AS we approach elections day 2011, I wish to share some thoughts with my fellow Guyanese, which will hopefully guide them into making the right decision by choosing the right political party and Presidential Candidate. Those of you, who have been reading my letters on a regular basis, would know that I have been openly critical of the Jagdeo Administration, as well as the PNCR Party Leader and Leader of the Opposition. I’ve also expressed views of the Alliance for Change (AFC) as being relatively inexperienced, not ready to lead. I’ve also been criticised by Robert Corbin and executive members of the PNCR as being an agent provocateur of the PPP/C… a charge I vociferously deny. So where exactly do I stand and which political party am I leaning towards? There is frankly no enthusiasm to support any of the candidates; but I firmly believe you lose the right to complain when things go wrong, if you neglect to be part of the decision process. But as a Guyanese living in a foreign country and not allowed to vote, I can only share my thoughts with you. So let us first examine the criteria that should be used when selecting a Presidential Candidate:
All politicians running for office must earn your vote. It is no longer acceptable to assume that, because a candidate may be of the same ethnicity as you, they have your best interest at heart. Politicians lie: They tell you things you want to hear; make promises they cannot keep; and portray themselves better than the others-that’s how they hope to win your vote. Your job is to separate the sheep from the goat, and to select the one that’s most credible and experienced to get the job done. This is not as difficult as it appears, for most politicians have a history of failures and accomplishments which cannot be denied. Some may have written books, or have made decisions while in public office that will enable you to form an opinion of the candidate’s character and philosophy. This is what you must be guided by. Anyone can make promises; how realistic those promises can be brought to fruition must be carefully examined. It is common for a candidate to promise to reduce taxes; raise salaries; reduce crime; end corruption; create jobs and end poverty. But who can actually deliver on those promises will have to have had, or played a vital role in an administration with a track record of getting things done; or someone who is discipline, with the credibility and leadership skills to make it happen. It is not good enough for us to be told by Presidential Candidates that we will have the best education and health care system in the region if elected, they must tell us how many more certified teachers, nurses and doctors will be employed; how many more schools, health clinics and hospitals will be built; what after-school programmes will be implemented to keep our youths focused, off drugs and out of trouble; and most importantly, where the money will come from to achieve these objectives. It is easy for a candidate to promise an increase in wages and reduction in the taxes you’re burdened with, but where will the money come from to make up the shortfall in loss revenue? Will non-essential projects be discontinued? Will this be done by ensuring more ‘bang for the buck’ from contractors? Or will this be accomplished by running a smaller, more efficient government?
I suggest you take the time to get involved: Attend political meetings of all the parties; listen to the politicians as they deliver their vision for a better Guyana; ask questions; then make an informed decision.

A few months ago I had hoped that Winston Murray would have emerged as the PNCR Presidential Candidate; and even after Murray’s untimely demise, I was leaning PNCR, hoping a credible candidate would emerge free of Corbin’s influence. But a few months is a long time in politics- anything and everything has the potential for change; myself included. In the few months leading up to the elections, it is quite possible for more changes to occur but as now, this is my analysis of the way things are:
Both Khemraj Ramjattan and Raphael Trotman of the AFC are good and honourable men, but as a political party, the Alliance for Change is too inexperienced to be elected at this time. With so much at stake, there is simply no time for ‘on-the-job’ training.
Retired Army Brigadier David Granger is also a good and honourable man, with tremendous experience in the army, but he’s too loyal a soldier. As long as Robert Corbin remains the Leader of the PNCR, Granger’s strong leadership qualities will always be compromised, for if he wins, Corbin is sure to find a way to be appointed Prime Minister.
That leaves us with the PPP/C. My criticism of the Jagdeo Administration has always been constructive: Alleged corruption; lack of transparency and accountability; lucrative contracts awarded to cronies; and the empty promise to pass the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). But despite this, no one can deny the progress that have been made under this administration: The Berbice River Bridge; new roads and bridges, although the quality of some have been compromised by greedy contractors; new schools; new hospitals; training of new doctors; and an unprecedented housing programme that have seen more Guyanese as homeowners, compared to any previous administration. This administration is far from perfect, and President Bharrat Jagdeo must take full responsibility for its failures the same way he will take credit for his accomplishments. But in the absence of credible opposition with the knowledge, experience, and the willingness to serve the interest of all Guyanese, it seems that the PPP/C is well positioned and best prepared to build upon what they’ve already started in order to get Guyana back on track. If my analysis is correct, and this turns out to be the choice of the majority, it is my hope that the new PPP/C Administration consider the appointment of David Granger as the new Minister of Home Affairs to bring the scourge of violent crime and drug trafficking to an end, as the position of Leader of the Opposition is already ‘under lock and key’. A new PPP/C administration if elected, may also wish to consider offering a ministerial post to Khemraj Ramjattan in an effort to build a government of National Unity, that would help heal the Nation. With the departure of Bharrat Jagdeo, I am confident that either PPP/C front runners, General Secretary of the party, Donald Ramotar or Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran if elected, will implement the changes necessary to repair the tarnished image of their party, and really set us on the road to nation building.