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By Shundell Persaud |
Q: 5 prisoners escaped prison and are on a crime and killing rampage. People are fearful, both at home and hereWhat is gov't doing about this killing rampage?
A: There have been a number of robberies we believed perpetrated by this group. The president addressed this issue yesterday. This is a new level of crime in Guyana; with people with heavy machine gunsthis is new to us. We will have to raise the level of the Guyanese police force, and the total justice system to beat this. We came up with a 9 point plan, which means more money, an estimate $500M Guyanese dollars ($2.5Million USD) to go to the police force. We will have to take money from other areas, like health, education, roads, drainage and irrigation. We don't want to do this. We will have to spend more money on security.
Q: These prisoners are targeting and killing Indians. Is the killing spree about ethnicity?
A: The president has pointed out criminals come from all places, religions, and regions. They run over whoever are in their way. In time of escape they [5 prisoners] stabbed an Afro prison officer and in the eye; a female Afro prison officer. They drove by Albert town police station and shot, one police officer was killed. Afro Guyanese have been killed too. They kill anyone in their way. They deal with anyone whether Afro or Indian.
Q: Why do these prisoners call themselves freedom fighters? Is there some type of oppression of the Guyanese blacks?
A: That is what he[prisoner on video] is trying to make out. I don't think it's successful. Every Guyanese is in fear of these prisoners. Everyone in Guyana wants this thing brought to an end. Some people want to make out that Afro Guyanese will not win government. That is what he wants to make out, but it is not successful.
Q: Is the current gov't marginalizing blacks? Can you show how they are dealing with blacks to prove this untrue?
A: No, we have not been. We have a programall our program is improving social structure. We have an even hand. The assignment of funds to regional and town councils have been very even handed. We have sought to expend, to deal equitably with all people of all communities, irrespective of ethnic compositions. For example, some of our supporters are complaining that we are ignoring them and paying too much attention to areas that are not our supporters. Most of our supporters of PPP civic are indo-Guyanese, but there is growing support in other groups like the Afro-Guyanese. In Linden and region 10, which is largely Afro-Guyanese we have increased support from 5% to 20% in the past 10 years or 3 elections.
Q: Some are calling for a coalition gov't? Will the current gov't agree to this demand for the peace and betterment of the people? If not, why?
A: One needs to see what a coalition gov't entails and see whether conditions can be successful with a coalition gov't. A similar thing has been a dialogue process between the president and opposition leader, Desmond Hoyt. This dialogue has been suspended, but we hope it will start again. It was suspended because Hoyt claimed enough progress hasn't been made, so he will not attend for the time.
Q: Guyana is under criticism from Amnesty International for extra-judicial killing? What is it doing about this?
A: When the police go after criminals, there have been a number of cases where criminals have been killed. The police have claimed they [the crimminals] were killed for resisting arrest or taking action that was sought to be threatening. We talked about these people running around killing wildly [the 5 prisoners], what do you think a police will do if he runs into one of them?
Q: The tactical service police (black police) are under criticism? Will gov't be getting rid of them?
A: No, we aren't but we are looking to improve their training so they feel more comfortable in controlling the conditions. This is one of the nine points program. One is to improve the equipment of the police. Second part is to set up a police academy so they can be better trained, and to equip them better so they can be more comfortable in controlling situations, so there is less chance they will act in a frantic manner and be more in control.
Q: Guyana has the 2nd highest growing rate of AIDS in Caribbean? How is the gov't dealing with this?
A: This is a topic at the top of our list. There are a number of programs aimed at curtailing this HIV epidemic. The Secretary of Health of the US was recently with Ministers of Health in Guyana to discuss this subject.
Q: Since you aren't PPP and not historically a politician, some say you are not given proper decision making abilities and you are merely a figure head. How do you feel about this?
A: I don't feel this way.
Q: Currently the Bauxite industry, which you have been associated with, is seen in shambles? What is the gov't doing to correct this?
A: The bauxite industry's best days were during the 2nd World War. It has been superseded by new places since then, like Jamaica, Guinea, Australia, Brazil, Venezuela, Chinaand India.
Q: Do you see a resurrection of the industry?
A: We are continuing, pursuit in two routes. One, to find a partner that together will make more economic operation and second, to expand and diversify economic activity, so that bauxite matters less.
Q: What is Guyana gov't doing to capitalize on people of the Guyanese Diaspora's resources?
No time to answer.
Q: Is the gov't reluctant to give people of the Diaspora a fair chance to get involved with the country?
No time to answer.
Q: Will the current gov't be allowing people of the Diaspora a chance to be more involved in Guyanese politics and affairs? After all we do contribute 40% of the GDP.
A: We are very thankful for the help. It is significant. Voting was outlawed a while ago. There may be a way to get more involved, but I can't see it now. A number of parties have overseas delegation at the congress. Political leaders do make attempts to meet with expatriate, overseas Guyanese population.