Guyana (Demerara Wave) – President Irfaan Ali on Tuesday- on the occasion of Guyana’s 52nd Republic anniversary- said he was open to constructive criticism but he urged Guyanese not to be distracted by baseless positions that are calculated to foment discontent.
“From the inception, let me be clear, I and my government are supportive of constructive criticism,” he said in his address to mark Guyana’s 52nd Republic anniversary.
Touting once again his ‘One Guyana’ platform, the President said Guyana must have healthy debate, exchange of views and critical examination of policies, programmes, initiatives and plans.
At the same time, he recommended that a balanced fact-based approach be taken in such criticisms. “These discussions must not be based on selfish agenda, biasness, perception, propaganda, and feelings. Instead, they must be firmly rooted in facts and a pragmatic understanding of what is required in this rapidly changing Guyana,” he said in his address to the Flag Raising Ceremony held in the forecourt of Parliament Building.
In clear reference to criticisms by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-led A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) of the proposed gas-to-energy project, Amaila Falls hydropower project and the relocation of the Enmore sugar packaging plant to Albion to make way for an oil-sector related machine shop, the President. ” On the one hand: we want sustainability and cheaper energy and on the other hand: the naysayers throw every obstacle at achieving this. On the one hand: we want a profitable and diversified sugar sector, where our workers are transformed into skilled and semi-skilled functionaries – and on the other hand: the naysayers “gripe” at every attempt at partnership,” he said.
