PPP Squanders even Communist Ideologies

by Peter R. Ramsaroop

With a communist government in power here in Guyana under the banner of democracy, there has understandably been a level of resistance to certain aspects of a free market economy. Hence, I feel a sense of urgency for the benefit of our nation to investigate the many ways by which Guyana could benefit from establishing a more open market.

I do not believe the government to be even true to communism, in the true sense of the word but more of a dictatorship. The government touts this ideology; however, it stops far short in achieving its proclamation of communism in the distribution of the wealth acquired through the public-owned businesses, taxes and international aid.

This shows that perhaps the PPP/C is only communist in theory, but not in application. If indeed the communist notions of distribution were in fact applied to Guyana , those in the government would not own homes that cost far more than what an average Guyanese could make in his/her life. As a result of this failure to apply core principles of the philosophy of communism, their only option would be to embrace the by-product of communism – dictatorship.

I challenge those in the government to prove their loyalty to the ideas of Marx and Lenin by making their salaries known to the public. Please also include any fringe benefits that are not reported, including any extra money received from the contracts unfairly given out to supporters. If it were found that any person employed by the government is making above the average national wage, then that person's salary should be cut to reflect the same as the rest of Guyana .

Further, the public should also be made fully aware of all personal assets, including homes, cars, jewellery and any other share holdings or possessions. Subsequently, each government employee who claims to be a staunch advocate of communism should be required to liquidate those assets for the good of society.

The monies gained from the decreased governmental salaries and the sales of personal assets would then be used to build a better infrastructure, help curb poverty, pay the police more money and provide better education. I bet the sale of just a couple homes in Pradoville would go a long way toward cleaning up the canals and buying the necessary equipment to prevent further flooding.

I wonder when these same people are no longer in Government, how they would afford these homes and the Prados they drive.

However, if our communist government officials are not so inclined to give up the lifestyle to which they have become accustomed, then perhaps they should consider allowing the rest of the country the opportunity to acquire that same type of lifestyle by introducing a tad more capitalism to the economy to help the government's communism attain some form of life.

Right now, the PPP/C's version of communism has got Guyana on the economic declining line and, from what I see, there does not seem to be any hope of resuscitation in the near future.

If the government does not want to take me up on this challenge to truly follow the letter of the law concerning the communism they are so proud to profess, then perhaps they would be more willing to consider the following information.

Let us first consider the recent tax modifications of the newly proposed budget. At this point, it seems the government intends to compensate for the taxes lost by omitting a larger portion of the population obligated to pay taxes (an additional 20,000 people of whom make less than $25,000/mo) by increasing what must be paid by the taxable portion of the nation to a flat rate of 33.3 percent.

Would it not be logical then to earnestly strive for a larger portion of taxable incomes? This logic would maintain that the more people who are making a hefty income, the more taxes that will be collected. The more taxes being collected, the more money the state has to allocate to such projects as the canals, education, crime, roads and the like.

At this point, there is very little action on behalf of the government to encourage local entrepreneurialism or to attract foreign investors.

It is therefore only reasonable to assume that, if Guyana were indeed allowed to experiment in a truly free market economy, the poor would reap the benefits of the success of their countrymen through jobs, yes, but also through the increased taxes brought in from the increased incomes.

This is exactly how countries like China and the U.S. are able to maintain their modern and advanced infrastructures. This is also how such nations are able to provide for single mothers, the terminally ill and the mentally ill. It is through the taxes collected from the more wealthy portions of society.

In fact, the progressive tax rate in the U.S. currently tops at 35 percent, just a little more than the flat tax proposed last week by Guyana's Government; however, there are far more in the U.S. who fall into this bracket because of the free market economy, therefore there is far more money brought in through taxes for the good of the entire nation.

Further, there are some in both the U.S. and in China who make millions (in U.S. dollars) in taxable income. So in these free markets or in China's case, market socialism, which is a combination of the advantages of a free market in terms of economic efficiency with those of socialism, there are more contributors to the state revenue and therefore a substantial amount more of money to use for the good of the society.

In its current state, Guyana has so little because cumbersome bureaucracy and burdensome trade levies slow economic growth in all business sectors. It is not immoral to want to make money or to have money. In fact, it is more immoral to neglect the poor that could be helped if only there were money to do it and it is wrong to withhold decent education from our children simply because the state cannot afford to pay its teachers, so they all run to other shores that will pay them.

