A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) yesterday told residents of the island of Wakenaam about its inclusive governance policy, despite the location being a majority supporter of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
With over 2,000 eligible voters on the former Dutch island, Vice-Presidential candidate Ganesh Mahipaul, in an address to residents, claimed that it was under the APNU+AFC government that the island first received certain state services. He said that despite some 1,600 votes going to the PPP/C in 2015, the then government did not neglect Wakenaam.
He further claimed that Wakenaam — from Sans Souci to Belle Plaine — experienced asphalted and cement roads under the APNU government. Additionally, he said it was the last government, during their control of the 2011 Parliament, that ensured electricity was provided to the island for longer periods. He also highlighted improvements to the Essequibo Islands Secondary School, the Belle Plaine Nursery, government complexes, and security measures added to these facilities.
“Comrades I say these things to tell you that we didn’t win you, but we never neglected you…” Mahipaul said, adding that “When we came to power 99 per cent of the votes that we received came from Mariah Johanna and Noitgedacht area but we didn’t just give them development, we did not exclude this entire island.”
Mahipaul insisted that his party never judged the island by its votes or punished residents for not supporting APNU. He said that his party has always believed in inclusive democracy and operated under the country’s motto of One People, One Nation, One Destiny.
