Edghill urges reflection on Guyana’s gains, warns against self-serving leadership

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has urged Guyanese to reflect on the sweeping developments taking place across the country under the current administration, and to make informed decisions as the nation moves forward.

Speaking at a scholarship award ceremony hosted at State House on Monday, Edghill underscored the importance of consistent, people-centred leadership, crediting the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government with ushering in a new era of opportunity and national growth.
The ceremony saw ten Indigenous female cadets from hinterland communities receive maritime training scholarships under a collaborative initiative between the Office of the First Lady and Tidewater Inc.
Edghill used the occasion to go beyond celebration and call attention to broader national achievements, particularly in education, housing, and social services.
“I want you to think—if President Ali doesn’t continue to be President, what could possibly be the outcome if we’re led by people who only look after themselves and not the people?” Edghill asked the audience, which included Government officials, private sector leaders, and dozens of scholarship recipients.
He pointed to the scale of Guyana’s growth over the past five years, noting that what is now being experienced would have been nearly impossible under past administrations.
“Being honest, before the First Lady took office, what was happening in terms of the opportunities young women are getting now? It was practically nonexistent,” he stated, alluding to the dozens of young Indigenous women who have received training and scholarships through her office since 2022.
The Minister proudly cited the Government’s success in exceeding its campaign pledge to award 20,000 scholarships through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), with more than 29,000 awarded to date — a milestone he said reflected the administration’s focus on real, measurable impact.
Shifting to housing and youth support, Edghill stressed that Guyana’s transformation is not limited to infrastructure but includes programmes that have directly uplifted citizens.
“With all that we’ve done in housing for young families, the thousands of contractors now involved for the first time, young people having their CXC (Caribbean Examinations Council) and CSEC (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate) exam fees paid for by the Government, and university tuition fully funded by the state—this is not just governance, it’s service.”
He also highlighted efforts to bridge the geographic divide between the hinterland and coastland, empower women entrepreneurs with grants, and strengthen families through inclusive development.
“Think about what Guyana would look like today if we didn’t have a Government that truly cares—one that listens, responds and doesn’t see power as an entitlement, but as a responsibility to serve,” the Minister said, as he criticised individuals and political forces who, he claimed, make grand promises only for personal gain.
Reaffirming the PPP/C’s mission, Edghill noted that the administration is far from done and is desirous.
“We want to continue to serve. We believe what has happened over the last five years is only child’s play compared to what is coming. We are embracing partnerships and the collaboration of all stakeholders to ensure Guyana continues on this path.”