It is immoral to allow crime to torment our communities as we wallow in the self-pity of poverty simply because the government says their communist agenda is moral.

I see nothing at all moral about the miserable state of our country. In fact, I see the blatant immorality of those who would refuse its citizens the opportunities that are enjoyed by so many others throughout the world – and which is in fact enjoyed by most of those in that government.

Presently, Guyanese work hard for very little – this ought not be. All Guyanese should be afforded a real chance to work hard and create a prosperous life for themselves and their children, without regard to political preference. All Guyanese should be given the opportunity to go home to a nice house, just like their government officials do.

We all deserve the right to maintain our homes without fear of flood or thieves, or senior government officials ordering destruction of our property. These are luxuries enjoyed by those who live in countries who value innovation and entrepreneurialism. In Guyana, these important ideals are scorned and in the process, our nation is left breathless with exasperation and reduced to beggary, as we wait for the next handout in aid from the very countries we treat with contempt because they have what we want – the opportunity at a better life.

If God helps those who help themselves, then it is high time that as a nation, we start to demand a free market that will create the opportunity for us to help ourselves.

Finally, Peeping Tom's Column in Kaieteur News on Thursday 26 th questioned my comments on the amount of money it took to fill a swamp behind my house ($3 million). A few years ago, the Government did some minor repairs to State House, the cost was $99 million. A major contractor was given a contract to build a new school building for Tutorial High to the tune of over $300 million. Another prominent contractor fixed a few kokers and said that he spent $1.4 billion. City officials received $50 million from the distributor of Government money. The President of Guyana, and, in my opinion, has not shown what was accomplished for the money spent.

This last Christmas, the President distributed cheap dolls and toys in Sophia. When a reporter asked the Permanent Secretary about the cost; she shrugged her shoulders and said "about $5 million.” It is reported that there are millions of dollars spent on trips to New York by government officials and their companions, local and foreign. These trips include expenditures at establishments such as the Avalanche Club and include the high costs of club ‘activities.' Why isn't Peeping Tom questioning the expenditures of these funds instead of questioning a private citizen's spending pattern?

A Revolution for Equality & Justice

By Peter R. Ramsaroop

My column last week “Elections 2006 – The Will of the People, Not of a Party” came under heavy criticism from the agency (GECOM) set up to deliver a fair and free election to the people of Guyana. Everyday, it is becoming obvious that the necessary requirements for us to have the environment where we can truly have such an election will not be in place by the mandated constitutional date.

This last week, we read the full-page advertisement from ACDA, calling for all Afro-Guyanese not to go to the polls. They give ten reasons for this call. I am a full believer in us exercising our democratic right to vote, but given the current system where constitutional changes recommended have not been completed, an election list that is being challenged by the combined opposition and many in civil society, and a system that allows the ruling party to exploit some segments of the population and marginalise another, one can then understand why sections of our society are so skeptical. It is not enough for the Government and some members of the GECOM or even the international community to be satisfied with the process, democracy requires that the process manifestly convey an appearance of fairness to all the citizens of our nation.

It should be noted that many of the points posited by ACDA’s message are applicable to Guyanese across all racial and ethnic boundaries. Every group in this country is entitled to an assurance that elections will bring freedom and democracy, and not more of the same. I also submit to you that every distinct group in Guyana faces and is paying the cost of inequitable distribution of rights and resources.

A close advisor to me said, while he feels that ACDA ostensibly proffers arguments on behalf of the Afro-Guyanese Population, the plight of smaller Guyanese minority groupings, given the current electoral system and voting pattern, is even more grim. It is doubtful that an Amerindian or Portuguese or Chinese child, if questioned on his or her aspirations, could even remotely harbor the illusion that they could grow up and become President of their nation. That's a sad indictment of our political process.

ACDA’s other points bring little argument from many of us. “Elections as they are presently constituted will not give us the political space to compete economically and otherwise”. Not when significant segments of the population perceive that they are being shunted to the fringes of the society. We have to create conditions in this country where people have a reasonable expectation of peace and security and justice, and also confidence that the means of production and distribution will operate in a fair and balanced fashion, making economic parity a natural destination for most. This should not be the hope for some of us. It should the goal of all of us whose hearts pulsate with a yearning for the time when we can sit and witness the disbelief in the eyes of our grandchildren as we relate what these times were like.

