Home Letters A Clear Path Forward for Guyana – Progress under the PPP/C vs....
Dear Editor,
As Guyana stands on the threshold of historic progress, it is crucial to evaluate the leadership that has been guiding our country and contrast it with the administration that preceded it. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, under the leadership of President Irfaan Ali, has ushered in transformative change, setting Guyana on a course of sustained growth, development, and global leadership. In contrast, the Partnership for National Unity (APNU)—a coalition of political parties including the People’s National Congress (PNC) and the Alliance for Change (AFC)—governed from 2015 to 2020, leaving behind a legacy of economic mismanagement, missed opportunities, and harmful policies that caused significant damage to our country.
I felt compelled to write this piece after witnessing the political opposition’s attempts to spin the recent $200,000 cash grant announcement with rhetoric that includes claims such as the grant “is not enough” and the call for “non-discriminatory” distribution. This kind of sensationalism is laughable, especially when we reflect on their dismal record during their time in power. The PNC/APNU had the opportunity to make meaningful changes for the Guyanese people, but what did they do? Essentially nothing. It is important to remember this as the opposition now seeks to criticize every positive move made by the current administration.
PPP/C’s Visionary Leadership and Tangible Progress
Under President Ali, the PPP/C government has implemented a bold and forward-thinking agenda designed to uplift every Guyanese. The government’s policies are addressing pressing needs while laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity. Below are key areas where the PPP/C government has excelled:
1. $200,000 Cash Grant per Household President Ali recently announced a $200,000 one-time cash grant per household, which will be distributed shortly. This initiative will provide much-needed relief to households, especially as they face rising living costs. The cash grant will directly benefit thousands of Guyanese families, boosting disposable income and stimulating local businesses through increased consumer spending. This is not merely a temporary fix, but a well-planned policy aimed at uplifting the most vulnerable while driving economic growth.
2. Free University Tuition at the University of Guyana (2024 Onwards) In a landmark policy, the PPP/C government has committed to providing free university tuition at the University of Guyana, starting in 2024. This will eliminate a significant barrier to higher education, allowing more young Guyanese to pursue degrees in critical fields such as medicine, technology, engineering, and agriculture. By making education accessible to all, the government is not only investing in individual lives but also in the future workforce that will drive Guyana’s development in the years ahead. This is a transformative step that ensures human capital development is at the core of Guyana’s growth strategy.
3. Housing and Infrastructure Development The PPP/C government has already delivered over 30,000 house lots since 2020, to distribute 50,000 house lots by 2025. This ambitious housing initiative is directly addressing the national housing crisis, creating affordable and stable homes for thousands of families across the country. Simultaneously, the government is investing in infrastructure development, with projects including the construction of new roads, airports, hospitals, and schools. Major developments such as the $3.7 billion Palmyra stadium in Region Six and airport expansions are boosting regional economies, creating jobs, and ensuring that all citizens benefit from improved public services.
4. Agriculture and Food Security The PPP/C government is leading the charge in transforming Guyana into a regional agricultural powerhouse. As part of the CARICOM initiative, the government is working to reduce the region’s food import bill by 25% by 2025, positioning Guyana as a focal point for food production. Through investments in modern agricultural practices, support for local farmers, and expansion of infrastructure, the government is ensuring food security for Guyanese while also generating export opportunities within the region. This plan will also help shield the country from global food crises and reduce dependency on imports.
5. Environmental Leadership through Carbon Credits Guyana is also a leader on the global stage in environmental preservation. The country’s vast rainforests are among its greatest assets in the fight against climate change. The PPP/C government has spearheaded a carbon credit program that uses the country’s forests as carbon sinks, generating revenue while positioning Guyana as a global leader in carbon trading and forest preservation. This initiative has earned international praise and ensures that Guyana plays a key role in the global climate action movement. Guyana’s carbon credit scheme is one of the most advanced in the world, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
The PNC/APNU’s Legacy of Failure
In contrast to the dynamic and progressive leadership of the PPP/C government, the PNC/APNU administration from 2015 to 2020 presided over some of the worst governance failures in recent history. Here are some of the key failures:
1. 50% Salary Increase for Government Officials At a time when ordinary citizens were struggling, the PNC/APNU government approved a 50% salary increase for government ministers and high-ranking officials. This act of self-enrichment showed a complete disregard for the economic hardships faced by the general population.
