BluePrint

• Creating National Pride, and a Sense of Duty – Patriotism

• Empowering our Youth – Education Reform

• Taking the Side of Innovation – Technology Initiatives

• Modernising our Infrastructure

• Reviving our Economy

• Protecting our Citizens – Law Enforcement and Justice Reform

• Modernising our Health-Care System

• Eradicating Poverty

• Renewing the Dream – Universal Housing

• Building Conservation Partnerships – Protecting and Defending our Environment

• Reforming our Government

In this Section:

A.   Inclusive Governance

B.   Transparent and Responsive Governance

C. Free Enterprise Economy

D. State as a Facilitator or Progress

E. Ethnic Impact Statement

F. Guyaneseness: Patriotism, National Pride and a Sense of Duty

G.   Belief in the Supreme Being

A.   Inclusive Governance

The plural nature of modern societies in general, and our Guyanese one in particular,      ensure that there will be diverse interests amongst the people. Diversity will be reflected in the institutions which the People choose to represent them in political arena accordingly the logical approach to governance must be inclusive.

To proceed otherwise would cause the legitimacy of governments and other institutions to be challenged by large sections of the community.

This inclusiveness, therefore, is not limited to the form of government (which would lead to the politics of consensus and coalition building) but should encompass all processes of governance.

B.  Transparent and Responsive Governance

The Authoritarian form of governance inherited from the colonial era has been perpetuated by all succeeding governments. This form of governance locks out the citizenry from the workings of the State and inevitably leads to high handedness, inefficiency and corruption.

A “Freedom of Information Act” must be enacted allowing for all workings of governance to be subjected to scrutiny be the representatives of the People.

In accordance with the stipulations of Article 13, the Parliamentary Sectoral Committees must be allowed to receive petitions directly from the public to assist in ensuring that the Government is responsive to the concerns of the People.

Chapter 11: Article 13

The principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an exclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens and their organisations in the management and decision- making processes of the State with particular emphasis on those decisions that directly affect their well – being.

C. FREE-ENTERPRISE ECONOMY

A free-enterprise economy does not mean a nineteenth-century, robber-baron, capitalist economy as some fear. It simply means that the primary driving force for economic activity will be incentives in the form of private ownership and accumulation. The major coordinator will be the market forces which will provide the necessary discipline for our products to compete in the modern world.

The State will have a role not only in the regulatory arena but also as a generator of economic activity (privately owned) when the private sector is not making full use of economic opportunities (market failure).

The model proposed is along Japanese and Far Eastern lines rather that the total reliance on markets as implied by the Washington Consensus guidelines (market fundamentalism).

The social capital generated through our village movement that created so much economic activity in the beginning has unfortunately been sidelined. We have to re-invoke and nurture the spirit of cooperation that is still surviving to generate economic activity at the village level.

Chapter II: Article 14

The goal of economic development includes the objective of promoting and encouraging an economic system capable of achieving and maintaining sustainable competitive advantage in the context of a global competitive environment, by fostering entrepreneurship, individual and group initiative and creativity, and strategic alliances with domestic and global business partners in the private sector.

D.  STATE AS A FACILITATOR OF PROGRESS

As mentioned in the section on “Free Enterprise Economy”, the state has a role in facilitating economic activity as well as facilitating distributive and all forms of justice.  Policies such as Affirmative Action can be utilised to enable disadvantaged groups to develop themselves.

E. Ethnic Impact Statement

In an ethnically divided society the operations of the State must be seen to be fair to all groups. A special unit with the specific mandate for vetting any proposed Legislative or Administrative Regulation should be established within the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC). The Constitution already provides for the ERC to deal with this requirement:

By Article 212 D (j)

One function of the ERC is to, “monitor and review all legislation and all administrative acts or         omissions relating to or having implications for ethnic relations and equal opportunities.”

