I had cause earlier to write about this in 2005 in a piece titled the “Shame is greater that the Exoneration” when President Jagdeo’s Cabinet decided unanimously that controversial Minister Gajraj resume duties at his Ministry after an investigation was carried out into what was then known as the “Gajraj Affair”.
The convention of individual ministerial responsibility fixes blame on a Minister for all failure of policy and administration whether the Minister himself is at fault or not; and, harsh as it may sound, even if the failure resulted from departmental maladministration. A Minister must take praise for successes of his department, and blame for its failures.
Moreover, a Minister is required to provide full and accurate information to Parliament; must behave himself with candour; and, must not mislead Parliament knowingly. This is in addition to not using public resources for his personal purposes.

What this important convention is directed towards is the observance by Government Ministers of the highest standards of constitutional propriety and personal conduct. Ministers are expected to be their own conscience. That is primarily why there is no policing mechanism created to oversee and penalize ministerial misconduct. But it is exactly why it is politically correct and mandatory for resignations to follow when it emerges that Ministers have been found errant of the standards this convention entails.
I recall the incident where a man found himself in the Queen’s bedroom. The Mighty Sparrow made a famous calypso out of it. The U.K’s National Security Minister then in charge, duly and with a certain ring of honour and dignity, resigned because somebody had to be responsible. This was an extreme instance of individual ministerial responsibility, but it emphasizes what political culture must exist and subsist in a Westminster democratic tradition.

In England, Ministers largely live this tradition - over 65 Ministers resigned in the half century period [1945 to 1995] for cases ranging from sex scandals, financial mis-dealings, failure in office, national security scandals, and other major and minor misconduct in public office. Recently, the Gordon Brown Cabinet has been shaken by a number of such resignations.
Our Ministers in Guyana love to live up the power and privileges side of a Westminster tradition. But they fail miserably to honour and to live up to the accountability and responsibility side. This deficit in the quality of our political leadership very often times is misapplied to assert a deficit in the Westminster system of government. This preposterous illogic has propelled some to call for the Westminster model’s replacement. Now if the pilots are no good, you do not start condemning the plane. What must happen is a vigorous call for a change of the pilots.

Recently in the National Assembly Minister Robert Persaud was caught red-handed breaching the standards so well known, that only full and accurate information must be provided, with candour, so that Parliamentarians are not misled. Somehow the matter never got the publicity it deserved in this newspaper. I only noticed a Sunday Kaieteur editorial chastising me for being a “cavilling M.P.” for criticising the Minister.
Our Agriculture Minister was under serious scrutiny by members of the Economic Services Committee of Parliament on the 11th July, 2008 concerning the status quo of GuySuCo and its long term future. He painted a rather rosy picture of the sugar industry. Several weeks thereafter we were all floored when he announced a massive overhaul of the Board at GuySuCo.
But that aside, there was another matter that now has enraged me totally. He was asked by me as to the availability of GuySuCo’s Business Plan. I understood his answers at the time to be that the Business Plan was not available because it was not finalized. I quote verbatim from Hansard:

Ramjattan: Are we going to get these documents? They are so important that we get them!

Persaud: No, the documents will be provided once we complete the various …..we are engaged in discussions with the EU and some other stakeholders in finalizing ….

Ramjattan: How early?

Persaud: I do not want to tell.

Ramjattan: Give us a projection.

Persaud: I would say some time in the last quarter of 2008”.

Yet when the bubble burst recently concerning the loss of over $1.6 B to GuySuCo as a result of the non-delivery of the Business Plan to the European Union by the March 2008 extended deadline, this same Minister in defence stated that the Business Plan was indeed completed and was in Cabinet as of March 2008 and was given to the EU as of June 2008. This, after the Minister had told us in the Economic Services Committee on 11th July 2008, when he was being questioned, that the Business Plan was not completed.

