THE messages of the presidential candidate of the Alliance For Change (AFC) in its 2011 Action Plan (version two) states that the AFC is the key for Guyana, the key to unlock us from the divisive racial politics of the past; from the corruption that engulfs us; from the oppressive taxes we are forced to pay; from the deadly crime that haunts and traumatises us; from the economic decline; and from the hopelessness that we breathe daily.
Development for Guyana means economic, political and social transformation in the shortest period of time. This transformation implies not only rapid economic growth, but also political and economic freedoms; eradication of poverty; sustainable and eco-friendly use of natural resources; access to opportunities for all ethnic groups; and gender equality. It was also noted that the power to make Guyana right is in their hands. But accomplishing this requires quality leadership, integrity, and fearlessness. The Alliance, after only a short time on the scene, claims to have provided all of these. They noted that they can provide so much more. The AFC indicated that it has the right message, the right plan, and the right team to take Guyana into the right direction.
However, an independent and objective voter would note that, from the presidential candidate’s message of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in its 2011 manifesto, the ambitious, realistic and realisable programme in that contract with the people of Guyana constitutes the core of their transformative agenda, while sustaining the economic, social and political progress made in government over the past 19 years.
These accomplishments have led to a solid platform from which they can further catapult Guyana’s economic development. In this regard, the programmes that they will be pursuing, if elected to government, are aimed at elevating Guyana’s development to another level, one that would see us creating a new economy that would allow for more rapid and significant development, whilst taking care of the needs of all our people, particularly the poor and vulnerable.
In addition to the many initiatives which they will complete are the development of hydroelectricity, a new fibre-optic cable, and construction of a deepwater harbour, an all-weather road to Brazil, and a bridge to Suriname. The information and communication technology strategy envisages linking every family, business and village of Guyana with each other and with the wider world, while revolutionising the way we do things.
Further, I would like to highlight that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic is committed to building a country in which no one feels disenfranchised from development.
Development, they believe, should touch each person in all aspects of their life. Development for Guyana is an all-encompassing process, and while over the years significant progress has been made in deepening and entrenching an inclusive, constitutional democracy, the PPP/C remains open to working with all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society and labour.