Chapter ll: Article 15

The goal of economic development includes the objective of laying the material basis for the greatest possible satisfaction of the people’s growing material cultural and intellectual requirements, as well as the dynamically stable development of their personality, creativity, entrepreneurial skills and cooperative relations in a plural society.

In this regard it is proposed that an “Ethnic Impact Statement “be submitted for consideration be the aforementioned unit.

The State shall intervene to mitigate any deleterious effects of competition on individuals or groups of individuals. 

F. GUYANESENESS: PATRIOTISM, NATIONAL PRIDE AND A SENSE OF DUTY

One of the main impediments in the path of our development has been the absence of a strong, overarching sense of “National Identity” that would facilitate the cooperative spirit necessary for achieving the success we all want for our country in the community of nations.

There has been an unfortunate confusion between “ethnic nation” (centred on the various strands of cultural heritages) and “civic nation” (centred on values that ideologically defines our Guyanese nationality). It is now accepted that they do not have to be one and the same.

We can (and must) foster and encourage values that make us “Guyanese”: love for country, sacrifice for Guyana, respect for our national symbols, respect for the cultures and religious persuasions of our six races, camaraderie, hospitality, cricket, and equality amongst our People .

These values must be nurtured in the homes and taught in the schools.

Chapter II: Article 7

It is the duty of every citizen of Guyana wherever he may be and of every person in Guyana to respect the National Flag, the Coat-of-Arms, the National Anthe, the National Pledge and the Constitution of Guyana and to treat then with due and proper solemnity on all occasions.

Chapter II: Article 33

It is the duty of every citizen to defend the State.

G. BELIEF IN A SUPREME BEING

Guyana is a very religious society and our Constitution reflects this orientation by invoking the protection of God at the end of its preamble.

The fact that our State is “secular” does not mean the absence of God’s guidance in our deliberations, but merely the State’s equidistance from, and impartiality towards, the several religions of our people.

With respect to our political and social life, the centrality of a Supreme Being - by definition in all the religions meaning the only Perfect Being – implies the limited nature of man’s powers and knowledge.

PREAMBLE: MAY GOD PROTECT OUR PEOPLE

Executive Summary

In this section:

1. The political landscape.
2. The mechanism (Party / Movement) that would tackle these challenges.
3. The campaign to bring this entity to power.
4. The outline of how the challenges would be tackled after power is won.

(A) The Political Landscape - (The Economic and Social Ramifications)

In the philosophy of past and current political institutions and forms of government in Guyana has been and continues to be fundamentally flawed. This philosophy has been premised on the colonial legacy of ethnic politics (Guyana’s population of about three quarters of a million comprises 43.5 % East Indians, 30.2% Africans with mixed races, Amerindians and others making up the rest. The East Indians predominantly support the Ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) while Africans give major support to the opposition People’s National Congress(PNC) and its post-colonial spawn, party paramountcy, (characterised by “jobs for the boys” and the preponderance of the Party over the state). This situation has led to the following consequences:

• A Criminalised State: A situation explained aptly by leading Guyanese and Caribbean economist Dr. Clive Thomas, in which there is a hand in glove relationship between the political elite and the rajahs of the crime underworld.
• A Climate of Fear induced by both the political directorate, which often seems to be beyond the pale of the law, and the criminals who operate with disdain for the law, resulting in Guyana having one of the highest rate of homicides per capita and one of the highest rate of unsolved crimes per capita.

According to the US State Department, “serious crime including murder and home invasion continue to be a major problem. The murder rate in Guyana is three times higher than the murder rate in the United States. In early 2008, an attack in the Georgetown suburb of Lusignan and in the Essequibo River town in of Bartica by heavily armed gangs resulted in the deaths of more than 20 persons, mostly innocent Guyanese civilians, An investigation into these attacks is continuing, but most of the perpetrators are still at large, In addition, there have been several instances of random shootings at the Police Headquarters and at police stations in Georgetown.”

