Guyana democracy becoming stronger -- PPP General Secretary
Guyana Chronicle
December 21, 2006
IN SPITE of the achievements and disappointments, this year has been “most eventful” with the country moving forward in most areas of endeavours, according to General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Mr. Donald Ramotar.
“In the first place the Guyanese people were determined and said no to violence; it was clear that our people wanted peace and their clear indication of this was the most important factor that prevented violence,” Ramotar told an end of year news conference yesterday at the party’s Freedom House, Georgetown headquarters.
Coupled with this was the work of many local and international bodies that played a very important role and created good conditions for a peaceful and transparent elections, he told reporters..
Ramotar also lauded the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for its role in producing good elections.
“I would like to say that a lot of credit must also go to Rudolph Collins, Edward Hopkinson, Doodnauth Singh and the Joe Singh Commissions as well,” he said.
“In many ways we would not have had the results that we got had it not been for the good work done since 1992,” he asserted.
He said the fact that Guyana has had such good elections has helped to create more conducive conditions for political parties and other organisations to work together for the benefit of the people of Guyana.
“We will continue to look for areas to cooperate with other groups, agencies and political parties in our country (and) we strongly believe that discussions and dialogue are the methods that should be used to resolve differences and to promote development,” he posited.
All of this, Ramotar said, points to the fact that Guyana’s democracy is becoming stronger and more mature.
“This is indispensable for social and economic development and for the general improvement in the quality of life in Guyana,” he said.
He also indicated that the security forces have been working hard to curb crimes and to bring criminals to justice.
“Without underestimating the problem, I wish to say that the security forces have made great gains in crime fighting and have effectively reduced the incidence of serious crimes,” Ramotar stated.
He also pointed out that local government elections are most important in renewing local democracy, and said these are necessary in strengthening and consolidating democracy in general.
“We are aware that much work has been done and is being done to improve the local government system (and) we are hoping that all of these can be concluded early so that the necessary legislation could be taken to Parliament and passed,” Ramotar told reporters.
He also expressed optimism that local government elections can be held during next year.