This Minister was not being truthful, frank or candid to us in the Economic Services Committee. He was bloody lying. His latter position was irreconcilable and contradictory to the one he shared with us in the Economic Services Committee. For this alone he should resign. The loss of that massive sum of $1.6 B under his stewardship in itself is a sufficient other ground. But he would not. In Guyana, under the present PPP regime, this kind of inefficiency may very well realize for this Minister a promotion to the Presidential candidacy for 2011.
Goodness me… What have we come to?

…claims critical issues not addressed

Recently recruited Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance For Change, Peter Ramsaroop, yesterday slammed the recently released International Monetary Fund (IMF) report on Guyana.

According to Ramsaroop, the unknown source that came to Guyana to prepare the report basically took the Finance Minister’s 2009 Budget presentation and “turned it into his report.”

The economist who has been recruited by the AFC said that what the IMF did not address was Guyana’s excessive tax system, the narcotics economy, development issues and job creation, among others.

He said that in the report was the 3.1 per cent economic growth, but refrained from what was the facts, that bauxite was down by seven per cent, “diamond was down…forestry was down.”

According to the AFC CEO, his party disagreed with the International Monetary Fund’s report calling for more data on how the body realized the report. According to Ramsaroop, the IMF also needs to address some other issues that did not form part of the report.

Leader of the party, Raphael Trotman, added that the IMF also should speak with the AFC given that when teams from financial institutions travel to Guyana they hold meetings with a selected few. “That is disappointing in that, there are other points of view that need to be heard and taken into account before preparing such reports.”

He also drew comparison to the IMF outlook as against the Economic Intelligence Unit’s on Guyana, which paints a completely different picture on what is taking place in the Guyana economy.

The party’s Vice Chairperson, Sheila Holder, who was also at the press briefing, took the opportunity to point out that there was no resident representative for the IMF in Guyana - who would be more hands on and au fait with the issues.

The IMF report for 2008 on Guyana had stated that despite external shocks and social pressures, macroeconomic stability was preserved in 2008.

The report pointed out that higher growth is projected for 2009, with a recovery in sugar output expected to offset a slowdown in the other sectors of the economy.

Guyana’s first quarter sugar production has already met a shortfall of some 6,000 tonnes.

The report also pointed out that lower oil import prices would compensate for a decline in commodity export prices in 2009, but locally, gasoline prices have recommenced a marginal upward trend forcing at least one minibus association to threaten an increase in fares.

The report did point out that Guyana still faces other significant challenges, including lower worker remittances in 2009 and preferential sugar export prices in the years ahead.

According to the report, its Executive Directors noted that, by implementing prudent fiscal and monetary policies, the Guyanese authorities had maintained macroeconomic stability in 2008, despite external shocks and social pressures.

Its directors observed that direct spillovers from the global financial crisis on the banking system have so far been limited and the banks remain well capitalized and profitable, and the financial system is sound

INTRODUCTION:
President Jagdeo said last week that Guyana cannot claim to be a democracy and not have held Local Government Elections after so many years. What is actually funny about this statement is that the PPP has been in power since 1992 and the last time we had local elections was in 1994.
For the President to finally acknowledge what many of us have been saying that Guyana is not a viable democracy is admirable. He has finally realized that local elections must be held and it is our hope that after fifteen years all the checks and balances will be in place. The electoral list must be in order and verified prior to any elections. The PPP is in government so blaming anyone else for this failure is unacceptable. Prior to any local elections, radio broadcast licenses must be open up in order for a fair playing field.
The blatant disregard for diplomacy when it comes to the British Aid on Security Reform is appalling. We have a run away government that has never gotten a handle on how to govern our nation.