• A Moribund Economy: Guyana is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Its state dominated economy, dependent mainly an agriculture and mining, has been stagnant for many years. In fact, according to the Heritage Foundation’s Index of Economic Freedom, the average economic growth over the past five years has been only about 1 percent.

Additionally, significant restrictions on foreign investment have been addressed only marginally, and these restrictions, combined with an inefficient bureaucracy, limit substantially investment and business freedom. The former ranked at 40% on the Index of Economic Freedom.  Foreign direct investment also is 9.8% of GDP. Meanwhile the biggest barrier to development is Guyana’s oversized government with expenditures exceeding half of GDP.

• Endemic corruption bribery, nepotism and fraud: Guyana ranks 126^th out of 179 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index for 2007, with a CPI of 2.6. There is extensive corruption at every level of law enforcement and government. Widespread corruption undermines poverty–reduction efforts by international aid donors and discourages potential foreign investors. Corruption also goes hand in hand with lack of transparency at all levels of society and is accompanied by pervasive lack of all accountability.
• Decaying and/or deformed infrastructure which has resulted to chronic lack of maintenance as well as lack of resources to upgrade and modernise. The consequence for these shortfalls is regular flooding which becomes widespread during the two rainy seasons; potholes; dirt roads; daily power outages; in adequate garbage removal system in the city and one that is non existent outside of the urban areas; potable water for the entire country.

• A Patriarchic Society in which women and children are disadvantaged compared to men. According to a recent UNICEF Survey, “Thirty – seven out of every 1,000 children die before they reach the age of one and 47 out of every 1,000 die before they get to be five years old. One in every five children lives in a single parented household – usually with his /her mother.”  

Additionally malnutrition is significant, as is child employment - children work in agriculture, domestic service, sawmills, street vending, and textile factories. The number         of street children, who are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, is also increasing, as is    overall abuse against children (corporal punishment is the norm both at home and    school)- including instances of rape.

Rape also is an increasing problem afflicting women in our society, as is domestic abuse—again it the old adage of power in play. A UNICEF Survey reported that, “one in every five women amounting to 18 percent, believed that a husband or partner was justified in beating his wife or partner”, a perception that is due as much to learned helplessness as it is to the socialization process, under which law enforcement perceives spousal abuse is a private matter between husband and wife.

Furthermore, women are paid lower wages and salaries, and therefore face greater difficulties in accessing credit and ownership of property. There are a handful of women who hold positions with decision – making authority in both the public and private sectors.  As a result they have little influence over policies on salaries, credit or on other avenues of economic empowerment. Gender stereotyping in the home, gender bias in education and gender segmentation in the labour market combine to keep the majority of women at the base of the economy.

• Micro-management at the political executive level is underpinned by politicization of the public sector and political manipulation in other sectors as confirmed in a report by the World Bank which stated that 41 percent of public sector employees are concerned about political micro - management and political interference. This degree of micro – management stalls decision below the executive level which results in a climate of ‘foot dragging and buck passing’.

• Emigration: Guyana’s population is estimated at 739,000 while its migrant population is estimated to vary between 500,000 and 1,000,000. A 1992 report showed that at least 20,000 people were leaving the country annually for North America and the United Kingdom. Population growth for 2005 to 2015 is estimated to be negative 0.3% with migration being a contributory factor. The massive migration of tertiary educated Guyanese, estimated at 85 percent, has resulted in a massive brain drain.

• Cost of Living vs Standard of Living: There is a huge gap between cost and standard of living for the majority of citizens which has resulted in a significant percentage of the population existing at or below the poverty line. Our per capita income is US$ 1,111 which has placed Guyana at 97^th on the Human Development index with an HDI value of 0.750 and 33^rd among 108 developing nations on the Human Poverty Index with an HPI  - 1 value of 14.0.

