Indentureship Indian Heritage Month May 05

Guyana’s Opposition Leader gives his vision of governance

Corbin says PNC/R favours executive power sharing

Toronto — All is not well in the Land of Many Waters. This was the message delivered to a gathering of about 200 supporters and well-wishers of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) by its leader Robert Corbin.

The Guyanese Opposition Leader and his delegation addressed the gathering at Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School on Sunday 23rd November where he sought to present his vision as the new leader of the opposition.

Corbin outlined his party’s vision for a new governing system that would “make all Guyanese irrespective of race, class or creed” feel part of the decision making process of Guyana. He revealed to his Canadian audience, his party’s preference for an executive power sharing arrangement to resolve the political stalemate that has his country in gridlock.

Corbin said that this idea was not finding favour with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) whom he said, claims to be already practising inclusive governance.

The Opposition Leader added that power sharing is being promoted by many in Guyana including civil society. Corbin denied accusations that he is seeking to gain power through the back door stating that the PNC could win an election on its own.
The PPP/C's policy position released in February, “'Towards Greater Inclusive Governance in Guyana,” was written in response to the PNC/R’s proposals, and pointed to a number of measures already in place which leaned towards more inclusive governance.

The governing party said it has established a number of bi-partisan committees and has furnished the PNC/R with positions on over 50 state boards and committees. The document also stipulates a strong wish to expand on inclusive governance initiatives in the future.

The audience paid rapt attention as the PNC/R members brought them up to date on the developments in Guyana. The delegation included Jerome Khan M.P, Volda Lawrence M.P. and PNC/R Treasurer, Muntaz Ali.

Muntaz Ali, who is also President of the National umbrella body of Regional Chambers of Commerce, painted a bleak picture of the business environment in Guyana. The well known Rosignol sawmiller pointed out the many bankruptcies and what he termed “unfavourable government polices” towards private investment in Guyana pointing out to the fate of the Investment Code which has languished in Parliament for many years.

Corbin in his feature address greeted the audience but swiftly moved to present a gloomy picture of the economy. He described the situation as appearing “bleak” and lamented the “state of decline” of the economy.

The newly elected leader, who appeared almost conciliatory acknowledged the unfavourable world market conditions facing Guyana’s exports but added that the administration could have done more to prevent the catastrophic decline of the three pillars of the economy, rice, bauxite and sugar.

Acknowledging that the bauxite industry was in a state of decline even during the PNC years he criticized the government for refusing to implement his party’s proposals to rescue the industry. He briefed the audience on the closure of the Bermine, Everton and Kwakwani operations and described the recent acquisition of Linmine by Omai as decimating the work force. Corbin said that Omai has only re-employed some 200 workers and their job security is not guaranteed since Omai is not certain of the industry’s future viability.

Corbin informed the audience of the decline of the rice industry noting that the banks have become the largest holders of real estate. He also noted that insolvencies in the industry are caused by low world market prices now at an all time low. The opposition leader wondered aloud why the PPP has allowed the industry to decline given that rice farmers are a large part of its constituency.
The sugar industry does not face a brighter future either, according to Corbin. He opined that the major expansion of this industry in Skeldon is ill advised given the low world prices and the impending discontinuation of preferential treatment from the EU.

The former Minister under the Burnham regime claimed that if Omai did not find new deposits in a few months, it will close its door in two years. He argued that the positive growth rates over the past few years have been due to gold exports by Omai whose exit will spell trouble for an already weakening economy.

The new opposition leader placed the blame for the deteriorating crime situation on the government. He claimed that the refusal of the administration to reform the police force resulted in the escalated crime situation.

Corbin offered that the excesses of the “black clothes” police have demoralized regular ranks, resulting in the lackadaisical attitude of the latter.

The PNC/R leader claimed that the violent events of the past year and a half started off as a protest against the “black clothes” when Shaka Blair was shot in Buxton. He said that thereafter Buxton residents prevented police from entering the village, and criminal elements took advantage of, and capitalized on the volatile situation there.

Corbin alleged that some groups sought to politicize the crime situation arguing that the crime spree was not racially motivated. He posited that because the majority of business men were Indians, they became targets of the bandits. Corbin claimed that some of the bandits were Indians and even joked that blacks and Indians were working together, albeit in a counter productive manner.

The PNC/R leader concluded that all is not lost, he added that he believes that a bright future lies ahead if there is good governance and political stability. He called on Guyanese to continue providing assistance to those back home and to continue to lobby for positive political change in Guyana.

Corbin arrested