THE MUST VOTE IN FUTURE ELECTIONS: A BLUEPRINT FOR VOTERS
Choosing competent leaders has never been a strong attribute for us Guyanese. We have the best of intentions, yet something always seems to obstruct our view of the most qualified candidates until it is too late. We also have a bad habit of getting caught up in the hype of the moment every time a politician plays the race card. It is all such a blur sometimes and one can barely decipher whether we are being lethargic or just hoodwinked. Either way, no one is to blame but us.
Just for fun, shall we do a test? Which leader would you choose: Machiavelli with his heavy hand and harsh words for those whom he leads? Or Plato’s Philosopher King who seeks knowledge and rules with paternalistic concern over his subjects? The most obvious answer would be Plato’s version of a kindly King, of course.
President Jagdeo wrote in a paper on Deforestation ”I hope that those who read this paper will see it for what it is – a sincere attempt to reconcile the interests of countries such as mine and “ those of the wider world.” Guyana is ours not the President’s and the use of the “I” must give way to “our”.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ANSWER FOR GUYANA
It is now necessary to remind we the people of Guyana of one very important point – if the people do not choose competent leaders, they will likely end up with what we have today.
In Guyana, we are complacent with our vote and apathetic concerning our freedom. Because we are weary of the death and violence, we are docile in regards to politics to the point that our very independence is at risk. We would rather relinquish our independence than act upon our responsibilities as informed voters of a free and democratic country. Heaven forbid!
What are the guidelines by which the people should consider any leader worthy of a vote? Such guidelines differ from person to person, though there are some mainstays, a blueprint, if you will, that almost every well-informed voter employs.

Here is a set of leadership qualities to consider when deciding who will get your vote:
• Competency is a must in leadership. Everyone makes mistakes, but when it comes to running a nation, it is vital to choose those who have demonstrated a clear ability to get the job done. Mistakes in government can have a long-standing impact on thousands of people. Guyana simply cannot afford any more of these kinds of mistakes.
• Diplomacy is standard practice. Choose only leaders who are capable of being diplomatic and willing to work with others to accomplish the greatest good for all interested parties.
• A good leader has proven himself/herself in the community. Whether it is through business, academia or community service - a good leader has a proven track record for being trustworthy and accessible.
• A good leader knows he/she is a servant of the people. Humility is a quality not often wont in politicians, but good leaders have it in abundance.

CONCLUSION:
We do need to have local elections and elect the right candidates to help our communities become economic zones. This is a chance for all of us to localize our thinking but with a national view in mind.
Thinking of the next government you want will dictate how you vote for your local leaders. We have to find ways to move our nation forward. Guyana is owned by all of us and together we will and must work with each other on the blueprint of a prosperous nation.
For the British Government to give us over one Billion dollars for security reform and for those in the PPP Administration to ditch recommendations from a developed country just put our nation one step backwards. Until next time “Roop”.
Send comments to: peter.ramsaroop@gmail.com

Unlocking Guyana’s Potential

77 Hadfield & Breda Streets, Georgetown, Guyana 

Telephone: 226-5043, 624-7782, website: www.afcguyana.com

May 28, 2009

For Immediate Release to All Media Houses

AFC announces Peter Ramsaroop as newest member of management team

Georgetown, Guyana – Thursday May 28, 2009 - The Alliance for Change is pleased to announce the expansion of its management team through partnership with Peter Ramsaroop and Vision Guyana. Vision Guyana’s Chairman, Peter Ramsaroop, will be functioning, in an unpaid capacity, as senior executive position as the party’s Chief Executive Officer. The CEO’s focus will be expanding the reach of the AFC and implementing strategies on economics, finance and marketing.

AFC Leader Raphael Trotman commented: “The AFC is proud to welcome Peter Ramsaroop on board as it expands its outreach to Guyanese here and abroad in its quest to change and transform the political culture of Guyana so that the dream of a strong, united and prosperous Guyana can be realised.”

Ramsaroop commented: “I am extremely delighted to join the AFC’s management team and I am looking forward to bringing my knowledge and experience to the AFC which has been leading the way to effect meaningful changes to Guyana’s political culture.”

Mr. Ramsaroop is no stranger to change in Guyana.  From his initial return to the country in 1999 after a highly successful career in business in the United States of America, his focus has been on creating an environment for a better Guyana.  His knowledge and experience at all levels of the body politic and business background makes him an asset to the AFC and all Guyana.

