Dear Editor,
It is rather unfortunate that one Mr. Leyland Roopnarine in New York continues to criticise and cast aspersions on the Honourable Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo who has served Guyana extremely well as President for more than twelve years.
Without a doubt, Jagdeo is a superb and very thoughtful leader and a skillful and consumate politician However, Mr. Roopnarine seems to believe otherwise and has disrespected the Vice President. However, Mr. Roopnarine has failed miserably or has ignored completely to take into consideration all the positive things Jagdeo has done for the country and its people that have led to billions of dollars in investment across the country. This is an indisputable fact, and I hope Mr. Roopnarine would cease and desist from his trivial, groundless and childish attacks on the Vice President.
He ought to know that Jagdeo has embarked on several important and successful projects and solid infrastructure developments that have benefited all Guyanese, regardless of race or political party affiliation. One of those projects is Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which Guyana is receiving millions of dollars in annual payments for protecting the country’s huge rain forests. Jagdeo is the first leader in the world to develop such an ambitious and worthy venture which has made Guyana a globally recognised country and the title adorned to him as “Champion of the Earth” by the United Nations. It is one of the most decorated and colorful titles ever bestowed on a leader by the UN.
To enhance economic and infrastructure development in Guyana, Jagdeo implemented several key projects: He successfully launched the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) expansion programme to provide electricity access to residents in the interior regions of the country. He initiated the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project to promote renewable energy to the people of Guyana. And although this was a grand project that would have benefited the people immensely, it was rejected and voted down in Parliament by an anemic, jaded and selfish APNU opposition. If the Amalia Falls Hydro Project had developed, it would have resulted in reduced power outages and lower electrical rates for the citizens. The former Head-of-State had invested heavily to develop the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion for increased tourism and to accommodate larger wide-bodied aircraft. He has also invested in road infrastructure to connect the remote regions of the country with the coastal belt to boost trade. He promoted the establishment of the Guyana Oil and Gas sector for economic growth and has enhanced agricultural initiatives to improve food security and production for exports. Not to mention that Dr. Jagdeo has successfully built the Berbice River Bridge, extended the Rupert Craig four-lane highway on the East Coast of Demerara and to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
Mr. Leyland Roopnarine continues to dwell in the pass. His blistering attacks on Dr. Jagdeo is futile, baseless and cannot be substantiated. It is not only untrue, but Roopnarine is completely blind and backward not to see, hear or recognise the invaluable, cherished and long-lasting achievements in infrastructure and economic development by Jagdeo who has served Guyana with pride, dignity and courage. Let me be clear, Jagdeo has served his country and its citizens well, but Mr. Leyland Roopnarine is on a pathetic, path to rupture, destroyed and disavowed Dr. Jagdeo great achievements to Guyana He should instead praise him for his outstanding service, patriotism and devotion, and most of all his deep love for the country.