PRADO, which is a Japanese Toyota Land Crusier was one of the vehicles mostly used by members of the PPP’s elite at that time. A lot of these vehicles are big, strong and possibly having a choice appearance. Consequently, many people in Guyana felt that there was the making of an extravagant lifestyle, while many of the ordinary people had serious economic issues in their lives. Also, this was essentially at a time when the PPP government was perceived to be corrupt and excessive.

However, the brazenness of the PPP was yet to be seen in even more powerful ways. They had a plan to develop two elite communities for top members of the regime, apparently using the assets of the State to so do. These two communities were to be named Prado-ville 1 and then Prado-ville 2. In fact, up to this day many people still think that these names – Pradoville 1 and Pradoville 2 are just labels; sort of substitute or ‘nicknames’ used for ease of reference when describing the schemes, but they are actually the real names.

However, the naming of the two communities was seen as real presumptuousness of the PPP. At a time when the Prado vehicles were being used by the elitist PPP and was much talked about, it was the same time that they were going ahead to team up and sell prime land that belong to the State at rock-bottom price. This matter was taken to the High Court, but it is alleged that Ali said he had no intention to step down from his ambitious landing, where he is attempting to fight for the presidency of Guyana.

No contest
Everyone in Guyana is aware of the fact that President David Granger has established himself as an incontestable personality, against the likes of Mr. Irfaan Ali. Even those who may say that they do not like Mr. Granger, respect him very much. The people of Guyana agree on the fact that he is a man of integrity and that he shows much regard for the people he has been assigned to lead. On the other hand, Mr. Irfaan Ali has not even demonstrated an obligation to show the people how he achieved the disputable academic credentials he claims to have.

Instead, Mr. Ali has said that he has no intention of pulling back or stepping out of what should be considered one of the most important and dignified contest in any country. Aspiring to become president; getting involved in the general elections – as the presidential candidate, is usually considered as a serious matter.

Fastest growing economy
Leading any country is never a simple task. More so, in a country such as Guyana, at this juncture of its social and economic positioning, integrity would mean everything. The New York-based Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, that is the second largest in the world, has named Guyana as the fastest growing economy globally. It noted this country’s projected growth rate would be 16.3 per cent during the four-year period 2018-2021.

The NASDAQ report sees Guyana as a middle-income country with a per-capita income of $5,194; having a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) size of $3.63 billion (2018 Rank: 160), a growth rate of 4.1 per cent in 2018 and 4.6 per cent in 2019. Guyana’s economy is expected to grow by 33.5 per cent and 22.9 per cent in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

Additionally, Guyana’s economic capacitY does not depend on oil and gas as a single major economic factor, even though it is very important. Agriculture and agro-processing; manufacturing; mining of gold and other precious minerals; timber and other economic resources are all crucial to the country than ever before. And the APNU+AFC coalition has worked over the last four years on developing and sustaining these areas.

Guyana is a country poised for economic prosperity and even the most naïve would see and want to confess that this is a greatly blessed nation. However, activating these blessings would demand shrewd, honest leadership, who can be trusted with the country’s resources. For what is needed at this time is resource blessings and not resource curses.