President Donald and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar were given a standing ovation and warm welcome in Richmond Hill, New York by overseas-based Guyanese last Friday at the Fairfield Pavilion. While in New York, the president also addressed a large gathering of Guyanese in Brooklyn on Thursday evening at the Woodbine Catering Hall.
Accompanying the president were Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.
The president told the large gathering in Queens that he wanted to speak with them candidly about affairs in their homeland. He outlined a number of projects the government has undertaken since the November 2011 general elections and the obstacles being faced by the government because it lacks a majority to pass bills.
He said the party was ready and not afraid to face the voters, either in local government or general elections.
He said he cannot allow the combined opposition to continue to frustrate the government’s initiatives and development programmes.
President Ramotar noted that the government was promoting Guyana as a tourist hub and tourist arrivals were increasing.
Inadequate air link
Many of those present lamented the lack of direct, non-stop flights from New York, which they claim deter them from regularly visiting Guyana. In response, the president noted that Fly Jamaica has started a service and Travel Span will commence operations soon, adding that Jet Blue and other carriers will hopefully start next year. He also said government was re-engaging Delta to get the airline, which pulled out in May, return to Guyana.
He said that to further boost the aviation sector, Guyana needs a modern airport with a longer runway that will allow bigger jets to land. And he believes that with a modern airport, Guyana can be a hub for flights to South America and elsewhere.
The president blamed the opposition for the failure of the airport expansion project, as well as the Amaila Falls Hydro Project and the Specialty Hospital, adding that it was also against the Marriott Hotel project, which is needed in Guyana. He said he was determined to develop hydroelectric power in Guyana, as it will provide cheaper electricity to Guyanese.
Asked about the failure of the Skeldon Sugar Factory, the president said it was the engineers from Booker Tate who were to be blamed. “The Chinese builders objected to several aspects of the design and construction, but Booker Tate insisted it should be built to their specification,” he explained.
Corruption and crime
Queried about corruption and crime, Ramotar said he does not dispute that corruption exists, as it does everywhere, but said it is difficult to prove it, and no one has come forward as yet with solid evidence. He said there are many problems with the court system and police investigation of crime and corruption.
The president noted that under the People’s National Congress (PNC), there were hardly any Auditor General reports and whenever, they were done, they showed a lack of accountability on the part of the then government.
He said, on the other hand, since 1992, there have been annual Auditor General reports.
The president also noted that there was a tendering process for public works. “All projects are publicly advertised and opened for public bidding. The bids are publicly opened in front of the media,” said the president.
He concluded by thanking Guyanese for coming to listen to him, and appealed for their support to help transform Guyana into a better nation, declaring the government was eager and willing to work with all.
