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…recommits to strong, successful coalition
THE Executive Council of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) met on Saturday when it recommitted itself to forging stronger ties as a coalition grouping, as it sets its eyes on re-election in 2020.
The meeting on Saturday had come following complaints by the Working People’s Alliance over the reassignment of Dr Rupert Roopnaraine from Minister of Education to Minister of the Public Service. In a statement issued following their meeting, APNU, the larger grouping in the coalition government, said its Chairman, President David Granger in his opening remarks, emphasised the importance of keeping the partnership strong. “The chairman referred the members to the Statement of Principles that guided the formation and the vision of the APNU,” the coalition said. At the meeting, the Executive examined a report which was commissioned by the chairman of APNU. According to the statement, the report presented the views, emanating from consultations with each of the parties, on the future development of the APNU. Each member-party was invited to comment on its details and agreed that the report faithfully reflected their views.
The Executive also discussed strategic issues relevant for the future of the partnership and the coalition. The meeting also discussed matters of concern raised by the executive of the WPA; Amerindian land- titling; the upcoming 2018 Local Government Elections, the frequency of Executive meetings and other critical issues.
The current and future policy positions and requirements for the APNU to satisfy the developmental needs of Guyana were considered by the Executive, the release stated, adding that the chairman proposed that for the future functioning of APNU’s Executive, its detailed activities should be dealt with by the formation of five commissions, which would be responsible for, Administration, Communities, Education, Elections and Finance.
“Members of the Executive agreed that there should be greater frequency of meetings, since the value of such an approach was illustrated by the success of today’s Executive Committee meeting. The meeting was conducted in a fraternal manner, but representatives from the parties engaged in a frank exchange of ideas and concerns about the strengths and shortcomings of the APNU. The meeting committed the APNU to a speedy and amicable resolution of the concerns raised and the parties recommitted themselves to the continued success of the coalition government and its re-election in 2020.” The APNU Executive Council is made up of five political parties, the Guyana Action Party (GAP), the Justice For All Party (JFAP), the National Front Alliance (NFA), the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA); all parties were represented at the meeting.
At a meeting in June with the WPA, President Granger had reportedly stressed the need for the government to continue improving its performance, as he expressed concern over some issues, including the coalition’s showing at the March 2016, Local Government Elections (LGE).
Sources had told this newspaper that during the meeting with the executive of the WPA, the head of state spoke also about the state of education in the country, and the relationship between party representatives in Cabinet and their parties, among other issues. The coalition’s performance at the 2016 LGE and its future performance was raised in a broad discourse during the meeting with the WPA. The Guyana Chronicle was told too that the President was concerned about information not being filtered to the executives of parties that form the coalition government.
2 thoughts on “APNU sets sights on 2020 victory”
Coalition Government
If the coalition government would like to win again in 2020, then there are things you must do now to sure up their base and hopefully expand it. First your cabinet needs to reflect the multicultural representation of Guyana and currently it does not. There should be an obvious overture to the opposition party and all Guyanese that you want to involve them in the vision you have for the country. Youth empowerment is vital; they are the future leaders, so invite them to enthusiastically participate in the political process.
It is never a good strategy to wait until six months before election for your administration to begin paying attention to the needs of the Guyanese people; such as providing the basics for “the good life,” things like, paved roads, sidewalks, home/street lights, running water, indoor plumbing and a safer environment. Why after 51 years of independence Guyana has still not achieved these essentials?
Your public schools are failing badly; there seen to be a great need for better prepared teachers. The one national university (UG) is without full accreditation. Healthcare, also is failing and needs a higher standard of educated and trained healthcare professionals/providers to meet 21st century standards.
The city is a disaster, and the same can be said for many other towns and villages throughout the country, obviously little to no maintenance have been done for 40 years. The main iconic structures that identifies Guyana and seen on many postcards are all in conditions of disrepair. I would suggest that the government phase in a program called “Rebuild, Repair, and Repaint.” That means the government can team up with the private sector businesses to provide low income families with financing opportunities to either rebuild, repair and repaint their homes. Give incentives to these contractors and businesses so they would be motivated to participate in the program. It is a complete eyesore to see so many unkept, broken down, over-grown weeds, and unfinished homes in and around the country. I have lived they majority of my life outside of Guyana, and on visiting, it seems that the country is at a standstill in terms of growth and development. I could not think of one thriving industry that is benefiting the nation currently. Not one!
The government has been appealing to the diaspora to return; that’s nice, but remember, many left to advance their education, find jobs, develop new skills and have a future and a hope. What would be the incentive to return? Many of us have the passion to come and make a difference, but on arrival reality sinks in. Where do I begin? Another suggestion I have, is to expand Guyana’s development opportunities to people beyond the diaspora, make overtures to good neighbors like Brazil, Mexico, Uruguay, Colombia and other who would like to live and work in Guyana. Because the country suffers from a shortage of “human capital” you need workers who are skilled, educated, with advanced technical degrees, and have a desire to make Guyana their home for an extended period.
Some of my biggest complaints and concerns about Guyana, are the levels of corruption, criminality and reckless driving on narrow streets; which in many cases are in states of disrepair. As a female, I am troubled for my safety, never feeling the sense of ease or freedom when walking down the streets alone. These are the biggest negative about Guyana for me. Manage the criminality and the driving “road rage” that so many taxi drivers seem to be involved in and just maybe you will see a greater uptick in people wanting to come, live, build and stay.
So, coalition government, take it to heart, as you gear up for your next win, remember there are still many potholes to fill and you have little time to make a difference.
That can only happen if it is Rig like the last time . the PNC Burnham Administration this time it will be a disaster if it is rig. I pray for all of us as guyanese