THE public calls for flood relief and greater government investment in agriculture in infrastructure and assistance to farmers and enforcement of local content laws in the oil industry, according to the findings of an opinion poll conducted in the latter half of July by Dr. Vishnu Bisram for NACTA.  The poll also reveals complains about rising cost of living, soaring crime (particularly boldly committed ‘choke and rob’), and stagnant wages that are not keeping up with rising prices.  Concerns are also expressed about race relations and the recalcitrant behaviour of the opposition, among other perceived problems. However, government is praised for its handling of COVID-19, flooding, public works and infrastructure, local development, housing, education, social security, oil and gas and public information, among other departments. In general, a majority of the public praised the government for “trying” to address the challenges it faces, noting it has performed better than the preceding Granger administration.
The poll interviewed 750 respondents (41 per cent Indians, 30 per cent Africans, 18 per cent Mixed, 10 per cent Amerindians, and one per cent other ethnic categories) reflecting the demographics of the population.

Asked if government should roll out another round of economic stimulus or pandemic assistance for low-income families, 82 per cent said yes with only eight per cent opposing and 10 per cent not offering an opinion.  Many respondents caution that government should not create a dependency syndrome in over reaches to help the poor. Many respondents feel government should focus on raising salaries and creating jobs, saying workers need livable wages rather than handouts. They noted that salaries are not keeping pace with inflation, complaining that the cost of basic goods is increasing almost every week. Respondents also called on government to help create jobs to address the swell of unemployment from COVID-19 and work termination during the coalition period of governance.  On this note, they expressed support for the re-opening of sugar estates of GuySuCo. However, they cautioned that that only a small fraction of former terminated workers has been re-hired.  Former GuySuCo’s workers say they are still waiting to be hired. The poll finds that those re-hired at the re-opened estates are very pleased for getting on a payroll, resulting in smiling faces. Asked if government should help farmers and households affected by floods, almost everyone answered positively. Asked if government should invest more in agriculture, 74 per cent of all respondents said yes, with 18 per cent saying no, and eight per cent not offering an opinion. The public feels government should not rely on oil and gas for growth but diversification of the economy.

On ministerial performance, asked who they would you rate as the most outstanding minister, Anil Nandlall leads the list for his legal acumen and parliamentary presentations. Nandlall has an approval rating of 74 per cent and disapproval of 19 per cent with seven per cent not offering a view on his performance. All of the ministers are praised for their performance and outreaches and as doing a better job than their predecessors. On the opposition side, Jermaine Figueira (new PAC chair) and Ganesh Mahipaul stand out as the most outstanding MPs. The opposition is critiqued (criticised) for ‘opposing for opposing sake’ and not offering workable solutions to problems. Asked if GECOM should terminate staff charged for attempted election rigging, 59 per cent said yes with 31 per cent saying no and 10 per cent saying ‘not sure’. Many feel that those involved in rigging should have been long gone, terminated immediately after the declaration of the results last year August. Respondents were also asked about the oil and gas contracts. Just half the population is au fait or paying attention to “oil”.  The unemployed and lower and middle classes are more worried about eking out a living and daily survival rather than focusing on oil and gas matters and how much revenues are being received. Of those familiar with the oil contract, almost all of them agree the benefits are lopsided in favour of the oil companies and that Guyana’s royalty and profit sharing are low. They feel the contract should be honoured and renegotiated if possible.  They are not supportive of unilateral violations of the agreement. But they are of the view that the oil companies must honour local content laws to benefit Guyanese.  Respondents praised Minister Vickram Bharrat for his performance at the Natural Resources Ministry in addressing the challenges of the emerging oil and gas industry.