ACDA has advanced a position it feels that those on whose behalf it speaks, are entitled to take. Yes, there are many who will be critical of this position. One can reasonably suggest that abstaining from participation in the electoral process might not be the soundest of strategies at this time. However, we all are looking at the situation through prisms that are determined by our economic state, our political affiliations, and yes, even our race.

Based on comments in the media it is clear that there are portions of our society with no links to ACDA or the PNCR who also feel that another win for the PPP would give legitimacy to the divisive authoritarianism to which the present constitutional framework and voting patterns gives rise. There are some who define this authoritarianism as bordering on being semi fascist, a frightening progression to contemplate. When a political entity becomes assured of its electoral prospects by virtue of a racial relationship with the majority, there are few disincentives for it to consider or take into account the concerns of the opposition or anyone else who disagrees with them.

Look at the situation with the State Media, a veritable mouthpiece for the ruling party. Stella Ramsaroop, on overseas-based columnist, recently lamented over the PNC’s inaction during the floods even though she admitted that she could be wrong. The issue was not the PNC’s inaction but the fact that the state media completely ignored the flood relief efforts and activities of the main opposition party.

In the midst of a disaster when Guyanese of all stripes are inundated with water due to neglect of the drainage systems, the ruling party opted to play politics with media instruments of the state. This is the kind of attitude and behavior that must have been foremost in the mind of Lord Acton when he coined the phrase, “power corrupts and absolute power tend to corrupt absolutely”. It appears that the government has paid out money to the residents of the flood-affected communities prior to telling them that they have to intentionally flood their communities again. I submit that is the CON of 2006.

It should also be noted that Tain did not erupt because the residents living there wanted to have fun in the streets. It erupted because they perceived their situation to be insecure and not receiving the kind of attention it should from a State Agency, to wit, Law Enforcement. I would also recommend to anyone who did not look at what the state media showed during the fake arrests in Buxton to do so. That is more of a treason charge than the definition of the same as it is currently portrayed.

Let’s not also forget the major injustice we experienced just this past week regarding the proposed amendment of the Trade Union Congress. This is a dictatorial attempt to interfere with democracy and the rights of union workers and validates the autocratic rule of our government.

Given we are a major crossroad of our nation transition into the global 21st Century, we the people, must bond together in a revolutionary way in order to fight for justice and equality from a system that openly subscribes to “If you are not with us, then you are against us.” Maybe it is time for a caretaker government versus an undertaker regime.

Let’s stand up and be counted. Let’s get it right once and for all. Let’s put the systems in place where we can exercise our democratic right to vote, not a system where the term democracy is abused by the cover-up of racism, marginalisation, and authoritarian actions.

ELECTIONS 2006 – The Will of the People, Not of a Party

By Peter R. Ramsaroop

A free, fair and transparent process for this year's elections is of paramount importance to the voting population of Guyana. In 2006, we are looking forward to exercising our democratic right to vote for many reasons, including finally bringing an end to the rule of communist ideologies that have stagnated Guyana's entrance into the 21 st Century. Many countries in Europe and other parts of the world have already taken this bold step in order to revitalise their poor economies. This year, Guyana will hopefully follow in their footsteps. We, the people, must ensure that the incompetent or corrupt leaders are not allowed to continue to contribute to the ruin of our beautiful nation.

In order to have successful elections, or even elections at all, it is imperative that GECOM ensures that the necessary preparations for elections are met before the constitutional date of elections in August. In this column, I will discuss some of the essential elements that GECOM needs to be focused on and the rewards for success or the consequences of failure.

