AN opinion survey conducted by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) last month found that the overwhelming majority of Guyanese supports the Amalia Hydro project, subsidies to GPL, and the introduction of a new minimum wage policy.

Voters were however divided over the Marriott Hotel and the rescuing of Guysuco. The poll interviewed voters to determine support on various government-initiated projects as well as popular support for the parties should a snap election be called.
The poll randomly interviewed 520 voters to yield a demographically representative sample (44% Indians, 30% Africans, 16% Mixed, 9% Amerindians, and 1% other races) of the population. It was conducted in face-to-face interviews, and coordinated by Vishnu Bisram*, pollster, newspaper columnist, and educator in NY.
The results of the poll were analyzed at a 95 per cent significance level, and a statistical sampling error of plus or minus four percentage points was found. Sampling results based on subgroups such as Indians or Africans have a larger sampling error.
Asked whether they approve of the Opposition’s rejection of the Amalia Falls hydroelectric project, 67% said ‘no’, with a mere 23% backing APNU’s position to oppose the project. People feel Amalia will lead to cheaper electricity bills. Even supporters of AFC overwhelmingly endorse the Amalia project, with APNU supporters breaking with their party for its opposition to Amalia.
Asked also whether they support the Opposition’s rejection of funding subsidy for GPL, 65% said ‘no’, with 21% saying ‘yes’, and 14% saying they were not sure. And on the subject of the Opposition’s rejection of funding construction of the Marriott Hotel, 41% replied in the affirmative, while 35% were opposed, and the remaining 24% were unsure of how they felt about matter.
Asked if they approve of the Opposition’s decision to reject funding for the Specialty Hospital, 39% said ‘yes’, with 51% saying ‘no’ and 10% “not sure.” Asked if they backed the Opposition’s position on the airport expansion project, 37% said ‘yes’, with 52% saying ‘no’ while 11% opted to remain on the fence.
Asked if they endorse the increase in the minimum wage policy, a whopping 88% said ‘yes’, with 7% saying ‘no’, and 5% not sure. And though many a public servant are showering Labour Minister Dr. Nanda Gopaul with praise for taking such an initiative, many polled feel the minimum wage could be much higher, given the country’s ever increasing cost of living. This is the highest approval rating in support of any government project in recent times.
Asked if they think the sugar industry can be rescued, 44% said ‘no’, with 47% saying ‘yes’, and 9% not offering any response at all. People feel the industry needs to undergo significant structural reform in order to save it. The following table helps give a better understanding of how those polled voted:

Do you endorse the new minimum wage policy? Yes 88 No 7 Not sure 5 Do you approve the Opposition’s rejection of the Amaila Hydropower project? Yes 23 No 67 Not Sure 10 Do you support the Opposition’s rejection of funding subsidy to GPL? Yes 21 No 65 Not Sure 14 Do you support the Opposition’s rejection of funding for construction of below projects? PROJECT YES NO NOT SURE Marriott 41 35 24 Hospital 39 51 10 Airport 37 52 11 Do you think the sugar industry can be rescued? Yes 47 No 44 Not Sure 9
About the pollster*
The poll was conducted by Vishnu Bisram for NACTA, a New York-based group founded by Dr. Latchman Narain of Toronto and Vassan Ramracha of New York – all of whom were involved in the free and fair election movement in the diaspora. NACTA has no affiliation with any political party and has been involved in several community activities in America, Guyana and other countries. It has been conducting polls in Guyana prior to the 1992 elections and throughout the Caribbean. Messrs Bisram and Ramracha have been conducting surveys in Guyana and internationally for 25 years. Bisram has extensive experience in writing and conducting research surveys and polls and analyzing politics with direct experience in political affairs having himself been elected to various, positions (including President) in Student Government in New York over several years. In addition, he has worked on American Presidential, Gubernatorial, City Council, NY State legislative, Congressional, and mayoral elections in New York since 1984.Mr. Bisram is a holder of several undergraduate and post-graduate degrees from different universities in the natural and social sciences and in educational administration. And he has taught a variety of subjects in NY. He has been a frequent guest lecturer at educational institutions in Fiji, Mauritius, India and Trinidad.