The Party will continue to engage and reach out to all Guyanese everywhere who share a similar vision, with a view to forging strong and long lasting relationships and alliances for a better Guyana.

INTRODUCTION:
Recognition is given to those who have done remarkable or outstanding work. Our President is getting recognition for something about our nation’s forest. None of us are aware of what really is the big deal. Our forests are being cut down by big companies, while concessions are taken away from our local loggers. Many have breached the laws in logging, but as always no criminal charges are filed. So tell me again, why we should be getting any pat on the back for forest conservation.
I always contend that if the President would stay home and put that much time into Guyana’s economics we may see improvements. One of the most important programs to focus on is solving our energy problem. We have written a policy blueprint that is available for use. (See Blueprint – Energy and Environment Nov 28th 2008, KN, for a summary)

The PPP Administration has failed miserably in developing a viable energy program for our nation. We all pay the price everyday with the high cost of electricity and fuel prices. One would think that this program would be given higher priority than the President running around the world talking about Carbon Credits. Fuel prices are on the rise again and other countries have started programs to ensure more efficiency and we are yet to create a sustainable energy policy.
In April, the GCCI President called for investments in alternative energy. He added that the private sector needs to focus on how they will work with the politicians in getting their ideas adopted and changed. Why are the politicians so behind the times in listening to the private sector? There should be a requirement and job descriptions for politicians.

Just 90 days ago, the price of oil was at $35 a barrel. Over the last few days, it has been hovering at around $62 a barrel. That’s about a 77% price increase from its low!
Although not an immediate price indicator, the barrel price for oil certainly affects fuel pump price trends in the long run. The trend is clear. After a short period of falling fuel pump prices, actions like OPEC’s decision in March to begin reducing oil production are starting to put pressure on the world crude oil prices. At the same time, demand for oil from China, the world’s second-largest consumer of energy, has been increasing steadily with a 14% jump in crude oil imports in the month of April. Do you remember last year when it cost $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 to fill up your tank? Talk about robbing your wallet! And we all know that with the recession, it’s already empty. So prepare yourself.

WIND POWER:
This is one area where one would believe that we would have created a strong public/private sector partnership given our coastal plains and wind activity. Windmills may have been around for almost 1500 years, but it was not imagined that wind power would become affordable enough to compete with fossil fuels. Indeed it has. In fact, many utility services around the world offer wind-generated electricity at a much lower premium.

This is in contrast to hydro power which because of our water seemed the way to go. Hydro power is expensive to get off the ground. This week the folks from the Amaila Falls Project are once again trying to revive the endeavour. It will be 5-10 years to see the result - if it was to ever get off the ground.
We have the ability for Wind Power off shore. This will be the next major step for this technology and will result in a dramatic increase in decentralized electricity generation. Offshore wind has the potential to deliver substantial quantities of energy at a price that is cheaper than most of the other renewable energies, as wind speeds are generally higher offshore than on land. The bottom line is that this must be one of our immediate energy policy initiatives. We can’t handle another rise again in fuel prices. We should be further along than just policy. What really does this PPP administration do for a living?

GREEN TECHNOLOGY:
I did an interview last week for this paper that alluded to Hybrid Fuel Technology. I strongly believe that applying Green Technology is a smart way to stop the oil companies from robbing your wallet. One company that captured my attention is Bluwave Hybrid (www.bluwavehybrid.com).
A small start-up in Ohio, their products provide up to a 38% savings in fuel. They do not have all the answers for all vehicles just yet, but for sure they can fix many of our fuel heartaches. The BluWave Hybrid product is suitable for all diesel transportation vehicles, farming machinery, marine engines, or even power generators or gensets.

Every engine may have different fuel consumption rates, but the way I look at it, using such a marvel gives, for example, a diesel price of about G$190/gallon.
We’ve been talking about all the benefits of fuel savings, but for those environmentalists out there, this will put a smile on your face: This technology also reduces harmful emissions upwards to 60% or more, which means the next generation can have a chance to breathe cleaner air as well. These products should be allowed in duty free.

