WPA lashes out at “opportunistic hustlers” with their doom and gloom forecast of Guyana’s oil future

It has described many of those with negative thoughts as "opportunistic hustlers, purveyors and frauds pretending to offer expert views which are repeated in the media and echoed by a supporting cast in sections of middle class civil society".

WPA lashes out at “opportunistic hustlers” with their doom and gloom forecast of Guyana’s oil future

The Working People’s Alliance, which is one of the parties that make up the APNU in the coalition Government, appears wary of the many negative comments and doom and gloom being pushed about Guyana’s oil future.

In a statement, the party said there have been many negative contributors who appear to want disaster to befall Guyana and its development prospects.

It has described many of those with negative thoughts as “opportunistic hustlers, purveyors and frauds pretending to offer expert views which are repeated in the media and echoed by a supporting cast in sections of middle class civil society”.

According to the WPA, the only positive from all the doom and disaster preaching is that it has dampened expectations, “hopefully though not to a point where the people firmly believe there is nothing much in this for them”.

The party believes that there is much in the discoveries and finds for all Guyanese and it feels that the national debate must be guided by the notion that it is easier to manage wealth and abundance than it is to manage poverty and destitution.

“Common-sense tells us it is easier to create jobs, feed, clothe, house ourselves and offer good physical and social infrastructure for all, if you have an abundance of resources compared to when you have too little. We call on all civic organizations to begin discussions on the prospects of the coming oil and gas for empowering the poor and revitalizing village economies”.

The WPA wants the government that it is apart of, not to make final policy and governance arrangements without inputs from widespread discussions.

On the issue of discussions, the party has complained about not being consulted or invited to government discussions and deliberations on the coming oil industry, although it has severalĀ  persons at its disposal who could make a sound input.

It is the party’s senior member, Clive Thomas, who is pushing for a percentage of oil revenues to go as direct cash payments to citizens.

The WPA is in full support of that suggestion and has indicated that it intends to push for the initiative to gain the support of government at the community level.

While Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman has indicated his support for such an initiative, President Granger has indicated that he has seen no formal proposal or the evidential value of such an initiative.

 

 

 

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