2. Termination of 7,000 Sugar Workers One of the most devastating actions of the PNC/APNU was the politically motivated closure of several sugar estates, which led to the termination of 7,000 workers. This not only destroyed livelihoods but also crippled local economies, particularly in communities heavily dependent on the sugar industry.
The decision was rooted in political vengeance rather than sound economic policy.
3. Discontinuation of the “Because We Care” Cash Grant The APNU/AFC government eliminated the “Because We Care” cash grant, depriving families of vital financial support to help cover education expenses. The PPP/C reinstated and expanded this program, increasing the grant to $40,000 per child, benefitting over 205,000 students.
4. Imposition of Over 350 New Taxes During its tenure, the PNC/APNU introduced more than 350 new taxes, including VAT on essential services such as water, electricity, healthcare, and education. These regressive taxes disproportionately affected the poorest Guyanese, significantly increasing the cost of living and stifling economic activity.
5. Guyana Blacklisted by CFATF The PNC/APNU government failed to pass crucial anti-money laundering legislation, which led to Guyana being blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). This had a disastrous impact on international trade, remittances, and banking transactions, harming the overall economy.
6. Corruption and Procurement Scandals A prime example of the PNC/APNU’s corruption was the Sussex Street bond scandal, where the government paid $14 million per month to rent a facility for storing minor medical supplies. This wasteful spending drained millions from the public purse, further demonstrating the administration’s lack of fiscal responsibility.
7. Failure in Housing Development The PNC/APNU distributed a mere 7,534 house lots during its five-year term, far below the national need. By comparison, the PPP/C government has distributed over 30,000 house lots since 2020 and is on track to meet its ambitious target of 50,000 by 2025.
8. Neglect of the Rice Sector Despite promises to increase the price of paddy to $9,000 per bag, the PNC/APNU government failed to deliver, leaving the rice industry in disarray and farmers struggling to make ends meet.
9. Closure of the Linden Call Center Under the PNC/APNU government, the Linden Call Center was closed, resulting in the loss of 90 jobs in a region already facing high unemployment. This decision further crippled the local economy.
10. Depletion of National Reserves The PNC/APNU government’s fiscal mismanagement led to the depletion of the Bank of Guyana’s reserves, leaving the country in a weakened financial state.
11. Neglect of Amerindian Rights and Development The PNC/APNU government’s discontinuation of the Community Support Officer (CSO) program led to the loss of 2,000 jobs in Amerindian communities, severely affecting development in some of the most vulnerable regions.
The PPP/C government, led by President Irfaan Ali, has been steering Guyana with strategic policies, sound initiatives, and transformative projects that are laying the foundation for long-term growth. From infrastructure development to initiatives that enhance our agriculture, environmental sustainability, and overall economic resilience, the PPP/C has consistently delivered results that are building a brighter future for all Guyanese. Their approach has been pragmatic, forward-thinking, and inclusive, ensuring Guyana’s growing role as a regional leader and global player.
In contrast, the PNC/APNU leadership, during its time, failed to deliver meaningful progress, leaving behind a legacy of fiscal mismanagement, misplaced priorities, and broken promises. Today, their rhetoric continues to distract from their inability to govern effectively when they have the opportunity. They offer empty political promises in place of real plans or workable solutions for the country.
The Guyanese people must not be misled by these attempts to undermine the clear progress being made. Guyana deserves leadership that is committed to delivering results, improving lives, and moving the country forward. The PPP/C has consistently demonstrated the vision, discipline, and commitment necessary to ensure our nation’s continued growth and prosperity. Let’s continue supporting a government that prioritizes real solutions over empty rhetoric.
Sincerely,
Mahendra Hariraj