CONCLUSION:
President Obama this week proposed a new fuel economy plan which will require passenger cars and light trucks to get an overall average of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. By that year, cars will be expected to average about 39 mpg and trucks would be required to get 30 mpg. We need to stop importing old cars from Japan and start getting some of these newer models in. We will be able to afford them if the government stops taxing us double duty on these cars.
At the end of the day we need a comprehensive energy plan that involves benefits to us, the citizens. We are jealous of other governments doing things for their people while our leaders travel around the world preaching about what other people should do. Until next time: “Roop”.

Send comments to peter.ramsaroop@gmail.com or www.visionguyana.com

Peter Ramsaroop

Discussing this technology, Chairman of Vision and vocal advocate for alternative energy solutions, Peter Ramsaroop, says that persons can easily switch their current car or truck into an eco-friendly hybrid with a converter kit.
According to him, not only is this solution better for the environment, but it can also help with rising fuel prices.
The kits, he added, are very effective and they make use of the technology known as hydrogen fuel injection or HFI.
“By adding a kit to your car you can save up to 38% on your fuel prices.  You also get the environmental advantage of cutting back on car emissions by as much as 70 percent, Ramsaroop asserted.
He pointed out that the HFI process not only works with gasoline cars but it can work with any car that uses fossil fuel.
According to him, it can also be used on clean (mixed) fuel cars such as those that run on bio-fuel and is particularly effective on diesel engines.
“The main effect is that the hydrogen alters the chemical process that happens during combustion.  It changes the time when the heat energy is released, which can lead to better fuel efficiency, cuts down on your emissions, gives you better horsepower and even saves you money on your car’s maintenance.”
Ramsaroop also stated that the key difference between HFI and hydrogen fuel cells is in where the hydrogen comes from and how the hydrogen is used in the engine.
Hybrid converters, he said, make use of hydrogen generated on demand as a clean fuel additive to your fossil fuel driven engine whereas hydrogen fuel cells use hydrogen fuel stored on-board to generate electricity that drives the car.
“The converter kit uses distilled water and a special additive that enables an electrolysis process to take place that makes it a ‘converter’.  A separate solution tank is filled with distilled water and connected to the converter.”
He added that in the electrolysis chamber inside the converter, oxygen and hydrogen gas are created.
The two separate gases then flow back into the solution tank and out where they are drawn into the air intake system of your car’s engine.
There the gases enter the engine combustion chamber, mix with the fossil fuel, and improve the car’s performance and because the fossil fuel burns more completely, you virtually eliminate harmful emissions.
“It’s all about the cost and about reusing what you already have to reduce environmental impact. Why spend tens of thousands of dollars on a new hybrid car or truck when you can spend a fraction of that and turn your current car or truck into a hybrid vehicle? Why get rid of a perfectly good vehicle and buy something new if there is no need to do so. Recycling is great, but reuse of functional items is the best conservation going.”
Ramsaroop noted that he has found converter kits manufactured by BluWave Hybrid to be both reliable and provide the gas savings and emissions reduction.
“The nice thing about the BluWave Hybrid kits is that they’ve been perfecting the installation part for some time. You don’t have to alter much of anything in your vehicle.”
He stated that if people have a little mechanical savvy they could easily install the kit themselves.
“The only thing that you will have to remember is to fill your solution tank whenever you fill up your fuel tank so that the system continues to function properly…You don’t have to do very big things to have a positive impact on the environment and your budget. Little bits like converting your car to hybrid can help so much.”

INTRODUCTION:
Job losses are building around our nation, especially in the manufacturing and export areas. We have always struggled with manufacturing due to the high cost of energy. As a nation, we have not focused any on reducing our energy cost by implementing alternative solutions such as wind power.
Recently this newspaper reported that one leading furniture manufacturer sent home 30-odd factory workers since production has been too low and they were not able to keep the factory going. For us to retool this sector, a tiered taxation rate based on company size as well as tax incentives for marketing of goods and services is needed as manufactures seek to expand and explore new markets.

