Dear Editor,

THE Guyanese public have praised the government for its handling of the economy, although they have also expressed some concern about the perceived rising crime rate and inflation and the rising cost of living (increase in prices of basic goods). This is a finding of an opinion survey conducted last month by well-known pollster Dr Vishnu Bisram for the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA). Respondents were asked what were their major concerns and about the state of the economy, among other issues.
The survey found that the nation overall is very pleased with the performance of the six-month- old PPP government, but feel greater attention should be focused on combating crime. The public largely praised the government’s efforts to turn around the economy, and they looked forward for the budget that was presented in parliament last Friday. Some said the government did more for the economy in five months than what the coalition did in five years; but some feel that more effort is needed to increase household incomes.

While government has been praised for job creation, it is felt more should be done to create jobs to reduce unemployment that was created by the preceding regime. Many respondents say that their money has depreciating value. Prices of basic needs have been skyrocketing, while salaries are not increasing, and not too many people are being re-hired since they lost their jobs under the APNU-led regime.

The respondents in the poll are satisfied with the government’s efforts in various sectors of governance. The Ministries of Legal Affairs, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Housing, Public Works, Local Government, Public Administration, among others, came in for special praise.  The ministers are going around meeting the population in outreaches for their views. Among those who have been singled out for their performances are Indar Deodat, Anil Nandlall, Colin Croal, Zulfikar Mustapha, Bishop Edghill, Vickram Bharrat, Sonia Pariag, Kwame McCoy, Nigel Dharamlall, Vindya Persaud, and Frank Anthony.

The government also received kudos for its handling of COVID-19 and race relations. But it has been noted that not everyone is taking the threat of COVID seriously. Not everyone is taking the necessary precautions of social distancing and wearing masks. And some are still gathering in groups, ignoring the risks to life posed by COVID.
It has been noted that infrastructure and agriculture have improved substantially over the last six months and house lots are increasingly being made accessible. The government was praised for rehabilitation of roads and bridges. Farmers say Agriculture Minister Zulfi Mustapha is down to earth, going around meeting them and quickly addressing their concerns and facilitating digging of drains to prevent flooding.

Respondents in the poll feel that GECOM needs reforming to ensure free and fair elections. People don’t feel that CEO Lowenfield and DCEO Myers should be retained in the commission, because of their role in the attempts to rig the March 2020 elections; the public lacks faith and confidence in both of them. Some have suggested that there is need for a GECOM with commissioners independent of the political parties. Some even proposed an idea for elections to be run by an external body such as the UN or the U.S., Canada, or the UK, to deter rigging.

Yours sincerely
Vishnu Bisram