources of the state and the national decision-making processes, in keeping with Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution; industrialization and jobs to create a whole new economy that will stimulate rapid development through Guyana’s production transformation from a raw materials producer to a manufacturer of value-added goods and services; fair taxes to allow workers’ pay cheques to go further and businesses to grow. You work hard and you must be able to take care of yourself and your family in a dignified way.
Safe and secure Society
To enable a safe and secure society where Guyanese can move freely, conduct business without fear, and be our neighbours’ keepers. The vision is for a functional, multi-ethnic society to unleash the energies of all our people, regardless of race, class, religion or gender; and enable all Guyanese to enjoy their fullest potential. Moral rebuilding: to rebuild the moral fabric of our society for the sake of future generations; and education for a better future to build the capacity of Guyanese to make the right choices for a better tomorrow.
However, when one effectively examines the 2011 manifesto of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), one can see that based on performance and future objectives, the workings of the party have set the pillars for a transformative economy. These are set out in the core principles of Freedom, Democracy, and Rights which show that the history of the PPP is inextricably linked to the struggle for freedom and the betterment of the Guyanese people. That struggle has had different objectives at different stages of our history and development. In the earliest days, the struggle was for freedom from colonialism and for equality and dignity for our people. After independence was won, that freedom was lost to undemocratic governmental rule, and our party once again led the fight for the return to democracy. That struggle led to the eventual restoration of democracy in 1992.
Since then, the PPP in government has firmly established respect for, and protection and promotion of, the fundamental rights of Guyanese. The PPP has prioritised the quest for freedom from poverty and want, and for prosperity for all. That quest has been the centre of our party’s struggle in government.
Seeking upliftment for all, rewarding effort and initiative in the struggle for freedom from poverty and want, and engaged in the quest to create wealth and generate prosperity for all, the PPP has always made the improvement of the quality of life for all Guyanese its priority. In particular, the party in government has focused on bringing relief and improvement to Guyanese, especially the working people, the poor, the dispossessed and the vulnerable, and on removing the disparities and injustices that often arise from unequal economic opportunities and circumstances. For this reason, over the years, the policies have emphasised the provision of social services, especially to those who would not otherwise have had access. They have focused on the empowerment of those who are most in need, and have ensured that material poverty today does not constitute an impediment to individual upliftment and limitless achievement tomorrow.
Equally critical to the poverty reduction effort is the need to incentivise wealth creation. The party has therefore long recognised that effort and initiative, hard work and enterprise must be encouraged and rewarded. In today’s world, where production and productivity are so critical to economic and social outcomes, and where relative competitiveness will determine the advancement of nations, it becomes even more important to ensure that effort and creativity are suitably encouraged and rewarded.
Equal opportunity and national unity under the PPP have also been at the centre of the party’s struggle. Party members have an unshakeable conviction that each and every Guyanese must have a full and equal opportunity to determine their future, pursue their aspirations, and realise their dreams. Whether it be the right to a vote irrespective of economic circumstances, the right to obtain an education irrespective of family background or where you live, the right to be productively and gainfully employed, or the right to own a home and accumulate other wealth, the PPP has worked, and will continue to work tirelessly, to ensure that opportunity remains equally available to every single Guyanese. In short, people must have equal opportunities, irrespective of race or religion or social circumstances.
Integrity and Accountability for the PPP/C has stood over the years for the highest standards of integrity and accountability in all aspects of public and political life. In government, the party has instituted measures to ensure greater scrutiny of public affairs and of persons serving in public offices. These measures include integrity legislation imposing statutory declaration of assets and earnings; strong public accountability mechanisms, including the timely tabling of audited accounts; rules-based systems for public procurement, and a revamped and expanded parliamentary committee system.
Going forward, the PPP/C will continue to be attentive to the need for the highest standards of integrity and probity in public affairs and public life, and will ensure that there is the highest degree of transparency in all aspects of government operations.