Last month, Agriculture Minister, Robert Persaud, said that for the first quarter of this year, the export value in the forestry sector has been close to US$8M and for the same period last year it was about US$12M. With the housing market in North America on the decline, need for timber has been significantly reduced and our exporters are starting to feel the pinch.
There must be development of new strategies and new efforts to retool the sector. It is very important that we build a stronger link between the manufacturing and agriculture sector. We must focus on finding new markets for our products.

NEW STRATEGIES NEEDED:
With the signing of the EPA in October 2008 and the upcoming negotiations for a possible free trade arrangement with Canada, this can be the opportunity to rethink our approach to the manufacturing and export sector. The development component for the region will be critical to counter the global economic crisis and the impact on Guyana.
There is a specific need for the Government of Guyana to create a specific stimulus package of this sector to avoid future and more drastic lay-offs and also to maintain foreign exchange ratios.

There is a need to have more urgency in action by the public and private sector working together to develop new proposals. Instead we find each ministry working in stovepipes instead of integrating ideas from all areas in order for new proposals and ideas to be generated.
The Trinidad manufacturing boss outlined what I believe is also applicable to Guyana. He stated that local manufactures are beginning to feel the impact of the global economic slowdown and outlined some of the challenges facing them:

1. Access to credit, locally and globally.
2. Cost of credit.
3. Declining market demand.
4. Declining relative competitiveness.
5. Human Resource cost.
6. Impact of China – reduced prices, reduced transportation cost.

Exports to Caricom countries have also shrunk. President of the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GMSA), Ramesh Dookhoo, told Kaieteur News in March, that the sectors particularly hit by the global economic slowdown are the garment manufacturing and value-added wood sectors. He said some 150 workers have already been laid off, and another 50 jobs are immediately threatened. Dookhoo explained that the drying up of export orders from Europe and North America is the main reason for the layoffs in these sectors, since a drop in demands means less production.

THE EFFECT:
Now the obvious result of these job losses is that there are now hundreds of persons left to fend for themselves and families without fixed means to earn an income. Sure some of you may find alternatives but let’s face it, jobs in general, let alone good jobs, are hard to come by so it becomes a situation that craves attention and needs to be urgently addressed.
This situation gives way for many undesirable outcomes, including an escalating crime rate. The government needs to figure out how to get this situation under control, because as simple as it looks, it could have catastrophic results. It could lead to strikes and even riots and protests. We have seen the rise of domestic violence and suicides.

CONCLUSION:
We must all hope for a rebound. President Jagdeo was proven wrong when he said Guyana was isolated from any financial crisis. Since then we have had CLICO fail, the downturn in the manufacturing sector and the additional job losses to an already alarming unemployment rate. Each and every market in the world, so long as they do trade with each other, will be in competition with and be affected by the major global indicators.
In Trinidad, the Central Bank launched a Criminal Investigation against CL Financial, while in Guyana, someone tries to bump off the Commissioner of Insurance and the President takes charge by saying he would agree to an investigation into the CLICO debacle if Globe Trust is included.
We are not getting accurate information on inflation rates and as unemployment increases there will be pressure on wages.

In order for the private sector to help, we need the correct financial information and the only way we can get that is by the Freedom of Information Act proposed by the AFC. We need a focus on the people, their need for employment, and their need for better wages, not just bills passed in Parliament that sound like improved workers’ rights. If the Government was to spend that much energy on working on improving the lives of the citizens, we will have a better nation. Until next time: “Roop”.
Send comments to peter.ramsaroop@gmail.com or www.visionguyana.com

INTRODUCTION:
Special thanks to all Mothers for their contributions to our nation.
This week, CARICOM officials were in discussions on the region’s position on climate change and global warming. Given the scare of the flooding in April and with May/June rains here, it is time to analyze the impact of new weather patterns on Guyana and particularly the agriculture sector.
Every season, we are bombarded in the government media about the amount of money spent on drainage. The most recent is the $3B Hope Canal that is supposed to be the mother of all canals. This they say will solve all of our coastal flooding problems.