• Unemployment: In 2000 unemployment was tagged at 9.1%. Underemployment is even greater, especially given that the sugar industry, the largest employer in the nation, offers only seasonal employment.  The combined effects of unemployment and underemployment are lessened because of the ‘barrel syndrome’ with almost 25% of Guyana’s GDP comprising remittances from Guyanese abroad with a significant segment of the population wholly living off such assistance.

• An inadequate and inefficient Social Service Sector: Health expenditure per capita is placed at US$ 329.00. According to a US State Department Report, “Emergency care and hospitalization for major medical illnesses or surgery are limited, due to a lack of appropriately trained specialists, below standard hospital and after patient care and poor sanitation. Ambulance service is limited to transportation without medical personnel and rarely available for emergencies.”

The World Health Organisation estimated that 1.6% of the general population is infected             with the HIV Virus, which places Guyana among the highest prevalence rates in Latin America and the Caribbean.

• Guyana’s Educational System is on the decline and it is one of the weakest in the Caribbean today. Public expenditure on education is 8.5% of the GDP. Learning levels in schools are at an all time low; a large proportion of teachers are unqualified and untrained and absenteeism on the part of both teachers and students is rife. It is estimated that there is a 21 % absolute illiteracy and overall functional illiterate rate that is just over 50 % in Guyana.

An Illiberal Democracy as defined by Fareed Zakaria, is ‘one in which most of the indicators of democracy are absent or suppressed’. This conclusion has been drawn by a number of analysts and commentators, including political scientist, Freddie Kissoon.

(B) Overcoming the Challenges

• 1. The VG plans to overcome the aforementioned challenges through the fostering of a political culture that will:

(i) build and protect a free, fair and open society where fundamental values of liberty, equality and community are balanced and where no person shall be enslaved by poverty or ignorance.

(ii) defend the right of freedom of speech, worship, association and the electorate, as well as other basic rights enshrined in Guyana’s Constitution and internationally adhered covenants.

(iii) reject all forms of prejudice and discrimination based on race, colour, gender, religion, age, disability or any other indicator.

(iv) oppose all forms of corruption, entrenched privilege and inequality.

b. The Political Organization of the VG

VG is a coalition of political, business and civil society leaders imbued with high            moral values and focused on tackling the economic, social, and political concerns confronting Guyana. We believe that it is not sufficient to speak of Change and Unity, but      to act on them by harnessing the natural resources of Guyana, the knowledge and expertise of its people, including those in the Diaspora, and the goodwill of the international community. And we are in the process of establishing structures and mechanisms that would bring about this much needed change and foster unity in diversity.

c. Proposed Planning Composition of the VG:

(i)            Political Consultants to focus on needs assessment, fund raising and strategizing.

(ii)          Technical consultants (law, business, development) to help develop policies and do case studies for extrapolation of whatever may be deemed useful to the task at hand.

(iii)         Overseas based individuals and organizations expected to be 33% or more of actual membership to help with expertise, logistics, fund raising, volunteerism and skills and resource provision.

(iv)         Shadow Cabinet to be formed in 2010.  The first national budget will be presented to the nation in 2010.

.           d. Stakeholders will include:

1. a. Social and Non Governmental Organizations.
2. b. Political parties/individuals who were defeated at previous elections.
3. c. The Private Sector Commission and other business groupings.
4. d. The Trade Union Council and individual trade unions.
5. e. Selected church leaders.
6. f. Women Groups.
7. g. Youth Organizations.
8. h. Community Groups.
9. i. Sports and cultural organizations.
10. j. Professional organizations.

Stakeholders’ consultation will start by second quarter in 2009 and will be ongoing.

e. The Advisory Board:

• Will be led by a leading Non Resident Guyanese (NRG) and made up of individuals who can be influential in raising money, accessing resources and providing expertise assistance.
• Commitments/support from interested persons for participation on the advisory board have been received and the selection process is expected to be completed before end of the year.
• NRG support groups will be set up in all the major centres of Guyanese habitation, especially in the Caribbean, North America and the United Kingdom.

