With his party’s flag waving to welcome him into the North Pakaraimas, President Donald Ramotar on Saturday opened the North Pakaraimas Expo and used the event explain his reason for proroguing the Parliament.
The two-day event was organised to showcase the culture of the interior region. The President told those gathered for the opening that he was forced to prorogue the Parliament because of the Opposition’s no confidence motion that would have led to national elections.
According to the Government Information Agency, “he spoke of the combined opposition’s constant effort to derail the progress that has been made under the PPP/C administration, as he cited the cuts to the national budget over the past three years, which the high court ruled was unconstitutional, but noted that from the actions of the opposition they seem bent on stymieing development, more so in hinterland communities.” 
GINA said “the residents were reminded of the cuts to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs’ capital budget. He assured the gathering that despite the opposition’s efforts to thwart development, the administration will continue to work towards the advancement of all its citizens.”
Residents of the North Pakaraimas were reminded of “the government’s commitment” to their development.
“When the PPP was in government first in 1950 we introduced the Hinterland Scholarship Programme and since we came back to government in 1992 we started to expand on that, and we have been building schools in the interior”, Ramotar said.
While the government has been trumpeting its efforts to take development to the Amerindian communities, the Opposition parties have lambasted the government for ignoring many of the problems facing many Amerindian communities across Guyana. Many of the communities remain without an electricity supply and many others lack.
In a recent statement, APNU Leader David Granger said “Unlike the PPP, our Party has a record of partnering with the Amerindian communities of Guyana, not dictating to them or pandering to them (with ATV’s, and outboard engines, etc.) at election time. We have always, and will continue to respect and support our Amerindian brothers and sisters.”
23rd November, 2014
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