Dear Editor,
JAGDEO and the PPP have been making a lot of public noise recently. Guyanese know well why the PPP was thrown out of office. The traditional supporters should know and remember that the PPP and Mr. Jagdeo have nothing good in store for them. The following are some of the reasons why they should consider casting the PPP aside.

1. The PPP administration and Jagdeo systematically ran GUYSUCO into the ground during their last 15 years in office, jeopardising the welfare of sugar workers and their families. When the PPP left office in 2015, the corporation was virtually bankrupt and continually required government financing to continue its unprofitable operations. Jadgeo’s personal involvement in the decision to sink US$200 million into the Skeldon operations very probably stands as his greatest folly, and was very probably the final nail in GUYSUCO’s coffin as allegations surfaced that he disregarded advice which would have seen him choosing a more reputable and experienced Indian firm at a lower cost. Although the European Union’s declared intention to permanently reduce prices for sugar placed a dent in the prospects for Guyana’s sugar industry and its thousands of workers who also happened to make up a significant support base of the PPP, the operations of GUYSUCO were allowed to be run down amid charges of mismanagement across all levels of its operations. Plans to address the corporation’s diversification were dragged out and were fruitless up until the PPP’s exit in 2015, when the corporation consistently demanded billions of dollars annually for financial support. Today, the corporation’s closure seems imminent as many workers’ issues remain unresolved.

2. The PPP’s embrace of corruption and pilfering of state funds reached such proportions that it creeped into the major organisations overseeing the operations of the rice sector. Allegations were made of sweetheart deals which saw payments being made to select supporters, while many other rice farmers were forced into financial difficulties as they were either underpaid for their produce or their payments were delayed to such an extent that they were placed under severe financial stress and their operations placed in jeopardy
3. The PPP administration over its 23 years in office consistently demonstrated disdain and disregard for both public and private sector workers. Even after the first 15 years in office, the PPP administration consistently handed out annual increases of the order of 5 per cent to public servants. Government’s wages policies heavily influenced that of the private sector, so that today, much of Guyana’s workforce get by on depressed wages and in many instances, live below the poverty line.

4. A declared socialist-based party, the PPP from its early years in office frustrated investment prospects which could have done much to reduce unemployment levels, raise incomes and potentially raise Guyana’s status internationally. The fruits of its efforts in this direction were brought to bear as Guyana’s economic growth averaged 0.6 per cent from 1999 when Mr. Jagdeo took office to 2004, the year prior to the flood. A memorable instance was that of Case Timbers, where the company’s machinery was left so long uncleared by the GRA that decay set in and the company threatened to withdraw from the country.

5. Recognising that his policies would generate very little export growth and revenues from the private sector, Jagdeo saw the international impetus to address climate as an opportunity and crafted the LCDS as a means for raising foreign currency.

6. Many of the so-called foreign direct investment schemes during the PPP’s terms were in fact dressing to quell claims by the opposition that the PPP government was not doing enough to attract investment, stimulate economic growth and address our crucial unemployment issues. The investment in Linden yielded little or nothing for the town and Guyana. The highly touted Bai Shan Lin venture was always riddled with claims of corruption, which included undervaluing of exports and massive duty waivers, which in total amounted to a gross abuse of Guyana’s resources by this company.

7. Petty corruption on a massive scale became part and parcel of government operations as businesses and private individuals were routinely placed over a barrel to have their imports processed and many other government services provided. Bribery and corruption became a norm during the course of transactions with government ministries and agencies

8. The press has documented instances of allegations of the PPP’s involvement with, and solicitation of the services of individuals linked to narcotics and crime. This practice along with the administration’s record on corruption effectively put a damper on investment in Guyana by reputable firms abroad and helped stymie local investment prospects also. International organisations had also made claims of the government facilitating money-laundering and narcotics activities, which exacerbated negative perceptions about Guyana internationally.

9. A few of the PPP’s ministers had gone beyond the law, but had never been brought to justice. This disregard and abuse of our laws by the PPP is one of the bigger issues which stands against the PPP ever returning to office.

10. Finally, the PPP’s penchant for misappropriating taxpayers’ money is very probably unsurpassed and unmatched in the Caribbean region, from the misuse of NIS funds to build the Berbice bridge, which now costs so much as to make travel for some prohibitive, to the Marriott fiasco which needs no further disclosure here. These are the main issues the supporters of the PPP need to consider before throwing their weight behind the PPP again. Because if the PPP were ever allowed back into office again, it is an almost certainty that they will pick up exactly where they left off and continue to mistreat and abuse Guyanese workers with absolute disregard, while pilfering taxpayers’ money through corruption and overpriced contracts
Regards,
Craig Sylvester.