PPP moves to have early Local Government Elections
Kaieteur News
April 24, 2007
The People's Progressive Party (PPP) is supporting the holding of Local Government Elections at the earliest possible date. This disclosure was made by the party's General Secretary, Donald Ramotar, at a press conference yesterday.
Ramotar said the party believes it is possible to have such elections before the end of this year, and added that it had written the Guyana Elections Commission on the issue last week, for which they are awaiting a response.
Ramotar indicated that Local Government Elections are badly needed in the country, since the last such were held in August 1994, almost thirteen years ago.
According to the General Secretary, most of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils have collapsed and had to be managed by Interim Management Committees. He added that it is clear that there is need for ‘renewal' in the municipalities, which can come about only with the hosting of Local Government Elections.
Ramotar is of the view that these elections are important since they aid in empowering the people at the grass roots, and also allow them to have a hand in managing the affairs of their communities. He opined that Local Government Elections are important to the entire country since this would be another step in consolidating and strengthening democracy, generally.
The PPP is of the view that Local Government Elections can be held using the lists that were used during the 2006 General and Regional Elections as the base to begin work.
The party is confident that the period of claims and objections would be sufficient to adjust and make changes that would have taken place in September 2006.
Yesterday, Ramotar explained that to wait for a new ‘house to house registration' would be tantamount to postponing the Local Government Elections for one or two years. He further emphasised that this would further compound grave problems that plague Guyana's local democracy.
The General Secretary related that the PPP is confident that with all the stakeholders working together, Guyana can have elections of a high quality. He indicated that early Local Government Elections will most certainly have a positive impact on national politics as a whole, and he urged all concerned to work towards ensuring such elections are held early in 2007.
Sash Sawh's Assassination anniversary
As Guyana reflects, one year after former Agriculture Minister Satyadeow ‘Sash' Sawh was assassinated with two of his siblings and a security guard, Ramotar said the heinous act will remain etched in the hearts of those who loved the Minister.
He said that the terrorists who gunned down the Minister were obviously aiming to spread fear in the country, and the brutal killings were a blow also directed at the PPP.
However, he added, the people were not cowed, since thousands of Guyanese came out to give sympathy to the family and show their solidarity to the party.
Ramotar said the PPP will continue to honour the memory of the Minister by working even harder to build national unity, a stronger economy, and broader social services.
He said the party welcomes the Government's announcement in naming the Aquaculture Hatchery in honour of the deceased Minister.
PPP CONDEMNS RELEASE OF CARRILES
The PPP also joined with many other entities in condemning the release of Luis Posasa Carriles, who was in a U.S. prison on immigration charges.
Carriles is believed to be responsible for the 1976 bombing of the Cubana Airlines off Barbados in which seventy-three persons died, including eleven Guyanese.
The party said the decision by the U.S. to release Carriles on bail brings into question the seriousness and sincerity of that administration's fight against terrorism.
The party called on the U.S. law enforcement agencies to charge Carriles for terrorism and have him tried for the offences.
CRICKET WORLD CUP
On the party's behalf, Ramotar, yesterday, extended congratulations to all responsible for ensuring that the six matches of the Super Eight phase of Cricket World Cup 2007, played here, were resoundingly successful.
The party's General Secretary emphasized that hosting such a prestigious event called for great efforts and organization, which were a testimony to the good work of the organizers and hundreds of volunteers.
The PPP congratulated the organizers, and wished the administration of the stadium the best in their future endeavours, indicating that the success of the event has made Guyana proud. (Alex Wayne)