THE period of the bold and unprecedented ‘100-Day Action Plan’ promised by the new Coalition Administration while on the campaign trail comes to an end today.And having made good on 14 of the 21 goals it set itself to achieve within the time-frame, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon has given it an “A Grade”.
Touted throughout its campaign prior to emerging victorious at the May 11 polls, was the APNU+AFC coalition’s 21-point plan geared towards taking tangible steps to address the many scourges the nation faced.
AGAINST ALL ODDS
And despite near bankruptcy and overdraft encounters with the PetroCaribe deal and Consolidated Funds, the Coalition Government has managed to pull off more than half of its promises, notwithstanding the steady criticism from civil society, a boycott of Parliament by members of the Opposition, Venezuela’s false claims over the Essequibo, and unexpected flood woes.

When grilled at the recent post-Cabinet press briefing on Government’s evaluation of its 21-point plan, Harmon said, “Based on our own checklist, we are extremely comfortable with the work we have done, and the accomplishment that we have made under that plan.”
In fact, Harmon declared that he was giving the Government an “A Grade” for delivering on most of the promises made thus far.
PROMISES FULFILLED
Following its chain of plans, detailed in its ‘100-Day’ Manifesto, immediately after setting foot in office, Government set up a Task Force at State agencies to unearth fraud and recover stolen assets.
The new APNU+AFC Administration also passed the pivotal anti-money laundering Bill after a three-year battle with the PPP/C.
Completed also is the establishment of a Code of Service and Code of Conduct for all office holders, ministers and parliamentarians, so as to keep them accountable while in office.
Among other achievements were the granting of wage and salary increases to public servants; an increase in old age pension; the reduction of the Berbice Bridge toll; and the lowering of taxes and duties payable by working people.
Other fulfilled promises are the return of the TV station to Lindeners, conferences on sugar cane and rice farming, the hosting of a National Youth and Toshaos Conference, and the adoption of a long-term sustainable economic plan.
During the Budget Debates, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Clement Rohee lashed out at the Government for not completing its promises in its first 100 days in office.
According to Rohee, of 21 promises made by the Coalition, two were partly completed, eight are in the process of being completed, and nine are in the advance stage of completion.
Regardless of this, Harmon maintained his position that the new Administration has made significant progress, despite the hindrances.
Moreover, many are of the view that the Government has done much in a short time, in the face of constant challenges.

By Shivanie Sugrim