PPP/C consulting civil society on manifesto

The incumbent Peoples Progress Party Civic (PPP/C) says it continues to consult a wide cross section of Guyanese as it finalises its plans for the advancement of Guyana, should the party be re-elected on Many 11, 2015.

An executive within the party told this publication that these consultations include the views, ideas and considerations of members and non-members of the PPP/C. “The ongoing interactions with various sectors of society will ensure the document reflect the aspirations of the people,” the PPP/C executive explained adding that the intent is to have the document available for release at the official launch of its campaign.

Themed ‘working together for a better Guyana’, the party’s 2011 manifesto was premised on continuity of social and economic progress. “Focused on realising the vision to which we have committed ourselves, the next PPP/Civic Government will build on the foundation laid, expand on the substantial progress already achieved, and implement a comprehensive agenda of policies and programmes aimed at achieving the objectives set,” read the 2011 manifesto.

It boasted of the efforts in the past decade at maintaining macroeconomic stability and then committed to continued intent to ‘manage the economy prudently and soundly, with the principal aims being accelerated real economic growth, preservation of debt sustainability by ensuring a steady decline in the fiscal deficit and prudent incurrence of new debt, and maintaining external sustainability by promoting rapid growth in exports and reduced dependence on imported inputs especially fossil fuels and food items.’

Describing the document as a contract with Guyanese, Presidential Candidate, Donald Ramotar stated that it spelt out a number of policies and projects which we intend to pursue to achieve the objective of a diversified, modern, competitive and resilient economy. Amongst the many initiatives which we will complete are the development of hydroelectricity, a new fibre optic cable and the construction of a deep water harbour, an all-weather road to Brazil and a bridge to Suriname.

According to observers, many major projects under the PPP/C 2011 manifesto that needed opposition support in the National Assembly were unable to be realized. This is as a consequence of the one set majority that the combined opposition held in the 11th Parliament, which has largely been considered a failure.

One such project is the Amaila Falls Hydropower initiative, which ended after the investor opted out because of political and media opposition in instances. President Ramotar had committed to finding other investors.