WHY GUYANA’S ECONOMY BEEN IN SHACKLES SINCE COLONIAL TIMES

Written by Ralph Ramkarran
Saturday, 30th October 2021, 9:00 pm

Guyana’s is and has always been a primary producer. During its years of Independence, although there was some economic growth, Guyana was unable to significantly diversify its economy by, firstly, adding value to what it produced and, secondly, advancing the process of industrialisation. Apart from political instability and consequential factors, the absence of an adequate and cheap supply of electricity was the major obstacle inhibiting such development. For a decade and a half beginning in 1957, Guyana saw the construction of a bauxite smelter as a way of triggering and, thereafter, advancing industrial development. Both parties struggled mightily to access foreign aid for projects to increase the supply of electricity. From Tiger Hill to Mazaruni, both failed.

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JUDICIALIZATION OF POLITICS IN GUYANA

Written by Ralph Ramkarran
Saturday, 23rd October 2021, 9:00 pm

The fundamental political problem in Guyana, as has been repeatedly emphasized in these columns and by others over the years, is the struggle for ethno-political dominance. It has long been recognized by most observers, and even by the two main political parties themselves, reflected at one time or another in their policy and manifesto promises. Even though first recognized by the PPP in the 1970s, that party’s electoral dominance over the past twenty-five years has resulted in its abandonment of policies of ‘winner does not take all’ and shared governance after 1992.

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IS ANYONE SAFE?

Written by Ralph Ramkarran
Saturday, 16th October 2021, 9:00 pm

Up to five years ago I would walk regularly to meetings from my office north along Avenue of the Republic, from west of the Supreme Court building, then west into Robb Street, to the then Fogarty’s building in Water Street. On my return, I would walk south along Water Street, then east into Commerce Street, turning south into the Avenue of the Republic. I would be dressed in a long- sleeved shirt, covering my wristwatch, and tie. Along the way, one or two persons would recognize and acknowledge me, sometimes loudly. For ten years between 2001 to 2011 I would regularly walk from my office to Parliament Building. For many decades I would walk to court from Avenue of the Republic, east along Charlotte Street, dressed in court wear, with the robe on one arm and files in the other. Lawyers, similarly attired, can be seen at most times of the day in Croal Street walking to and from the Supreme Court or Magistrates Court buildings. Is it safe to continue doing so?

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THE PANDORA PAPERS

Written by Ralph Ramkarran
Saturday, 9th October 2021, 9:00 pm

In 2013 Offshore Leaks revealed the contents of 2.5 million files. In 20 the Panama Papers showed the contents of 11.5 million files. In 2017 the Paradise Papers opened up for public scrutiny 13.4 million files. Two weeks ago, the Pandora Papers followed up these previous revelations by presenting to the public the contents of 11.9 million files. The data in the files in the most recent Pandora Papers exposures were obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) in Washington DC, USA, comprising 600 journalists in 117 countries who examined files from 14 sources for months.

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THE FIFTH OF OCTOBER

Written by Ralph Ramkarran
Saturday, 2nd October 2021, 9:00 pm

October 5 will mark the 29th anniversary of the return of free and fair elections to Guyana in 1992, and the first attempt since then to restore the dark days of election rigging. The latter event has underlined the importance of the former, and the need to write about it. The argument of equivalence, which is hostile to the realities, should not deter us.

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