(C) The Political Campaign

The campaign to win political leadership will be waged over an eighteen month period namely 2010 to 2011. It will be based on the utilization of professionals wherever the need exists, availability of funds for maximal and effective implementation. It will take the form of a multi-dimensional, multi-sensory, intergeneration campaign across all boundaries - ethnic, gender, age, education, social strata, defining interests and employment - within every niche. It would also be integrated both horizontally and vertically so as to maximize impact and cost effectiveness, and would be aimed at having a psycho-social impact that can break down barriers, alter perceptions and redefine political cognition – in short an all out effort to win the battle for the minds and consequently the votes of the electorate

(D) The campaign will take the form of:

• Media Blitz - advertising, flyering, postering, press conferences, interviews, press releases, interactive website, webnairs, web streaming, video webcasts, infomercials, advertorials, billboards, letter writing, blogging.
• Community projects – such as investing in young farmers and developing key non-traditional agriculture products; continuing the Vision Guyana New Born fund program; continued focus on single mothers and their integration back into the work force; continued investment in sports and development of leadership skills for youth from depressed villages.
• Canvassing - neighbourhood walks, town hall sessions, voter registration drives, house-to-house visits.
• Building a primary organization for each voting district focusing on campaign management, dialogue with local communities and identification of local cadres and volunteers.
• A War Room tracking opposition activities, misinformation and criticisms and responding appropriately in a timely manner. It will also engage in countering misperceptions, illogic, half-truths and other forms of propaganda.
• Co-opting the Karl Rove playbook to identify and appeal to common interest groups, – Indian mothers, Afro-Guyanese professionals et al -  focusing on issues critical to their welfare, including public order & economic opportunities.
• Presenting the inter-racial approach as a core value in the future of Guyana. This value would underpin every aspect of the campaign, imbue all activists and envelope all activities.
• Regular surveys to determine voters’ concerns and their expectations in order to help shape campaign strategies, tactics and approaches.
• Concerted outreach by political leaders and advisory team to business entities, trade unions, social organizations, sports entities, women and youth organizations. The outreach would serve a twofold purpose - inform about the VG and solicit feedback that would impact on planning and implementation as well as foster team building and networking.
• Distribution of promotional items - buttons, pens, pencils, balloons, handbags and teacups on appropriate occasions such as children’s events (e.g. the National Schools Athletic Championships); women’s events (e.g. those organized by Mothers in Black); business events (e.g. annual conferences of the Guyana Manufacturing Association and the various chambers of commerce); youth events (e.g. cricket matches organized by the Guyana Cricket Board and its various sub associations.)
• Selective sponsorship/part sponsorship at events such as horse racing meets; the Bartica Regatta; the Rupununi Rodeo; GMRC meets; cultural events (Guyana Music Awards, chutney competitions, calypso contest, dance events); fashion events (the major fashion show); tourism events (annual tourism gala); youth, women’s and trade union activities (annual trade union conference) and social, community based, non-profit events.
• Organizing/participating in social and cultural observances such as cook outs, picnics, receptions; Mashramani, Kartic Snaan, Phagwah, or Easter; wherever Guyanese would gather in large numbers outdoors (No. 64 and Adventure Beaches), the Big Lime etc.
• Organizing various contests/competitions: debates (inter school or youth groups), kite flying contest (for Easter in all three counties or every region, whichever is feasible), essay and poetry (maybe on topics related to solutions to Guyana’s problems and types of leaderships envisioned), song writing, art, oratory, DJ, dance, etc., perhaps even something for Christmas, Diwali, Phagwah, Eid.
• Organizing seminars, workshops, lectures, information sessions for targeted populations – business persons and executives, women, youth, trade unionists, teachers etc.
• Countrywide distribution of stickers/labels - bumper stickers, decorative stickers/labels, utility stickers/labels, stickers/labels that allow for identification (self, business whatever).
• Pragmatic giveaways - food and clothing to the needy (Dharam Shala, Sadr Boys Orphanage, victims of fire; medical assistance to victims of accidents et al); back to school supplies to children; varied assistance to Amerindian and depressed communities; relevant assistance to sports clubs, places of worship etc.
• Distribution of informational pamphlets outlining various aspects of the plan - health, education, security, foreign affairs, investment, economic development, local government etc.
• A periodic newsletter targeting critical entities - business organizations, trade unions etc.
• A direct mailing campaign targeting other organizations as well as selected individuals.
• Public and whistle-stop meetings that seek to reach into every community.
• Increase visibility of leaders by attendance and participation at selected events and occasions, especially on the social circuit.
• Presidential candidate itinerary aimed at addressing critical stakeholders - trade unions, business entities, religious organizations, professional groups, youth and women’s groups, social and cultural organizations and the media.