• The Official List of Electors must be accurate and trustworthy. There should be continuous and simple registration exercises to add new voters to the list. Adding complexity and inefficiencies to the registration process only serves to frustrate new voters and deter them from registering to vote. This list should also be free of names of deceased persons and others who are no longer qualified to vote. I believe that there needs to be a verification process using some form of Biometrics and house-to-house validation .
• The Official List of Electors by region should be printed and ready for distribution. Claims and objections should be processed efficiently and without greatly inconveniencing the voters.
• There should be printed Election Manuals and trained, capable election workers who are ready and able to perform their tasks. A Voter Education programme should be ready for implementation. Voter Identification Cards should be printed and ready for distribution to all qualified voters. These cards should be delivered safely to all qualified voters.
• The Media Code of Conduct recently signed by media owners, practitioners, talk-show hosts and others should be followed without fail. All contesting political parties and candidates should also sign a Code of Conduct and their nominations should be checked and approved.
• Polling places should be identified in all regions and contracts effected for their use. These polling places must be made fully functional with needed materials and equipment. Methods for counting ballots and security systems should be tested and in place.
• Communication is a key element during the elections. Systems for communication within all regions and a headquarters should be tested and operational.
• Finally, the system for disseminating election results to the public should be designed, tested and in place. In other words, all elections systems, procedures, logistics and operations must be tested and ready for implementation.

I believe if these items are not efficiently executed, Guyana will risk being thrown into a constitutional crisis for the first time in our history. The result of such a crisis is unknown. However, Parliament would have been dissolved, and we will have to work on the possibility of a caretaker government. This potential crisis should be sufficient pressure on GECOM to continue to act in the best interest of Guyana. Waiting until a few months before the mandatory date to complete these significant requirements has caused many questions to be raised by contesting parties and the media.

We must ensure the electoral process is sound and measurable. We must also encourage greater public understanding of the process. GECOM's work programme should now focus on the mix of critical concrete products or deliverables.

In November, The Coalition of Parties (GTF) said that they were convinced that there were two important benefits to be derived from GECOM setting indicative dates by which the deliverables would be produced. First, the dates would enable systematic monitoring of GECOM's efforts to accomplish specific targets in a timely manner. Second, whenever deadlines appear to be threatened, early corrective action would be identified and decisions would be taken by GECOM with the support of donors, political parties either individually, or collectively, and by the inputs of other stakeholders.

These deliverables being efficiently accomplished and measured should be the desire of all parties that are planning on contesting the elections. Those parties who seem disinterested in the process should answer for their complacency.

Historically, when the people of a nation demand change, it is as a result of a common consensus that their best interests have not been the primary consideration of the current administration and that it is time for a change.

Most Guyanese will acknowledge that something has to change within our nation. It is time to find our strength in the commonalities we share to build a strong and cohesive force by which to demand these changes. We need a common rallying point. What will rally our nation to stand together as one people? Perhaps “We Guyanese” can realise, for our nation to move forward, we must create the system in which all people feel they have representation with a government that is accountable to the people.

Let's reflect on the fact that our President is on a spending spree, seemingly to buy votes by race. We, as a people, cannot sit back and just comment on it, we must act. I have personally invested in our football program and support youth programs. However, I have to wonder why 20 million dollars was donated to football clubs when police wages or teacher's wages are not being increased.

With the mighty thunder of our voices, the resolve of our determination, the strength of our will, the support of our families overseas and the fervour of our young generation, we, as Guyanese, will take back our country. We will overcome. Guyana, our precious Guyana, awaits our triumph. Our country will settle for nothing less than free, fair and transparent elections. One that we can be confident truly reflects the will of the people.

Recognising our need for the Diaspora

by Peter R. Ramsaroop, MBA

Regardless of where someone is presently residing, they are forever linked to their land of birth through the burial of their ancestors or through inheritance (be it language, attitudes, customs, habits etc). The Guyanese Diaspora embodies this linkage yet it seems as if many of us here at home have lost sight of this. Quite clearly, there is only a limited consideration for the historical and/or political issues that resulted in the creation of our large Diaspora over the past 40 years.

Recently, we have seen a move by the Coalition of Parties/Civil Society (Third Force) and also the PNCR emphasising the need for the Diaspora's involvement in Guyana. I whole-heartedly support this concept. In 2000, the REFORM released a strong position paper on this subject. I have included parts of this position paper in this column.

During the 1970s and 80s, Guyana was caught up in an international political tug-of-war, due to, among other things, poor governance, ideological dogma and to its non-aligned posture - a status that was not chosen by the general Guyanese public. Nevertheless, this posture resulted in pressures that had direct economic consequences on the average citizen. As a result, many Guyanese exited our shores.

After Dr. Cheddi Jagan was elected as our President in 1992, there was a short-lived movement calling for the return of the Diaspora. However, since the death of Dr. Jagan, we have once again seen a mass exodus, as the nation has endured negative economic growth under the present administration.