My recommendation is we take that money and start the relocation of residents and farms to higher ground. The predictions are that we will have about 33% increase in rainfall over the next few years. No amount of digging will solve our flooding problems. We are yet to really deal with a potential breach of our seawalls and what will be our disaster plans for our citizens.
Severe flooding of farming communities along the coast affects the supply of vegetables to the city markets, where both vendors and consumers end up paying more than double the price for produce. With East Coast farming communities like Mahaica and Mahaicony normally inundated with water, the economics for all of us are affected due to higher prices of produce.

WASTING OUR TAX MONEY:
(SN Headline “Some $800M spent on flood response. Thursday, June 30th 2005”)
Since 2005, the number has reached almost $2B a year, plus the extra $3B for the new canal.
On Thursday, the little rain had all the drains overflowing. Who is getting all these billions of dollars? Not you or me.

These are “some” of the Headlines in the daily papers in 2009:
1. Mahaica farmers say dam-building project blocking kokers – Kaieteur News
2. Heavy rainfall, power failure, high tide take heavy toll on city – Kaieteur News
3. $11B allocated for infrastructure - Agriculture Minister – Kaieteur News
4. Guyana needs $400M to curb climate change effects - President Jagdeo – Kaieteur News
5. Mahaica farmers express frustration with flooding – Kaieteur News
6. Overnight rain floods city - Stabroek News
7. Veggies scarce after floods - Stabroek News
8. Montrose floods after heavy rain - Stabroek News
9. Floods expose defective disaster relief – GHRA – Stabroek News
10. Mahaica farmers appeal for cash boost as creek dries out - Stabroek News
11. Regent St businesses appeal for adequate drainage - Stabroek News
12. Rain pumps up East Coast flooding again - Stabroek News

HELPING THE COASTAL COMMUNITIES:
There only two options where the government can help the farmers in the rainy season:-
1. Help them relocate their farms to higher ground by facilitating micro-loans and infrastructure support for new locations.
2. Facilitate the construction of greenhouses for farmers that are planting cash crops.
Let us expand on the relocation concept.

During the PNC years, there had been lots of chatter about moving the capital to higher ground. I walked by former President Burnham’s residence the other day and saw it completed flooded. Mr. Burnham would have never allowed his residence to be flooded. President Jagdeo’s office is across the street and he must have seen it. That alone should wake him up that his administration has failed.
In the Guyana 21 Plan there are proposals to create four new “Georgetowns” up the East Bank. In addition, I propose that we convert from Timehri to Linden into new living and farming communities.

Instead of spending the billions of dollars on drainage every year with no results, we can take that money and start to build the infrastructure necessary for a systematic plan to move off of the coastal plains. I have recommended to the international communities to start this process by moving their embassies in that region since the government is refusing to consider plans for higher ground. Instead there is continuous waste of our precious tax dollars to contractors that do the same work every year with no results.

At least two times a year we get to rethink this entire concept of how to deal with the coastal plains issue. With all the climate change conferences around the world that our officials attend, one would think we right here in Guyana would have a local conference of the minds to come up with a long term solution that puts relocation on the table as a viable discussion.

CONCLUSION:
All of us that reside on the coastland are threatened - we should ideally at least start preparing for relocation to higher and safer terrain. The longer view given the climate change, increase in rainfall and flooding are all serious indicators for us to be in the planning and moving stage. The economic implications every season when we have to pay higher prices for the produce should also be a major indicator for this recommendation.
So to our President and Ministers who keep wasting our tax dollars, I say to you, start using our money wisely and get us to higher ground. Get on with the business of running our nation properly.
Until next time “Roop”.