(D:1) Outcomes will include:

• Breaking the racial lock of both sides – PNC (Afro) and PPP (Indo) - and bringing in other ethnic groups, especially the Amerindian and mixed race groups, into the political dynamic.
• Building a new coalition of inter-racial interests premised on economic issues & civil society.
• Being perceived and accepted as intrinsically inter-racial and representative of all stakeholders and all interests.
• Converting substantial amounts of individuals across the ethnic range into supporters and volunteers of VG.
• Building independent support and cadre bases.
• Building a brand that inspires loyalty & enthusiasm at every level and that is conceivable to the average voter.
• Transforming voter apathy and cynicism into support and activism.
• Reaching into every home with a consistent message on an ongoing basis.
• Winning the 2011 election by a majority of votes.

(D: 2) The Political Path

Once power is won the difficult task of nation building would start. Governance would embrace a set of core values and a contract with Guyana, as follows:

Core Values

• Inclusive, Transparent, Accountability and Responsive Governance: Conduct monthly focus groups with individual communities. Act on people’s needs. Set timelines for all improvements. Solicit community involvement. Place highly accountable and qualified individuals in Government.
• Free Enterprise Market Economy: Participation and cooperation as the principles that are applied in the competitive environment for industry and commerce whereby the state allows the market to operate freely and intervenes only when necessary. Downsizing government and bureaucracies to encourage and promote entrepreneurship and private sector growth.  Establish venture funds to encourage new ventures.
• State as a Facilitator for Progress: Implement programs to significantly alleviate poverty.  This will require investment in basic services but more importantly massive investment in developing a path of self-restoration and release from social welfare- with well-designed incentive packages.
• Commit to promoting a flourishing system of democratic government in which decisions are taken and services are delivered at the central, regional, community and village levels, as is necessary. Strengthen local government to allow full participation.
• Unity through Diversity: Strive to resist acting on the basis of race and to conduct ourselves, at all times, as Guyanese. Develop a blue print for operating in a multi-ethnic society.

(D: 3) Contract with Guyana

• Protecting citizens by providing safe communities: Increase Police Force intake and institute tougher penalties for theft, drugs and other pervasive crimes. Increase the wage earnings of citizens to be more in line with cost of living.

Establish neighbourhood watch groups and awareness programs in all aspects of          society. Enforce a zero tolerance approach to crime.

• Reviving the Economy through job creation: Create approximately 100,000 jobs over a 5-year period at the village level.

Develop food-processing plants; expand exportation of livestock, fruits and other            home-      grown crops; implement global contracts for farm products; create top five non-    traditional products with peppers on top of the list; ensure land for youth program is     initiated.

• Move the economy beyond the narrow confines of primary industries such as sugar, rice, and minerals.

Develop new markets in electronic commerce (e-commerce) and production of raw         materials. Implement full use of advanced technologies in all aspects of economic          activity.

