President Ramotar celebrates 100 days in office

It has become a trend to assess heads of state/government at the 100th day juncture of their administration, and though it is not clear as to which state/ country this practice originated or specifically when such a methodology had been introduced, the 100 days’ performance barometer for leaders is mentioned regularly in the readings and assessments of United States of America’s presidents.

Many observers/analysts apply this time frame in determining how much the incumbent leader understands the enduring issues at hand; what vision and plans he/ she presents to deal with these; and the dynamics of the political landscape as they unfurl, apart from the general administration the leader heads.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) feature, there were many, who questioned the capabilities of Donald Rabindranauth Ramotar, even alluding to the fact, that for the almost 20 years of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) government, he had not been given a Cabinet position.

However, the first 100 days have now passed since he took the Oath of Office on December 3, to become Guyana’s seventh executive president, making history as the first to be inaugurated as leader of a minority government under a constitution that allows a two-term limitation for heads of state.

Winning the presidency at the 2011 national and regional elections, Ramotar said the results were a reflection of the democratic will and maturity of the people. “I am prepared to work beyond the difficulties to ensure that our country does not regress,” President Ramotar said, vowing to fulfill the tasks of creating opportunities for all Guyanese, and at the same time defend the right of a president to hold his own views apart from those of the party. Two days after being sworn in, President Ramotar appointed his 20-member Cabinet with a few new faces, some re- assigned to their positions, and one new ministry was created to handle natural resources.

First duties

Among his first set of public duties as head of state in December, was to join in the festive season with the rest of the nation and the local and diplomatic community. He attended celebrations by the Russians, the local “Christmas Tree Light Up” at Rahaman’s Park, Houston, spent time with members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the army at their Christmas social.

In other areas, President Ramotar, accompanied by First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, distributed hampers to the elderly and presents to children as Christmas cheer was spread across the country.

While many were celebrating Christmas, the president was at the children’s ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation comforting children and presenting them with gifts.

Parliament and dialogue

President Ramotar had by this time assured the nation that his government was in charge, but also signalled to the two political parties that he was prepared to answer their call at working consensually in arriving at critical decisions in the interest of Guyana and its peoples.

This can be described as a master stroke on the part of President Ramotar along with his matter-of-fact warning during his presidential speech that he was not prepared to be held to ransom by the political opposition. Therefore, his strategy of reaching out to the peoples’ representatives, is an indication that their opinions are what will be his guide in future deliberations, and that the opposition will not succeed in their attempts to stymie the onward trend of the nation, which has benefitted even their constituents.

He signalled, also, that collaboration is the way forward, slamming the two parliamentary opposition parties for squandering the chance for enhanced political cooperation and consensus by joining forces and allowing their majority over the governing party to overshadow the interest of the nation. Parliamentarians on both sides of the House were urged to seek consensus and compromise and resist the temptation “to believe that any party can ride rough shod over another”. Failure to do so, the president believes, may consequentially miss the historical opportunities that this new composition offers.

Commitment

Nevertheless, amidst this challenging political situation, the past 100 days has clearly shown that only an experienced politician of the calibre of President Ramotar can negotiate, leading his government.

As the New Year approached, he pledged that his government will work resolutely on a development agenda that guarantees value for money in the delivery of public goods and services and, to bring an end to corruption. The head of state promised quality in the social services, improvement in the physical infrastructure, and a greater and higher standard of living for everyone.

When a scandal of alleged rape erupted against Commissioner of Police Henry Greene, President Donald Ramotar acceded to his request for leave and appointed Assistant Commissioner Leroy Brumell as commissioner in the interim. External assistance was invited to investigate the issue.

Additionally, in keeping with his promise of reviewing the taxation system in Guyana, President Ramotar set up a panel in the persons of accountant Ronald Ali, economist Dr Cyril Solomon and prominent businessman Clifford Reis to lead the review process. The promise of a tax regime review, including an appraisal of the Value Added Tax (VAT) was promised during his campaign trail.

In a further commitment to the people, President Ramotar vowed not to sit idly by and allow Guyanese women to continue suffering at the hands of violent spouses, and called for a re-orientation in the way the police approach and address the issue.

Additionally, as 10 regional chairmen and their deputies were appointed, the president expressed his willingness to work very closely with them in the interest of the country and the populace. President Ramotar has practically demonstrated that he is indeed a president for all Guyanese, one who is willing to listen to even those with dissenting views. The National Stakeholders’ Conference therefore, reinforced the fact that he is indeed genuinely concerned about the views of Guyanese, as to what they think about, and expect of their government; and the need to work together at this most challenging time for the common good.

The fact that relentless critics of the past administration, attended this summit and spoke very appreciatively of his open mindedness and ‘ready to listen’ approach, leaving them no doubt, positive about the nation’s direction under his hand, speak volumes of his emerging style as a truly transformational figure and a genuine national leader.