Articles, letters and other publications by Christopher Ram
Discussion with Dr. David Hinds and Dr. Norman Ng-A-Qui on the State of Black African Guyanese.
Opening Commentary on Democracy and the National Assembly, and the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project.
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Introduction
It is a measure of the public’s concern about it that news stories on the Amaila Hydroelectric Project overshadowed the goings on in the National Assembly. A consequence of the parliamentary contretemps is that the four Local Government Bills which, according to at least two of the parliamentary parties, would facilitate local government elections have been shelved. While it would be desirable for those Bills to be passed, I do not think there is any excuse for there to be no local government elections for another full year (2013). Let us use the existing legislation and give to citizens their constitutional right to choose their representatives in such elections. I am hoping that on the next occasion on which the Minister of Local Government brings a Local Government (Elections) (Amendment) Bill that one of the very attorneys in the National Assembly or indeed a citizen of Guyana will challenge the Bill for unconstitutionality. We cannot call this country a democracy and yet violate the Constitution with impunity. I believe however that measured by the yardstick of urgency and media coverage, the developments this week on Amaila take priority.
Continue reading “Plainly Speaking – Let us give Sithe the BOOT”
Press Conference with Ramon Gaskin on the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project
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Ryhann Shah, a Guyanese writer, discusses Weaving Water, her third novel which was released on 20 May 2013 by Cutting Edge Press, London, UK.
Opening commentary on the “Funeral of Amaila”
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Plainly Business continues my writing on accounting, finance and economic issues previously appearing as Business Page in the Sunday Stabroek. Readers’ comments and discussions are welcome.
Introduction
President Donald Ramotar’s description of the rejection by the parliamentary opposition of a bill and motion dealing with the Amaila Falls Hydroelectricity Project as an act of terrorism is serious stuff indeed. It makes the earlier statement by Prime Minister Sam Hinds about the vote being the funeral of the project seem modest if not jocular by comparison. President Ramotar’s anger is understandable. His exaggerated description of the rejection and his incredible claim that Amaila will save us G$40 billion per year are not. The matters have to be placed in the context of the events in the National Assembly that evening but which are not entirely appropriate to this column.
President Ramotar’s administration inherited and pursued the prestige projects conceived by former President Jagdeo with evangelical enthusiasm. Jagdeo conjured up the Kingston Casino and Hotel Project and everyone followed him. He dreamt about the Airport Runway Extension and Expansion Project and no one questioned or cautioned him, about need, concept or cost. Someone must have told him about health tourism and he decided on a specialty hospital – no explanations sought or offered. But Amaila stands out as the big project; one that Jagdeo might still hope will cause the name Jagdeo to live in perpetuity, not for Pradoville 2 but for vision, not for corruption but for grandeur. Nothing is wrong with having vision and even grandeur, if they take into account that schools are failing and medical services are still Third World-ish.
Continue reading “Amaila Falls Hydroelectricity Project, terrorism and funeral”