–for significant achievements during first year in office

Today, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government is celebrating its first year in office, and from all indications, Guyanese are giving President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and his team a solid thumbs up. Recently, Big Smith News Watch orchestrated an online poll which sought to have persons on Facebook rate the government’s one year in office, on a scale from one to 10.
A look at the comments indicates that the majority of those who participated in the poll had mostly good things to say about the government, and the way the ministers have performed over the last 12 months. One Olivia Peters commented: “President Ali has thus far done a tremendous job that should be commended and applauded.”
She further said her rating of the Education Sector is an impressive 10/10, because of all the efforts geared at ensuring that education was not affected majorly, even with COVID-19 and so forth.

“More specifically, I commend the President and his ministers for putting the Indigenous people and hinterland development at the forefront of their plans. So much has been done in this area in just the last year [AND] that equals more than what was done in five whole years under the Coalition,” Peters wrote.
Alfonso Demarco went as far as to list some of the initiatives and sectors which he believes are doing well.
“So much positively. roads, cash grants, house lots, tax reductions, healthcare pushing in these trying times; no rumours of war with the neighbours, school children are being taught and crime is on the decrease. These are just a few things. I would say the PPP/C government is well ahead regarding its manifesto promises,” Demarco opined.
Ron Amos, who lauded the government’s economic strategy, said: “This is one of major hallmark during this one [year] period.”
Amos also commended the President’s approach to the grassroots, and the manner in which he and his ministers have been on the ground reaching out to citizens, and listening to their complaints.

“In conclusion, I must say this is an excellent first year as we all look forward for greater deliverance from the Government of Guyana. Thank you, Mr. President,” Amos added.
Randy Seecharan, in his comments, said he was excited for the many infrastructural projects that are coming on stream, particularly as it relates to the East Coast – East Bank Demerara bypass road, as well as the four-lane highway slated for the West Bank of Demerara.
“Significant interest in the people shown by the various ministers via their multiple outreaches across the country. Fast reaction by both the President and Minister of Agriculture when it came to the drainage of Georgetown and the country,” Seecharan highlighted.
He also acknowledged the swift procurement of COVID-19 vaccines in a market where demand is high and supply is extremely low.

Seecharan also pointed to the development of sports facilities across the country, particularly in areas that are not known to be supporters of the PPP/C government.
“[It] shows that there is interest in the development of everyone,” Seecharan related.
He also lauded the housing development efforts, as well as the landmark 20,000+ scholarships programme and the Commonwealth of Learning programmes that were done via Coursera.
Added to that, Seecharan pointed to the significance of the $19,000 cash grant for school children, as well as the COVID-19 cash grant.
“Considering multiple areas for energy generation including Amaila Falls and gas-to-shore project; they show a clear vision for the development of this country as opposed to the previous,” Seecharan shared.

AREA FOR IMPROVEMENTS
Notwithstanding the aforementioned accomplishments, there were several Guyanese who believe that the government can still do more.
One such person is Anand Persaud who rated the government 8/10, noting that even though the administration has made exceptional strides within the past year, much is left to be done for the regular Guyanese. Ken Chung also called on President Ali to address the public’s concerns in relation to the operations of the Guyana Police Force.
Desiree Beyounge, although rating the government a full 10, called for improved consistency and further improvements.