APNU, AFC failed to deliver on 2015 promises – PM Phillips

…says PPP/C delivered on growth, prosperity

Prime Minister (PM) Mark Phillips has declared that even with no coalition, opposition parties A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) stand no chance of winning the upcoming General and Regional Elections, citing their failure to fulfil key promises made during their 2015 campaign.
Speaking to a large gathering at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, Region Five, on Sunday, Phillips contrasted the coalition’s record in office with what he described as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s consistent delivery on commitments.
The PM credited the PPP/C’s leadership with steering the country along a path of economic growth and inclusive development that has benefited every region.
Recalling the APNU/AFC’s time in office from 2015 to 2020, Phillips accused the coalition of imposing over 200 taxes and increasing fees, which he said burdened farmers, workers and ordinary Guyanese.
Upon returning to office in August 2020, after what he described as a five-month delay in the peaceful transfer of power, he said PPP/C moved swiftly to reverse those measures.
Additionally, fees for land preparation and other agricultural activities were reduced to previous levels, he said, noting that residents should reject any attempt by the opposition to return to such policies.
Phillips criticised the coalition for breaking its campaign promises, particularly its pledge to raise public servants’ salaries by 20 per cent within the first 100 days of taking office — a promise he said was ignored in favour of a 50 per cent salary increase for Government Ministers.
“These jokers are making new promises. They said they’re going to increase the income tax threshold. They’re going to carry it to 400,000. And they’re going to give all the public servants 35 per cent in pay if they win this election. But they cannot win this election. Because they failed to deliver on their promises from the last election”.
“We got into office on the 2nd of August 2020. And we started to deliver on the promises we made to you, the people in Region Five, and the people throughout Guyana. One of the first things that we did, we removed all those taxes,” Phillips said.
PM Phillips also dismissed the opposition’s current pledges, which he said were hypocritical given the coalition’s decision while in office to impose VAT on those very utilities – a tax the PPP/C later removed.
Against this backdrop, he urged voters to ensure that the APNU+AFC never return to power, insisting that Guyana has enjoyed five years of economic growth, shared prosperity and national unity under the PPP/C.
“I saw the advertisement for their meeting in Linden today. And they’re saying the first $10,000 on electricity will be free. And the first $5,000 on water will be free if they win the election. These are the same people that put VAT on water and on electricity that you had to pay, that we had to remove. The only vote you could vote for them is to vote them out. And you already did that in 2020. They must not be allowed to form any government in this Guyana. And comrades, I’m serious. Five years of economic development. Five years of growth. Five years of shared prosperity. And we need to have five more years of that,” he told the gathering.

Development
The PM emphasised that development under the PPP/C is inclusive of all Guyanese, African, Indian, Amerindian, Chinese, Portuguese, and those of mixed heritage, united in the goal of building the nation together. He encouraged citizens not to be distracted by divisive politics and to recognise the PPP/C as the only truly national party capable of delivering continued progress.
“Brothers and sisters in development. Together. Put our shoulders to the wheel and we have to develop this country. And we have to share in its prosperity. Comrades, don’t let nobody distract you. And you know what? This time, we’re voting for development. We’re voting for economic growth. We ain’t voting race. We’re voting for the only national party in Guyana. The PPP/C,” PM added.