• Modernization with Balanced Development: Enhance development of power and light and sustainable environmental practices. Establish a new public housing program. Build and develop recreational facilities: parks, golf courses, lakes, marinas for boating and other water sports, amusement parks, beaches.
• Address problems of transportation: bridges, roads, airports, aerodromes, harbours, landings, traffic congestion, vehicle and overall safety. Develop a modern international airport that will serve as a hub to the Caribbean and South America.  Complete the road to Brazil and establish a deepwater harbour. Make transportation easily accessible for farmers and manufacturers to transport their produce and goods.  Establish a transport rail system between major cities and ports.
• Radically improve technological infrastructure. Significantly expand wireless capabilities throughout Guyana. And always measure implementation and enforce strict accountability for projects.
• Fostering a healthy culture: Quality education and modern healthcare: Build healthier communities through disease management and awareness programs. Promote and encourage prevention through healthy lifestyles.

Develop a national uniform inspection system to ensure a safe food and water supply. Invest in continuing education for health professionals.

Provide a quality healthcare system for all Guyanese: new and improved medical       facilities,state of the art equipment and procedures made accessible, a      national/international network of           medical professionals and experts for consultation.

• Foster moral and value driven education. Make training, salaries, support and retention of teachers a priority. Double funding for schools and provide facilities to bring them into the modern era. Address the dropout crisis and implement a plan which will ensure that no child falls through the cracks of the education system. Work to eliminate illiteracy and functional illiteracy. Establish independent institutions of higher learning. Examine public policy of developed nations for further ideas on how to accomplish this
• Providing Strong and Bold Leadership: Present a different kind of leadership – one that is hopeful, optimistic and qualified - which will set a different tone. This leadership will immediately appoint a special independent prosecutor to investigate cases of corruption; enforce strict accountability measures to prevent fraud and corruption and institute the toughest of penalties for offenders. This leadership will also be transparent, embrace innovation, operate on the basis of cost effectiveness and always be in touch with all segments of the population.

• To restore the authority of the National Assembly, and the independence, integrity and confidence in existing State and Government Institutions.

• To acknowledge, embrace and celebrate our ethnic diversity.

• To confront organized crime and readdress the breakdown of law & order.  To protect our citizens by providing safe communities.

• To reconfigure and strengthen regional administrative processes and institutions.

• To enhance and guarantee people’s participation from community to parliament, for socio-economic advancement and equitable socio-economic benefit sharing.

• To make substantial investments in education.

• To restore national pride and dignity to the people of Guyana, and the international respectability of the State.

Conclusion

The ruling PPP has long squandered the massive goodwill of 1992 and has subsequently taken the Guyanese nation on a plunge from hope to despair. The mounting social and economic problems and erosion of basic freedoms and rights have led to a great deal of disenchantment with the ruling Party. The Party is also embroiled in an internal conflict between the Marxist old guard and the young turks led by President Bharrat Jagdeo. And with Jagdeo being ineligible for the 2011 elections, no one stands in the public eye as a clear, popular or viable successor.

By eschewing ethnic politics, by embracing transparency and accountability, by being committed to closing the gap between cost and standard of living, by vowing to eliminate fear and make all citizens feel safe and secure and by offering up a government of inclusiveness, VG is in great position to mount a successful campaign to win political power in the 2011 Elections. Indeed, we strongly believe that the time is right for the advent of a new kind of politics in Guyana, one in which the generational change, with 18-35 year olds comprising the largest segment of the population, is bound to impact significantly on the 2011 Elections. This generation is far removed from the politics of old and is most likely to support a new kind of politics, the politics of VG.

In effect, for the first time in its electoral history, Guyana is poised to offer an election that will see ethnic loyalty being shunted aside and as the movement that offers the morally strongest slate of candidates and the most pragmatic set of policies to take the Nation out of the current morass. The VG can finally break the PPP stranglehold on Guyana’s politics and put Guyana back on course to economic well being and social health.