Although most of the Guyanese who left in the 70s/80s did so as refugees escaping political turmoil and economic ruin, their unexpected viability and success in other places were responsible for them developing the ability to return home to make a difference for all - especially for those who were unable to leave. The general desire of the Diaspora is to help the general population of their fellow Guyanese to regain the collective pride of achievement that would come from turning the country around.

Unfortunately, their desire to do so appears to be demonised by various acts from the Government and even Parliament. These acts have marginalised the numerous “sons and daughters” of Guyana who have been ambassadors worldwide of Guyana's ability to provide high-calibre performers to the global community who can use their knowledge, ability, experience, networks and resources in helping Guyana to find a meaningful place in the “global village.”

The overall impression is that there are those in Government would like to see overseas counterparts “suffer a little” at home before being allowed to contribute meaningfully whether its in business or politics. This mood has crept into other aspects of society including the media.

Kaieteur News columnists and respected Guyanese human rights activist Freddie Kissoon has recently brought to light the issue of the Government imposing a Vice-Chancellor of its own liking on U.G. against the protests of the University wishes. I addressed this subject in a past column on September 04, 2005. This controversy has taken on a racial twist, and I should note that any proof of racially motivated decisions will never receive my support.

However, controversy concerning a UG Vice-Chancellor is nothing new to Mr. Kissoon. Five years ago, Mr. Kissoon commented that he does ‘not agree with the policy of bringing a Vice-Chancellor from abroad to head U.G.' (The Moral Issue of Staying here to face the music can't be ignored, Stabroek News Letter to the Editor, 18-Jan-01). In other words, the fact that a Guyanese has lived abroad has more importance in his mind than the superior qualifications and experience that he or she may bring along.

Hence, the worldwide trend towards globalisation and the creation of a “global village” seems to have gone unnoticed by Mr. Kissoon, John Mair – (Bill Cotton/Reform), Roy Paul, and others, due to the perceived need for insulation from the Diaspora.

Since my first return to Guyana in 1999, I have been told the statement “we do not do it that way in Guyana” many times by senior Government officials and prominent businessmen and women. This statement has the side effect of legitimising a common belief that overseas-trained Guyanese are too “out of touch” with Guyana to be able to contribute meaningfully to the various sections of modern national development. The obviously ridiculous nature of that notion shocks thinking persons at home and abroad, especially when one considers that Guyanese experts are assisting in the modern development of countries all over the globe.

It must be appreciated that Guyanese are a highly motivated group, oriented towards achievement, willing and capable of making the necessary sacrifices to succeed. The desire to return home and participate at the leadership level in Guyana's development is a natural consequence of Guyanese being Guyanese in the best sense of the word.

South Africa is a good example. During Apartheid, many South Africans were forced into exile. These individuals were spread over many countries in Africa, Europe and in the USA. There, they were able to educate themselves. When apartheid was removed, those, such as Nelson Mandela, who stayed at home, warmly welcomed them.

Today, South Africa has a President, who was a member of the Diaspora for several years of his adult life in President Mbeki. Other returning souls also run many of the new businesses and hold a significant amount of high governmental positions.

Likewise, Guyana needs the Diaspora to move our country forward. Who would be better equipped to shoulder this great responsibility than Guyanese sons and daughters who have proven their abilities in the global marketplace? The advantages are obvious: they are already attuned to Guyana's climate, diet and culture; they would be sympathetic to the overriding goal of nation-building; and they would be more inclined to invest energies beyond the call of duty as they strive with greater levels of zeal than non-Guyanese equivalents.

It seems self-defeating to alienate this immense pool of human resources comprising an unfathomable array of skills and knowledge.

By discouraging the Diaspora, Guyana places itself in the position of having to depend more and more on non-Guyanese experts and consultants. This has the pride-eroding effect of making us into supplicants to “developed” countries.

Any attempt to restrict these natural inclinations of the Diaspora in their love of their country and their desire to see it prosper should be perceived as an attack against Guyanese character and consciousness. We need to distance ourselves from the current administration's approach to the Diaspora.

I appeal to all in the Diaspora to not give up on our nation. We need your assistance in developing a prosperous nation free of crime and corruption. We need your help to thrust Guyana into the global stage of the 21 st century.

