Dear Editor,

SINCE assuming office three years ago, Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips has tackled some of the most sensitive and difficult issues in the country, most of which dated back to more than five decades, and he is not afraid to do so.

But first, it is worth mentioning that the Brigadier has not only changed the disposition of the Office of the Prime Minister into a more friendly and congenial atmosphere, but he has also redefined the role and function of the Prime Minister.

He is very practical and effective not only on issues relating to his portfolio but in several other areas, including policy-making, labour relations, security and human rights, among others.

On his several outreaches across the country, he has been courageous to visit some of the most hardcore PNC areas where he told the citizens that no one, regardless of their race or party affiliation will be left out of the rapid development that is taking place in the country and that everyone will be treated fairly and equally. He is perhaps one of the most non-partisan leaders who has not shied away from addressing and perhaps attempting to solve some of the most complex and delicate human issues such as the racial divide, disunity, bigotry, sexism, and intolerance, among others.

Prime Minister Phillips is a trailblazer who on several occasions has reiterated that Guyana belongs to all Guyanese and the government’s acclaimed “One Guyana” initiative proclaimed by President Dr. Irfaan Ali is not a political gimmick or slogan, but an initiative to modernise the infrastructure, expand the health and education sectors, improve the well-being of the people and build a prosperous Guyana for all.

The Prime Minister remarked that the “One Guyana” vision is the first of its kind to have ever been introduced in the country with the aim for everyone to put the country first, create a more equal and just society, reduce inequality in access to social services and guarantees that everyone is afforded the opportunity to lead productive and happy lives.

Agreeing with the adage that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper, the former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) appealed to every loyal Guyanese far and wide to assist one another and to support the “One Guyana” vision, which requires the commitment and action from everyone to work together for the betterment of the country and promote racial harmony with the overall goal of achieving success.

As mentioned earlier, Prime Minister Phillips, being a former Chief of Staff of the GDF has reprimanded those who continue to disregard and downplay the achievements of the government and tried to divide the nation. In one of his most courageous and blunt statements, Brigadier Phillips firmly rejected a motion from the opposition at a Washington D.C. Diaspora Conference for accusing the Ali administration of corruption and discrimination against Afro-Guyanese.

He scolded the members of the opposition APNU/PNC for asking the US State Department to investigate senior government officials whom they claimed are allegedly involved in bribery and corruption. Prime Minister Phillips has categorically stated that it is a desperate attempt by unpatriotic members of the opposition to undermine the progress being made by the government to develop the country, unite the people, and improve their lives.

Brigadier Phillips has made it clear that the document presented to the Black Congressional Caucus by the opposition is regressive, mischievous, malicious, and blatantly false and was one-sided and does not accurately represent the actions and policies of the PPP/C government.

He highlighted the fact that the “One Guyana” initiative has received the unwavering support of commitment from most Guyanese at home and in the diaspora. He posited that it caters to all citizens and seeks to promote inclusivity, unity, equal opportunity for the sons and daughters of Guyana, regardless of their ethnicities and or party affiliations.

He reiterated that since taking office in 2020, President Ali has vigorously advanced the “One Guyana” initiative to transform the socio-economic and political construct of Guyana and to foster an environment that will empower the citizens and in which everyone will have an equal opportunity to reap the benefits that the country has to offer.

The former army chief has steadfastly reminded the opposition that the country was built on values and a system that promote peace, dignity, honour, and respect for the constitution and the rule of law and that everyone must revere and appreciate these cherished ideals.

Sincerely,
Asquith Rose