President to hold business summit - sees need for modern methods of management Stabroek News August 23, 1999 A presidential commission on science, a retreat with the business community and a comprehensive youth development programme were among initiatives unveiled last night by President Bharrat Jagdeo in a speech to the nation. In his maiden address to the nation, President Jagdeo said that the country needed to work towards a youth development programme. "In the coming weeks, I hope to meet representative organisations of young people to discuss these issues. But more than this we need to adopt new approaches and attitudes towards young people", he said. The 35-year-old President vowed to give young people a chance to settle on their own priorities and threw out a challenge to the youth arms of the major political parties - the PYO for the ruling PPP/Civic and the GYSM for the PNC - to construct a National Volunteer Corps. Pointing out that jobs for the people has been the one recurrent topic wherever he went in the country, the President conceded that students are graduating and there are limited prospects for higher education and jobs. "This will be another priority of my administration. Investment is key for job creation. Within a month I will organise a special retreat with the business community to consult with them on some of my proposals to address this issue", Mr Jagdeo revealed. He also pledged consultation with the labour movement on this front and added that strong foreign policy initiatives will be applied to accumulate trade and economic benefits for Guyana. Arguing that education is a catalyst for change, the President posited that revolutionary ways need to be explored for improving its delivery. The country's telecommunication problems have to be solved quickly, he said, in view of the importance of information technology to development. The introduction of science and technology must not be in a piecemeal manner but must pervade the entire society. In this respect, he announced that he had decided to set up a Presidential Commission on Science and Technology in discussion with his adviser in this area, Navin Chandarpal. He disclosed that he had also broached this issue with Guyanese expert, Dr Neville Trotz who has indicated a willingness to serve on the body. The President said he also had dialogue with Professor Bishnodat Persaud and others to work to bring together Guyanese scientists and academics in a think-tank to articulate national development strategies. On pressing concerns to the nation, President Jagdeo - who is still performing functions as Finance Minister - said the eruptions of violent and senseless crimes remain a key concern of the administration. "As Head of State, I intend to send a clear message that crime does not pay: criminals will face the full force and effect of the law", Mr Jagdeo warned. Homing in on the recent flooding that has ravaged communities on the East Coast of Demerara, the President said he has ordered that immediate remedial steps be taken to ameliorate the hardships and for preventative measures to be taken. Mr Jagdeo - who succeeded Mrs Janet Jagan as President when she stepped down for health reasons earlier this month - said that since taking over the reins of government he has spoken to his Cabinet colleagues on new approaches in the execution of their work particularly in reaching out to people to achieve greater trust and accountability. "As a start, we will from time to time, hold Cabinet meetings in different parts of the country which will be followed by many meet-the-people activities", he pledged. Contending that a hallmark of his government is inclusivity, he noted that he had invited PNC Leader Desmond Hoyte to meet with him and had already spoken to Manzoor Nadir of The United Force and Dr Rupert Roopnaraine of the Working People's Alliance. Deepening parliamentary norms and the relationship between the government and the opposition were among topics discussed. "I intend to pursue an open government where policies and programmes will address issues. There will be no room for prejudices based on ethnicity or gender", the President added. From his public interaction, he said he had discerned feelings of insecurity in some sections and he said these will be tackled through mechanisms to be outlined shortly. He cited the road to Brazil, the bridge across the Berbice River, the East Canje Reservoir Scheme, the MMA Scheme Phase II, new wharf facilities, a deep water harbour and the opening up of new lands as priority projects for his administration which has about 16 months left. Private sector funding for some of these will be explored. Even more urgent, he said, construction of farm-to-market roads, public roads, drainage and irrigation canals, schools, health facilities and water systems will be ratcheted up. More housing schemes are also to be created. Mr Jagdeo acknowledged that there is need for more rational and efficient collection of revenues and the application of government funds. "We have to adopt new and modern methods of management. There is need for modernisation in practically every field of endeavour. Red tape and administrative slothfulness must be removed. Interactions between the government and the population must be businesslike, friendly and caring", he forwarded. Arguing that the PPP/Civic government could not achieve everything on its own, Mr Jagdeo pleaded "we cannot waste opportunities for forging togetherness. On my part, I intend to ensure that there would be progressive development of our country. From Charity to Rupununi, Albouystown to Port Mourant, to every place in Guyana, there would be fair and equal benefits. This is the faith I intend to keep with you", the President pledged. Observers have noted that one crucial area the President did not address was the filling of the portfolios of trade and finance. A © page from: Guyana: Land of Six Peoples