2006 - The Year of The People's Revolution

Peter R. Ramsaroop, MBA

This year we are faced with what many are calling the most critical decision our nation has ever faced. A return of the PPP/C this year will most likely take us into a dictatorship state and closer to a movement towards the leftist front that has been sweeping across Latin America.

We know regardless of race politics, Guyanese want a free and prosperous society. However, we see indications of the creeping dictatorship all over our land. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent on contracts with little or no results and the President has been doling out multiple millions of dollars as Father Christmas in an attempt to buy the votes for 2006.

Rightfully so, the PPP feels an extreme urgency to frantically appease the forlorn citizens who are coming to terms with the fact that they have just wasted another five years of the nation’s history on another subpar government. However, there is only so much money the PPP can dispense and when the well runs dry, their incompetence will remain.

The brain drain continues to steal our intellectuals away to foreign shores because the local economy is so unfortunate. Meanwhile, our borders remain indifferent to the trickle of foreign investors who may have an interest in our country, thereby rejecting the very ones who could help infuse life into our economy and retain the intellectuals with hopeful jobs.

Moreover, we are fraught with a weak opposition who tabled a 2000 National Development Strategy Plan in Parliament and received an astonishing unanimous vote to accept from the PPP/C. How could a 2000 plan without being looked at in detail be presented to Parliament? What happened in the last six years? Is it really possible for a Parliament to squander and entire term in office?

We all know President Carter said he was extremely disappointed with the PPP/C for not implementing a plan he funded and he does not plan to return to Guyana. Imagine where Guyana could have been if the plan had been implemented in 2000. Though there is no reason to cry over spilt milk now, there is plenty of reason to be on the hunt for some capable leaders.

I truly hope we do not allow these same politicians to govern us for the next five years.

We the people must now step out; the only question that remains is what we want. History has proven that unless the people want change, it will never happened. If we are satisfied with the current collective quality of life and enjoy things just the way they are, then nothing needs to change. However, if we are unsatisfied with our current state after allowing the PPP a good amount of time to improve the nation, then it is time for us to make our move.

We have three choices, we can do nothing; we can attempt to do the same thing with more intensity; or we can do it differently. If we do nothing then we can expect nothing. If we continue to do the same thing, then we can expect the same results. Our clear choice is to seek out a different strategy that will rely on qualified leaders who have the gumption to push our nation into the next phase of progress.

The term revolution may send a chill up the backs of some politicians, but we the people want a better Guyana and we are simply tired of the proroguing excuses. We are tired of being used by the government. We are ready to stand up for what is right for our country.

We are also ready to demand a high standard of decency from our leaders. For those who remember the police going into Buxton and arresting 130 males, do you also remember what NCN aired on the television? They did not show a single arrest, but angry women wanting their kinfolk back. I wonder what message they were trying to send. Answer that question for yourself.

We cannot allow the continued monopoly of radio and state media and we cannot allow our tax dollars to be wasted by corrupt politicians. In short, we simply cannot continue to have an incompetent government. They have forgotten what it is like to live without food and the necessities of life. They have forgotten how difficult it is to grow a business in a country that has little money to spend. They have forgotten the people who put them in office. They have forgotten Guyana.

Let’s stand up for our rights as people; it is our democratic privilege and our responsibility as citizens. We cannot allow Guyana to turn into a dictatorship once again. This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever we grow weary of the existing government, it is our Constitutional right to replace it.

Though we grow weary of our government, we cannot become wearisome in our faith that Guyana does indeed have a future. If we lose heart and falter, then surely our dejected nation will once again plummet into the troughs of tyranny. We cannot lose our will to fight for a better tomorrow, for if we do, we will have sentenced our children to a lifetime of misery and sorrow.

We must protect our republic from every ruse that would subjugate us to one person or one party. We should not give the government a reason to order army troops into our streets, and even more so - Venezuelan Army Troops. Let’s first show we can change our nation by a revolution of our votes. Our hearts are strong and our cause is noble; we can take Guyana back and set it on a course for which we can all be proud.

As we cry out to God for the wisdom and strength to make the right decisions concerning our leaders in 2006, I pray that our hearts burn with the courage we need to stand against those who would try to impose their wills on us. It is the will of the people that will prevail this year – for we know best what our own country needs. Happy New Year.