The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) says that the government’s heavily touted “One Guyana” motto is a lie when one considers the Opposition’s exclusion from the International Energy Conference and Exhibition scheduled for February 15 to 18.
In a statement issued this afternoon, the PNCR – the largest opposition party – welcomed overseas attendees, while encouraging them to enjoy Guyana but to also be cognizant of the “plight of the people”.
“This opportunity is also taken to inform the visitors that the Ali/Jagdeo Government continues to seek to dominate and control all aspects of life in Guyana. It is in this context their refusal to invite the Parliamentary Opposition to participate in the International Energy Conference and Expo must be taken. The exclusion of the Opposition and key stakeholders exposes the lie that there is ‘One Guyana’, the party noted.
The PNCR leader went on to say directly to Heads of State and Government that the party remains committed to its call for the country’s oil wealth to be used for the benefit of all Guyanese, especially poverty-stricken citizens.
“Even as oil production is about to triple, there continues to be and increasing disconnect between such developments (inclusive of international oil conferences) and the daily reality and experiences of ordinary Guyanese. Budget 2022, the country’s first oil budget, compounded this pervasive sense of despondency among our citizens by its stingy offerings to the poor and its generosity to the well-off and the well-connected,” the party said.
It added that “the county cannot proceed in this manner”, questioning: “If our rich natural resources cannot be used to uplift our people and transform the country urgently and comprehensively, then what will?”
But when the PNC was in power, the wealth (and jobs, etc.) apparently belonged only to blacks